2K Games and 31st Union's free-to-play roguelike hero shooter, Project ETHOS, is currently open for playtesting! Discover more about this innovative title and how to participate.
Project ETHOS Playtest: October 17th - 21st
Project ETHOS: A Unique Blend of Roguelike and Hero Shooter
2K Games and 31st Union introduce Project ETHOS, a free-to-play hero shooter aiming to redefine the genre. Blending the dynamic progression of roguelikes with the strategic depth of hero-based combat, Project ETHOS delivers fast-paced, third-person action.
What distinguishes Project ETHOS? It seamlessly integrates the unpredictable nature of roguelikes with unique hero abilities. Randomized "Evolutions" dynamically alter hero capabilities, demanding strategic adaptation throughout each match. Transform your sniper into a close-quarters combatant or your support into a solo powerhouse – the possibilities are endless.
Project ETHOS features two core game modes:
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Trials: This signature mode challenges teams of three in matches against both AI and human opponents. Collect cores, strategically choose extraction timing, and invest them in upgrades (Augments) for future runs. Death means losing your accumulated cores, incentivizing survival and maximizing core collection before cashing out. Join ongoing matches or wait for a new one – the match timer is always visible.
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Gauntlet: A classic competitive PvP tournament mode. Players battle through brackets, upgrading their hero with each victory, culminating in a final showdown. Elimination means waiting for the next round.
Accessing the Project ETHOS Playtest
Project ETHOS will evolve through regular updates based on community feedback. The playtest, running from October 17th to 21st, offers access via participating Twitch streams (watch for 30 minutes to receive a key). Alternatively, register on the official website for future playtest opportunities.
Current playtest regions: United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Global release plans are yet to be announced. Server maintenance will occur; check the official channels for schedules.
Server Uptime:
North America: October 17th: 10 AM – 11 PM PT; October 18th-20th: 11 AM – 11 PM PT Europe: October 17th: 6 PM – 1 AM GMT+1; October 18th-21st: 1 PM – 1 AM GMT+1
31st Union's Debut Title
Project ETHOS marks 31st Union's first major release, led by Michael Condrey (co-founder of Sledgehammer Games and Call of Duty veteran). Condrey's expertise is evident in Project ETHOS's design.
While a release date remains unannounced, 2K and 31st Union's unique marketing strategy (Twitch and Discord) will be key to their success in a crowded market.
