Project ETHOS, a groundbreaking free-to-play roguelike hero shooter from 2K and 31st Union, is 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 Starts October 17th to October 21st

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

2K Games, in collaboration with 31st Union, has launched Project ETHOS, a free-to-play roguelike hero shooter that aims to revolutionize the genre. This game merges the dynamic progression of roguelikes with the strategic depth of hero-based shooting, all delivered in a fast-paced, third-person perspective.

What distinguishes Project ETHOS in the competitive hero-shooter market? Insights from gameplay footage on Twitch and player feedback highlight that Project ETHOS blends the thrill of roguelike adaptability with hero shooter dynamics, where each hero boasts unique abilities. Matches feature randomized "Evolutions" that modify your hero's capabilities, allowing for on-the-fly strategy adjustments. For example, you might shift your sniper into a close-combat specialist or enhance a support character to excel in solo play.

Project ETHOS introduces two engaging modes. The first, Trials, is showcased as the "signature mode" in the playtest announcement dated October 17, 2024. In Trials, players gather cores, decide when to extract, and use these cores to unlock new progression and abilities. True to roguelike principles, death means losing your cores, which you can trade for Augments—enhancements that boost future runs. To optimize core collection, players should aim to survive longer and gather as many cores as possible before cashing out.

Trials involves three-player teams competing against a mix of human and AI adversaries. You can join ongoing matches, facing enemies already engaged in the fray. If the challenge seems daunting, you can check the remaining match duration before joining. Remember, there's no pause in Trials; you might land near formidable foes right from the start.

If overwhelmed, you can traverse the map to collect Cores and XP. You can earn levels through various means, such as picking up XP shards from loot bins, eliminating enemies, and completing random events scattered throughout the map.

The second mode, Gauntlet, offers a traditional competitive tournament-style PvP experience. Players battle through brackets, enhancing their hero with each victory, leading to a final showdown where the last team stands. If you're eliminated, you wait until the next round to rejoin the fight.

How to Join the Project ETHOS Community Playtest?

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

The current playtest is accessible to players in the United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. No global release plans have been confirmed yet. Be aware of scheduled server maintenance 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 31st Union's debut major release since its inception, led by Michael Condrey, co-founder of Sledgehammer Games and a former Call of Duty developer. Condrey's expertise in multiplayer shooters is evident in the design of Project ETHOS.

While 2K and 31st Union have not announced a release date or timeframe for Project ETHOS, the innovative approach to the hero shooter genre and unique marketing strategies via Twitch and Discord will be key to its success.