Last updated on November 17, 2025
Sony and NCSoft have finally lifted the curtain on one of the most anticipated projects in the Horizon franchise: Horizon Steel Frontiers, a full-fledged MMORPG set in the iconic world of mechanical behemoths and ancient ruins. With the official announcement made alongside revealing gameplay and behind-the-scenes interviews, the future of Horizon looks to be heading into bold, unexplored multiplayer territory.
An Unexpected Alliance: PlayStation Meets NCSoft
In an unprecedented collaboration, PlayStation Studios has joined forces with South Korean MMORPG titan NCSoft (Lineage, Guild Wars) to bring Steel Frontiers to a global, multiplatform audience, starting on PC, iOS, and Android. The project was prematurely revealed through leaked media before the big unveiling at G-Star 2025, igniting buzz throughout the worldwide gaming community. Now official, Steel Frontiers marks one of Sony’s largest moves in the mobile MMORPG space.
A New Frontier: Mechanics, Setting, and Social Play
Steel Frontiers places players in the Deathlands—an open-world territory modeled after the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico, teeming with colossal machines and dangerous factions. Unlike the mainline games starring Aloy, Steel Frontiers opts for player-created hunters, giving everyone the freedom to craft their own adventure, identity, and alliances or rivalries within a living frontier.
Key gameplay innovations will shape how fans experience the iconic Horizon universe:
- Dynamic encounters: Expect epic co-op battles against vast mechanical beasts and competitive scuffles for control of critical resources and strategic points.
- Itemization and Mounts: Victorious players can now salvage fallen machine weapons and transport them using mounts, storing gear strategically for future battles.
- Extensive character customization: The character creator allows for deep personalization, empowering players to define their own legend in this multiplayer saga.
Community-Driven MMORPG for the Modern Era
Developers are focused on delivering seamless, cross-platform play with social features front-and-center. Guild systems, territory wars, and real-time world events are expected to keep the community dynamic and evolving long after launch. Drawing inspiration from Horizon’s signature visual style and expansive world-building, Steel Frontiers aims to deliver both spectacle and depth for fans of open-world and MMO adventures alike.
New Details and What to Expect
While Horizon Steel Frontiers doesn’t have a confirmed release date, NCSoft and Sony have hinted at an aggressive development schedule, and more information is expected ahead of next year’s gaming showcases. Insiders suggest beta sign-ups may open soon, and that the title could include cross-progression, letting players swap between mobile and PC freely.
As Western publishers increasingly target mobile and MMORPG markets, Steel Frontiers is positioned to become one of the most influential cross-platform launches in the years ahead—especially if the studios can merge the single-player magic of Horizon with thriving, large-scale online play.
Final Thoughts
With thousands of players battling side-by-side against world bosses and participating in dynamic events, Horizon Steel Frontiers could redefine what’s possible for AAA multiplayer experiences rooted in beloved universes. As the first major MMO for the Horizon franchise, its performance will be closely watched not only by fans but by the entire gaming industry.
Stay tuned for further updates as Sony and NCSoft reveal more about this groundbreaking adventure.
Quite interesting move and may result in a popular game. I like Horizon’s universe and the fact taht we can create our own character this time is intriguing. Yes, no story this time, but I think the project is ambitious enough to explore other potenial of the franchise.
MMOs are usually games I find myself having no interest in but I would be lying if I said this new Horizon game doesn’t look fun. The deciding factor for me will be down to progression, the combat seems really good, but I don’t want to waste my time in an endless grind or doing repetitive activities weekly. I’ll be waiting to see more or even sign up for the possible betas, hope NCSoft nails the formula in this one.