Horizon Steel Frontiers used Monster Hunter as a "natural reference point" for its hunting system. Read on to learn more about the upcoming MMORPG’s features and how it fits in the Horizon universe.
Horizon Steel Frontiers Deeper Look
Hunting System Inspired By Monster Hunter Series
Horizon Steel Frontiers, the upcoming MMORPG set in Guerrilla Games’ Horizon universe, used Monster Hunters as a "natural reference point" for its hunting system. Following the game’s official reveal, Executive Producer Sunggu Lee spoke with IGN on November 14 and shared more details about the sci-fi multiplayer RPG.
According to him, the Monster Hunter series was one of the key inspirations for Steel Frontiers. He explained, "When we started expanding Horizon’s core concept of hunting massive machines into a multiplayer experience, the cooperative hunting system from the Monster Hunter series felt like a natural reference point."
The developers recognized early on that integrating the rich world of Horizon with the hunting-action genre was a logical step. Lee noted that by incorporating Horizon's unique machine ecosystem, the mechanical depth of part-breaking, and a strong narrative foundation, they have created a singularly distinctive experience that defines Steel Frontiers.
A Story In The South and Its Characters
Aside from its gameplay, fans are also curious about how the game will fit in the Horizon universe. Lee stated that the game does indeed happen in the world of Horizon, albeit in a completely different region called the "Deadlands."
"While Aloy and her allies are fighting for the fate of the world in the north, the southern Deadlands face a new threat. Players step into the role of machine hunters drawn to this dangerous frontier. As an MMORPG, every player becomes the hero of their own story, shaping their journey in the Deadlands. It’s another adventure unfolding in the same world, parallel to the epic saga of the original game," he elaborated.
As of the moment, the team has not finalized whether characters from the original game will appear. However, the game will feature a deep customization system that allows players to create their own hunters in the style they want.
This ranges from realistic designs similar to the original games, to a more stylized approach that is most commonly associated with the Asian market. "That said, because the original Horizon is based on realistic human proportions, we won’t support extreme cartoon-like features, such as oversized eyes or tiny chins. Our goal is to offer as much variety as possible within realistic features," Lee added.
Player Hubs, Guilds, and MMORPG Features
In the Deadlands, players will have access to multiple hub towns that will serve as central gathering points. These hubs will be the primary area where players will meet and interact with each other, preparing for hunts and upgrading their gear.
Outside of the hub, players can meet and team up with others to engage in planned, strategic co-operative sessions to defeat more challenging machines. Currently, the developers are still testing builds and contemplating how many players can group to take down enemies.
In terms of the series’ concept of tribes, Steel Frontiers will not feature established tribes, but rather focus on cooperation in the field. Lee explained, "From a gameplay perspective, we’re focusing less on traditional MMO-style territory wars and more on cooperative structures built around hunting massive machines in the field. At its core, Steel Frontiers is a game where collaboration matters more than conflict."
Furthermore, the game is currently focused on establishing its core PvE elements, but the developers did not wave off the possibility of having a PvP system down the line. Lee also highlighted the game’s MMORPG features, emphasizing its character progression and constant social interaction.
"Different players, each with their own growth stage and hunting style, come together in the Deadlands — sometimes cooperating, sometimes competing — to take on even greater challenges. With every season, new threats emerge and the community evolves. Steel Frontiers isn’t a game you play for just a few sessions — it’s a living world shaped by continuous character growth and an ever-changing community," the producer said.
Horizon Steel Frontiers is currently being developed for mobile (iOS and Android) and PC via NCSoft’s PURPLE app, and no specific release date has been announced. To stay up to date with the latest information about the game, check out our article below.
