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Project ETHOS: 2k Games Unveils New Hero Shooter

Authore: SarahUpdate:Jan 24,2025

Project ETHOS: A Novel Take on Hero Shooters

2K Games and 31st Union's innovative free-to-play roguelike hero shooter, Project ETHOS, is currently open for playtesting! Discover more about this exciting title and how to participate.

Project ETHOS Playtest: October 17th - 21st

Project ETHOS: A Free-to-Play Roguelike Hero Shooter Revolution

2K Games and 31st Union present 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? Gameplay footage and player feedback reveal a unique fusion of constant adaptation and distinct hero abilities. Randomized "Evolutions" dynamically alter hero capabilities, demanding strategic flexibility. Transform your sniper into a close-quarters combatant or your support into a solo powerhouse – the possibilities are endless.

Project ETHOS Gameplay

Project ETHOS features two core game modes:

  • Trials: This signature mode challenges three-player teams against human and AI opponents. Collect cores, strategically choose extraction timing, and invest cores to unlock upgrades (Augments). Death means losing accumulated cores, incentivizing survival and maximizing core collection before cashing out. Join ongoing matches, but be aware of the match duration and potential for immediate high-stakes encounters. Earn XP through various means: loot, eliminations, and completing random events.

  • 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.

Project ETHOS Gameplay

Accessing the Project ETHOS Playtest

Project ETHOS embraces community feedback, incorporating updates, heroes, and refinements based on player input. 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 scheduled downtime.

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 represents 31st Union's inaugural major release, led by Michael Condrey (Sledgehammer Games co-founder and Call of Duty veteran). Condrey's multiplayer shooter expertise is evident in Project ETHOS's design.

While a release date remains unannounced, 2K and 31st Union's innovative approach – combining unique gameplay with Twitch and Discord community engagement – promises a captivating experience.