2K Games Unveils Project ETHOS: A Fresh Twist on Hero Shooters

Project ETHOS, a groundbreaking free-to-play roguelike hero shooter developed by 2K and 31st Union, is now open for playtesting. Dive into the details of this exciting new game and find out 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, in collaboration with 31st Union, has unveiled Project ETHOS, an innovative free-to-play roguelike hero shooter set to redefine the genre. Project ETHOS seamlessly blends roguelike progression with hero-based shooting, delivering a fast-paced third-person experience that stands out in the competitive hero shooter market.

What distinguishes Project ETHOS from other hero shooters? Insights from Twitch gameplay footage and feedback from early testers reveal that Project ETHOS integrates the dynamic nature of roguelike games with hero shooter mechanics. Each hero in Project ETHOS boasts unique abilities, and matches feature randomized "Evolutions" that modify these abilities, encouraging players to adapt their strategies on the fly. For example, a sniper could become a formidable close-range fighter, or a support hero could evolve into a dominant solo force.

Project ETHOS offers two distinct game modes. The first, Trials, is the developers' highlighted "signature mode" as announced on October 17, 2024. In Trials, players collect cores, decide when to extract, and use these cores to unlock new progression and abilities. True to roguelike mechanics, losing a match means forfeiting your cores, which are vital for acquiring Augments—upgrades that enhance future runs. To optimize core collection, players must aim to survive longer and gather as many cores as possible before cashing out.

Trials involves teams of three competing against both human and AI opponents. You can join ongoing matches, facing enemies who are already deep into the action. If the challenge seems daunting, you can check the remaining match duration before joining. Trials offers no breaks—you might land near formidable foes right from the start. However, if you find yourself outmatched, you can explore the map to collect Cores and XP. Levels are gained through various means, including collecting XP shards from loot bins, defeating enemies, and completing random events across 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 thrilling last-team-standing finale. If you're eliminated, you'll have to wait for the next round to continue.

How to Join the Project ETHOS Community Playtest

Like many 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 receive a playtest key. Additionally, you can sign up on the official website for a chance to join future playtests.

Currently, the playtest is available to players in the United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. There are no confirmed plans for a global rollout yet. Be aware that server maintenance will occur during the playtest. The server schedule is as follows:

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 title, spearheaded by Michael Condrey, co-founder of Sledgehammer Games and a former Call of Duty developer. Condrey's extensive experience in multiplayer shooters is evident in the design of Project ETHOS.

While 2K and 31st Union have not announced a release date or timeline for Project ETHOS, the game's unique approach to the hero shooter genre and its innovative marketing strategy via Twitch and Discord are poised to make a significant impact.