Project ETHOS: 2K's Innovative Roguelike Hero Shooter Now in Playtest

2K Games and 31st Union have launched a playtest for Project ETHOS, a free-to-play roguelike hero shooter aiming to redefine the genre. This innovative title blends the dynamic action of hero shooters with the strategic depth of roguelike progression, offering a fast-paced third-person experience.

Unique Roguelike Elements

Project ETHOS distinguishes itself through its randomized "Evolutions." These in-game events dynamically alter hero abilities, forcing players to adapt their strategies mid-match. Transform a sniper into a close-quarters combatant or a support character into a solo powerhouse – the possibilities are endless.

Two Core Game Modes

The game features two distinct modes:

• Trials: A signature mode where three-player teams battle human and AI opponents. Players collect Cores, strategically choosing when to extract and invest them in Augments (upgrades) for future runs. Death means losing accumulated Cores, adding a high-stakes element to each match. Matches are joinable at any point, though players can view remaining time before joining.

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

Playtest Details

The community playtest ran from October 17th to 21st, 2024, with access granted by watching participating Twitch streams for 30 minutes to receive a key. Registration on the official website offered a chance to participate in future playtests. The initial playtest was limited to players in the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.

Server uptime during the playtest was as follows:

• 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 first major release, led by Michael Condrey, a veteran of the Call of Duty franchise. His expertise is evident in the game's design.

While a release date remains unannounced, 2K and 31st Union's unique marketing strategy, leveraging Twitch and Discord, will be key to the game's success in a crowded market.