ETHOS: 2K Games' New Hero Shooter

2K Games and 31st Union unveil Project ETHOS, a free-to-play roguelike hero shooter, now open for playtesting! This innovative title blends roguelike progression with hero-shooter mechanics, offering a fast-paced, third-person experience.

Project ETHOS Playtest: October 17th - 21st

Project ETHOS distinguishes itself through its dynamic "Evolutions" system. Randomized in each match, Evolutions dramatically alter hero abilities, forcing players to adapt strategies on the fly. Transform a sniper into a close-quarters combatant or a support hero into a solo powerhouse – the possibilities are endless.

The game features two core 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 upgrades (Augments). Death means losing accumulated cores, incentivizing survival and maximizing core collection before cashing out. Matches can be joined mid-game, offering a dynamic and challenging experience. Players can check the remaining match time before joining.
• Gauntlet: A traditional 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.

Accessing the Project ETHOS Playtest

The community playtest, running from October 17th to 21st, offers access via Twitch. Watch participating streams for 30 minutes to receive a playtest key. Alternatively, sign up on the official website for future playtest opportunities. Currently, the playtest is limited to players in the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.

Server maintenance schedules:

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

Project ETHOS represents 31st Union's debut major title, spearheaded by Michael Condrey, a veteran of Sledgehammer Games and Call of Duty. Its innovative approach and Twitch-focused marketing strategy will be key in its success within the competitive hero shooter market. A release date remains unannounced.