Project ETHOS is 2k Games' Bold 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 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-based combat, Project ETHOS offers 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 features two core game modes:

• Trials: This signature mode challenges three-player teams against a mix of human and AI opponents. Collect cores, strategically choose extraction timing, and invest them in upgrades (Augments) for future runs. Death means losing accumulated cores, incentivizing survival and maximizing core collection before cashing out. Join ongoing matches or wait for a new one; match duration is displayed before joining.

• Gauntlet: A classic competitive PvP tournament mode. Players battle through brackets, upgrading their hero with each victory, leading to a final showdown. Elimination means waiting for the next round.

Accessing the Project ETHOS Community Playtest

Project ETHOS will evolve through regular updates, new heroes, and community feedback. The playtest, running from October 17th to 21st, offers access via Twitch: watch participating streams for 30 minutes to receive a playtest key. Alternatively, register on the official website for future playtest opportunities.

The current playtest is limited to players in the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Global release plans are yet to be announced. Server maintenance will occur; scheduled times are:

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 shooter expertise is evident in Project ETHOS's design.

2K and 31st Union haven't revealed a release date. Whether their innovative approach to the saturated hero shooter market and their unique Twitch/Discord marketing strategy will succeed remains to be seen.