ETHOS: Revolutionary Hero Shooter Launched by 2K Games

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

Project ETHOS Playtest: October 17th - 21st

Project ETHOS: A Fresh Take on the Hero Shooter Genre

2K Games and 31st Union have unveiled 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 early player feedback reveal a unique blend of constant adaptation and distinct hero abilities. Randomized "Evolutions" dramatically alter hero capabilities mid-match, forcing players to adjust strategies on the fly. Transform a sniper into a close-quarters combatant or a support character into a solo powerhouse – the possibilities are endless.

Project ETHOS features two core game modes:

• Trials: This signature mode challenges teams of three against human and AI opponents. Collect cores, strategically choose extraction timing, and invest them in upgrades for future runs. Death means losing accumulated cores, adding a high-stakes element to each match. Join ongoing matches, but be aware of the remaining time and potential early encounters with powerful enemies. Earn experience points (XP) by collecting XP shards, eliminating enemies, and completing map events.

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

How to Participate in the Project ETHOS Playtest

Project ETHOS will evolve through regular updates based on 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 during these times:

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 marks 31st Union's first major release, led by Michael Condrey, co-founder of Sledgehammer Games and Call of Duty veteran. Condrey's expertise is evident in Project ETHOS's design.

2K and 31st Union haven't revealed a release date. The success of their unique approach to genre innovation and marketing remains to be seen.