ETHOS Unveils Bold Innovation in Hero Shooter Genre

2K Games and 31st Union launch Project ETHOS, a free-to-play roguelike hero shooter, into its initial community playtest phase. This innovative title blends roguelike progression with hero-shooter mechanics, offering a fast-paced, third-person experience. The playtest ran from October 17th to 21st, 2024.

Project ETHOS distinguishes itself through its dynamic "Evolutions" system. These randomized in-game events alter hero abilities, forcing players to adapt strategies mid-match. A sniper might become a close-quarters combatant, or a support character could transform into a solo powerhouse.

The game features two primary modes: Trials and Gauntlet. Trials, the signature mode, is a team-based (three players) experience against both AI and human opponents, focusing on collecting "Cores" to unlock upgrades. Death results in Core loss, adding a strategic layer to risk versus reward. Matches can be joined at any point, but players should be prepared for immediate engagement with potentially powerful enemies. Players earn experience through various means, including eliminating foes and completing map events.

Gauntlet mode offers a more traditional competitive PvP tournament structure. Players progress through brackets, upgrading their hero with each victory, culminating in a final showdown. Elimination means waiting for the next round.

Participation in the playtest required watching participating Twitch streams for 30 minutes to obtain a key. Alternatively, players could register on the official website for future playtest opportunities. The initial playtest was geographically limited to the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Server uptime varied by region.

Project ETHOS represents 31st Union’s debut major title, spearheaded by Michael Condrey, a veteran of Sledgehammer Games and the Call of Duty franchise. The game's unique approach to marketing, leveraging Twitch and Discord, alongside its innovative gameplay, aims to carve a niche in the competitive hero shooter market. A release date remains unannounced.