Project ETHOS: 2K Games' Innovative Leap into Hero Shooters

2K Games, in collaboration with 31st Union, has launched Project ETHOS, a groundbreaking free-to-play roguelike hero shooter now open for playtesting. Dive into the details of this exciting new game and discover how you can participate in the playtest.

Project ETHOS Playtest: October 17th to October 21st

2K's Project ETHOS: A Free-to-Play Roguelike Hero Shooter

2K Games and 31st Union have unveiled Project ETHOS, a free-to-play roguelike hero shooter poised to revolutionize the genre. This game masterfully blends the dynamic progression of roguelikes with the strategic depth of hero-based shooting, all presented in a thrilling third-person perspective.

What distinguishes Project ETHOS in the bustling hero shooter landscape? Insights from gameplay footage on Twitch and feedback from early testers reveal a unique blend of roguelike adaptability and hero-specific mechanics. Each hero boasts unique abilities, and every match introduces randomized "Evolutions" that dynamically alter your hero's capabilities. This system allows players to pivot strategies mid-game, turning a long-range sniper into a melee threat or a support character into a formidable solo fighter.

Project ETHOS features two distinct modes. The first, Trials, is the game's "signature mode," where players collect Cores, decide when to extract, and use them to unlock new progression and abilities. In true roguelike fashion, death results in the loss of Cores, which are crucial for acquiring Augments—upgrades essential for enhancing future runs. To maximize Core earnings, players must survive as long as possible, collecting Cores before cashing out.

Trials involves teams of three facing off against both human and AI opponents. Players can join ongoing matches, potentially facing enemies already deep into the game. However, you can check the remaining match duration before joining. There's no downtime in Trials; you might land right in the midst of powerful adversaries from the outset.

If outmatched, you can traverse the map to gather Cores and XP. Levels are gained through collecting XP shards from loot bins, defeating enemies, and engaging in random events scattered across the map.

The second mode, Gauntlet, offers a more conventional competitive tournament-style PvP experience. Players advance through brackets, upgrading their hero with each victory, leading to a climactic last-team standing battle. Elimination means waiting for the next round to start.

How to Join the Project ETHOS Community Playtest?

As a live-service game, Project ETHOS will evolve with regular updates, new heroes, and adjustments based on community feedback. The current playtest runs from October 17th to October 21st. To participate, watch participating Twitch streams for 30 minutes to earn a playtest key. Additionally, sign up on the official website for a chance to join future playtests.

The playtest is currently available to players in the United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. No global release has been announced yet. Be aware that server maintenance will occur during the following times:

North American Countries
⚫︎ October 17th: 10 AM – 11 PM PT
⚫︎ October 18th-20th: 11 AM – 11 PM PT

European Countries
⚫︎ October 17th: 6 PM - 1 AM GMT+1
⚫︎ October 18th-21st: 1 PM - 1 AM GMT+1

Project ETHOS: 31st Union's First Major Title

Project ETHOS represents the debut major title from 31st Union, founded by Michael Condrey, a co-founder of Sledgehammer Games and a veteran of the Call of Duty series. Condrey's expertise in multiplayer shooters is evident in the design of Project ETHOS.

While 2K and 31st Union have not disclosed a release date or timeline for Project ETHOS, the game's innovative approach to the hero shooter genre and its unique marketing strategy via Twitch and Discord are set to be closely watched. Whether this bold venture will succeed in the competitive gaming market remains to be seen.