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ETHOS: 2K Games' Revolutionary Hero Shooter Unveiled

By CamilaJan 09,2025

Project ETHOS: A Bold New Hero Shooter from 2K Games

Get ready to experience Project ETHOS, the innovative free-to-play roguelike hero shooter from 2K and 31st Union! Currently available for playtesting, Project ETHOS blends the thrill of roguelike progression with the excitement of hero-based combat. Find out how you can join the playtest below.

Project ETHOS Playtest: October 17th - 21st

Project ETHOS: A Fresh Take on the Hero Shooter Genre

2K Games and 31st Union have joined forces to deliver Project ETHOS, a free-to-play hero shooter designed to redefine the genre. This fast-paced, third-person shooter seamlessly integrates roguelike elements, offering dynamic gameplay and strategic depth.

What distinguishes Project ETHOS? Gameplay footage and player feedback showcase its 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 your sniper into a close-quarters combatant or turn a support character into a solo powerhouse – the possibilities are endless.

Project ETHOS Gameplay

Project ETHOS features two core game modes:

  • Trials: 2K's signature mode, Trials is a team-based (3v3) experience pitting players against both human and AI opponents. Collect cores, strategically choose your extraction time, and invest your earnings to unlock new abilities and upgrades. Death means losing your cores, adding a high-stakes element to each match. Join ongoing matches or wait for a fresh start – the choice is yours. The map is filled with random events, loot bins containing XP shards, and powerful enemies.

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

Project ETHOS Trials Mode

How to Participate in the Project ETHOS Playtest

Project ETHOS will receive regular updates based on community feedback. The playtest, running from October 17th to 21st, offers a chance to shape the game's future. Earn a playtest key by watching participating Twitch streams for 30 minutes. You can also 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 Schedule:

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

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