Home News Project ETHOS is 2k Games' Bold Take on Hero Shooters

Project ETHOS is 2k Games' Bold Take on Hero Shooters

by Aiden Jan 05,2025

2K Games and 31st Union's Project ETHOS: A Roguelike Hero Shooter Playtest

Project ETHOS is 2k Games' Bold Take on Hero Shooters

Get ready for Project ETHOS, a free-to-play roguelike hero shooter from 2K and 31st Union! The playtest is now live, offering a unique blend of roguelike progression and hero shooter mechanics. Find out how to join the action below.

Project ETHOS Playtest: October 17th - 21st

Project ETHOS innovatively combines the thrill of constant adaptation found in roguelikes with the strategic depth of hero-based shooting. Experience fast-paced, third-person combat where each hero boasts unique abilities. Dynamic "Evolutions" randomly alter hero capabilities during matches, forcing players to adjust their strategies on the fly. Turn your sniper into a close-quarters brawler or transform a support character into a solo powerhouse!

Project ETHOS is 2k Games' Bold Take on Hero Shooters

Two key game modes await:

  • Trials: 2K's signature mode. Team up with two other players to battle human and AI opponents, collecting cores to unlock new progression and abilities. Death means losing your cores, adding a high-stakes element to each match. Join ongoing matches or wait for a new one to begin. Match duration is displayed before joining.

  • Gauntlet: A traditional competitive PvP tournament mode. Fight through brackets, upgrading your hero with each victory, until a final showdown determines the victor. Elimination means waiting for the next round.

Project ETHOS is 2k Games' Bold Take on Hero Shooters

How to Join the Playtest

Join the Project ETHOS community playtest (October 17th-21st) by watching participating Twitch streams for 30 minutes to earn a playtest key. You can also register on the official website for a chance to participate in future playtests.

Currently, the playtest is limited to players in the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Server maintenance will occur at the following 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

Project ETHOS marks 31st Union’s first major release, led by Michael Condrey, co-founder of Sledgehammer Games and Call of Duty veteran. His experience shines through in the game's design.

While a release date is yet to be announced, 2K and 31st Union's innovative approach to marketing and gameplay is sure to generate considerable buzz.

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