ETHOS: A Groundbreaking Hero Shooter from 2K Games

2K Games and 31st Union's free-to-play roguelike hero shooter, Project ETHOS, is now open for playtesting! Discover more about this exciting new 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 introduce 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 shooters, Project ETHOS delivers fast-paced, third-person action.

What makes Project ETHOS stand out? Gameplay footage and player feedback reveal a unique combination of roguelike adaptation and distinct hero abilities. Randomized "Evolutions" dramatically alter hero capabilities mid-match, forcing players to adapt strategies on the fly. Transform your sniper into a close-quarters combatant, or turn a support hero into a solo powerhouse – the possibilities are endless.

Project ETHOS features two core game modes:

• Trials: This signature mode challenges three-player teams against a mix of human and AI opponents. Collect Cores, strategically choose when to extract, and invest them in upgrades to enhance future runs. Death means losing your Cores, so survival is key. Join ongoing matches or wait for a new one to start, but be prepared for intense action from the outset. Earn XP through various means, including collecting XP shards, eliminating enemies, and completing map events.

• Gauntlet: A classic competitive PvP tournament mode. Fight 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 based on community feedback. The playtest, running October 17th-21st, offers access via participating Twitch streams (watch for 30 minutes to receive a key). Alternatively, register on the official website for a chance to join future playtests.

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; check the official channels for schedules.

Server Uptime:

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