ETHOS Shoots for Hero Shooter Supremacy

2K Games and 31st Union launch Project ETHOS, a free-to-play roguelike hero shooter, into its initial playtest phase! This article details the game and how to participate.

Project ETHOS Playtest: October 17th-21st

Project ETHOS, a fresh take on the hero shooter genre, blends roguelike progression with fast-paced, third-person hero-based combat. What distinguishes it? The dynamic "Evolutions" system. Each match features randomized Evolutions that dramatically alter hero abilities, forcing players to adapt strategies on the fly. Transform your sniper into a close-quarters combatant or your support into a solo powerhouse – the possibilities are endless.

Two core game modes are featured:

• Trials: 2K’s signature mode. Teams of three battle human and AI opponents, collecting Cores to unlock upgrades (Augments). Death means losing accumulated Cores. Matches are joinable mid-game, offering varying levels of challenge. Players earn experience points (XP) through various means: collecting XP shards, eliminating enemies, and completing map events.

• Gauntlet: A classic competitive tournament mode. Players battle through brackets, upgrading their hero with each victory. Elimination leads to removal until the next round.

Accessing the Project ETHOS Playtest

The playtest, running from October 17th to 21st, is currently limited to players in the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Access is granted by watching participating Twitch streams for 30 minutes to receive a playtest key, or by registering on the official website for future playtest opportunities. Server maintenance schedules are 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

Project ETHOS represents 31st Union’s debut major title, helmed by Call of Duty veteran Michael Condrey. While a release date remains unannounced, 2K and 31st Union’s unique marketing approach through Twitch and Discord will be key to its success.