The Horizon series has never been shy about expanding its universe, but few fans expected the next major step to arrive as a massive cross-platform MMORPG. Horizon Steel Frontiers quickly became one of the most talked-about reveals of 2025, not only because it returns to the machine-filled world players love, but because it reshapes that world for long-term cooperative play. Blending fast-paced hunting combat with large-scale online systems, the project is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious collaborations between NCSOFT and Guerrilla to date. With new interviews, trailers, and developer comments emerging, we now have a much clearer picture of what players can expect when the game arrives.

Part 1: Horizon Steel Frontiers Release Date

Part 2: Horizon Steel Frontiers Gameplay Features

Part 3: Horizon Steel Frontiers News

Part 4: How to Ensure a Smooth Gaming Experience in Horizon Steel Frontiers

Part 5: Horizon Steel Frontiers FAQs

Part 1: Horizon Steel Frontiers Release Date

At the time of writing, the developers have not announced a specific release date. However, the official reveal at G-Star 2025 confirms that Horizon Steel Frontiers is progressing as a major global title for both mobile and NCSOFT’s PC platform, PURPLE. The reveal appeared alongside some of NCSOFT’s biggest upcoming projects, signaling strong confidence in its development stage.

Based on NCSOFT’s typical rollout for flagship MMORPGs, the launch will likely follow a multi-phase structure involving internal testing, regional trials, and eventually a global release. The reveal trailer, extended gameplay showcases, and interviews suggest that a substantial portion of the game is already playable.

Until an official timeline is announced, fans should expect updates via the dedicated game website and major industry events, with Horizon Steel Frontiers positioned as one of NCSOFT’s primary global releases in the coming cycle.

Part 2: Horizon Steel Frontiers Gameplay Features

Although Steel Frontiers takes place within the Horizon universe, it adopts a noticeably different design philosophy from the single-player titles. The biggest shift is its identity as a multiplayer hunting-focused MMORPG, letting players take down massive machines together through melee action, role-based teamwork, and combat systems built for both mobile and PC.

Combat and Action Design

Unlike Aloy’s combat style, which emphasizes ranged attacks, Steel Frontiers adjusts its combat balance to better fit cross-platform play.
Mobile controls encourage smoother lock-on systems, fast melee actions, and simpler tactical inputs. On PC, players benefit from precision controls and a wider field of view, adding depth to raids and longer missions.

The core Horizon combat identity remains intact: breaking machine parts, exploiting weaknesses, and making smart gear choices. However, the pacing is more dynamic and clearly built for cooperative, replay-driven encounters.

Character Creation and Customization

A major difference from the mainline games is the introduction of full character creation. Players can design their own machine hunter using tribal influences, gear sets, and detailed appearance customization.
The art style is slightly more stylized than Guerrilla’s hyper-realistic approach, but the developers clarified that it will not drift into exaggerated cartoon proportions. The goal is expressive characters that remain consistent with Horizon’s grounded visual identity.

The Deadlands and Social Play

Steel Frontiers takes place in the Deadlands, a region inspired by Arizona and New Mexico. Multiple hub towns serve as social spaces where players gather, prepare for hunts, upgrade builds, and interact with guildmates.

Out in the wild, spontaneous encounters with other players can lead to ad-hoc cooperation. Larger hunts and team-oriented combat activities rely more on structured coordination and role synergy.

Part 3: Horizon Steel Frontiers News

Since its reveal, Steel Frontiers has generated major discussion, particularly for its cross-platform direction and development approach. Key highlights include:

A Collaboration Years in the Making

NCSOFT and Guerrilla have worked closely throughout the project to preserve Horizon’s world, atmosphere, and machine designs. Guerrilla’s leadership described the project as having its own identity while still maintaining the unmistakable Horizon DNA.

Unreal Engine 5 Instead of Decima

Instead of Guerrilla’s Decima engine, the team chose Unreal Engine 5 for its powerful multiplayer features and cross-platform flexibility.
UE5 enables large battles, smooth online systems, and high-fidelity environments while still being suitable for mobile hardware.

A New Story Parallel to Aloy’s Adventures

Steel Frontiers unfolds in a different region at the same time as Aloy’s storyline. Developers have not confirmed whether Aloy will appear, but familiar lore elements are expected. This parallel narrative ensures consistency with the main series while offering new perspectives.

Inspired by Monster Hunter and MMORPG Systems

Many fans quickly drew comparisons to Monster Hunter, and the developers acknowledged its influence. Steel Frontiers blends Horizon’s machine ecosystem with cooperative hunting and classic MMORPG progression, aiming for accessible yet deep action gameplay on both mobile and PC.

Part 4: How to Ensure a Smooth Gaming Experience in Horizon Steel Frontiers

A game focused on fast action and cooperative machine hunts demands stable performance. With Steel Frontiers releasing on both PC and mobile, players will benefit from reduced lag, consistent FPS, and stable cross-platform connections.

LagoFast is one option for improving performance. It provides network optimization, smoother frame pacing, and stable gameplay routes for upcoming online titles.

Key LagoFast Features:

• Smart Routing to reduce ping through optimized server paths
• Lag and stutter reduction during high-action encounters
• FPS stabilization for more consistent performance
• Cross-device boosting for both PC and mobile
• Region optimization for stable long-distance play
• Real-time network monitoring for unstable route detection
• One-click setup for immediate optimization

Tutorial: How to Use LagoFast for Horizon Steel Frontiers on PC

Step 1: Click the Free Trial button to download and install LagoFast.

Free Trial

Step 2: Open LagoFast, click the PC tab, search for Horizon Steel Frontiers, and select it.

Step 3: Choose a server with the best performance, then click “Smart Boost.”

Step 4: Check ping, packet loss, and route details on the right. Click “Start Game” to launch with all optimizations enabled.

Part 5: Horizon Steel Frontiers FAQs

What platforms will Horizon Steel Frontiers be available on?

The game is being developed for mobile devices and PC through NCSOFT’s PURPLE platform, offering full cross-platform play.

Is Horizon Steel Frontiers a single-player game?

No. It is a multiplayer MMORPG focused on cooperative hunting, social hubs, and shared exploration.

Will Aloy appear in Horizon Steel Frontiers?

Developers have not confirmed this. The game features a separate story in a different region, parallel to the main series.

What engine is the game built on?

Steel Frontiers uses Unreal Engine 5, supported by technical collaboration between NCSOFT and Guerrilla.

Can mobile and PC players group up together?

Yes. The game supports true cross-platform party and multiplayer systems.

Conclusion

Horizon Steel Frontiers is emerging as one of the most ambitious expansions of the Horizon universe. By combining the atmospheric machine-ruled world with MMO systems, cooperative hunts, cross-platform accessibility, and deep customization, the game introduces a new direction for the series while staying true to its roots. As development progresses and more details arrive, anticipation will continue to grow. Players who prepare early — especially with tools that enhance smooth performance — will be ready to enter the Deadlands the moment the adventure begins.