Hero Shooter Redefined: Project ETHOS Unveiled by 2K Games

2K Games and 31st Union's free-to-play roguelike hero shooter, Project ETHOS, is now open for playtesting! Discover this innovative game and learn how to participate in the playtest below.

Project ETHOS Playtest: October 17th - 21st

Project ETHOS: A Fresh Take on the Hero Shooter Genre

2K Games and 31st Union have joined forces to deliver 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 shooters, Project ETHOS offers fast-paced, third-person action.

What distinguishes Project ETHOS? Gameplay footage and player feedback reveal a unique blend of constant adaptation and distinct hero abilities. Randomized "Evolutions" dynamically alter hero capabilities, forcing players to strategize on the fly – transforming snipers into close-quarters combatants, or support characters into solo powerhouses.

Project ETHOS features two core game modes:

Trials: This signature mode, highlighted in the October 17th playtest announcement, challenges teams of three against human and AI opponents. Players collect cores, strategically choosing when to extract and invest them in unlocking new abilities and progression. Death results in core loss, emphasizing survival and efficient core collection. Join ongoing matches, but be aware of the match duration and the potential for immediate encounters with formidable enemies. Earn levels by collecting XP shards, eliminating opponents, and completing random events.

Gauntlet: A traditional competitive PvP mode. Players battle through brackets, upgrading their hero with each victory, culminating in a final showdown. Elimination means waiting for the next round.

Participate in the Project ETHOS Playtest

Project ETHOS, like many live-service games, will evolve based on community feedback. The playtest, running from October 17th to 21st, offers access through participating Twitch streams (30 minutes of viewing unlocks a key). Alternatively, register on the official website for future playtest opportunities.

The current playtest is limited to the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Global release plans are yet to be announced. Note planned server maintenance:

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