Horizon: Steel Frontier is one of the most talked-about upcoming MMORPG projects thanks to its connection to the Horizon franchise and its surprising release plan for both PC and mobile. The game was officially revealed at G-Star 2025 and instantly gained attention because it’s being developed by the actual studio behind Horizon Zero Dawn. With gameplay that blends open-world hunting, large-scale boss battles, and deep customization, it’s shaping up to be one of the most ambitious cross-platform MMOs ever announced. Here’s everything we know so far based on the early reveal and gameplay showcase.
Developed by the Original Horizon Team
Steel Frontier isn’t a spin-off made by a random outsourcing studio. The game is being built by Guerrilla, the original developer of the Horizon series, and published together with NCSoft. This confirms:
- The world design follows the authentic Horizon style
- Monster design stays close to the robotic wildlife concept
- Combat and exploration aim to keep the signature feel of the franchise
This alone puts the game on a completely different level compared to past mobile adaptations that only tried to copy the concept.
Platform Confirmation: PC & Mobile
Steel Frontier will release for:
- PC through NCSoft’s Purple client
- Mobile (Android & iOS)
However, based on early footage:
- The showcased graphics belong to the PC version
- The mobile version will naturally be toned down
The PC gameplay looks close to a console title, so it’s best not to expect the same level of visual quality on phones.
Setting: Deadlands, the Home of Machine Hunters
The official description mentions that the game takes place in a region known as the Deadlands, a territory filled with machine hunters and mechanical creatures.
Key highlights:
- Open-world zones designed for exploration
- Machine species with different movement patterns
- Hunting mechanics inspired by the Horizon series
- Vertical environments and traversal features
From the footage alone, the world looks massive and filled with landmarks, wildlife, and enemy groups.
Gameplay Overview
Steel Frontier mixes Horizon-style hunting with full MMORPG combat and party systems.
Here are the main things shown so far:
1. Machine Combat
The game features:
- Agile machines
- Large boss-type enemies
- Multi-phase encounters
- Hitboxes, dodges, and counter windows
Some monsters resemble mechanical gorillas, rhinos, birds, and long-necked machines similar to Tallnecks.
2. Weapon Variety and Swapping
The UI hints at multiple combat styles such as:
- Dual Blades
- Ranged weapons
- Heavy melee tools
Players can switch tools mid-fight, suggesting a flexible build system.
3. Movement Tools
The highlight of the showcase was the mobility.
Players can:
- Grapple onto machines or objects
- Climb certain creatures
- Glide or use aerial tools
- Mount rideable machines
Movement looks clean, fast, and closer to console titles rather than mobile MMOs.
4. Co-op & Large-Scale Fights
Several moments show parties hunting a single giant machine.
There’s also a scene with a massive group of players, hinting at:
- World bosses
- Regional events
- Group raids
This puts the game closer to Monster Hunter blended with MMORPG raid systems.
No Survival Base-Building (For Now)
Some people compared Steel Frontier to Tencent’s Light of Mimir/Motirum, which had survival and base-building. But based on the footage:
- Steel Frontier does not focus on survival
- There’s no base construction gameplay shown
- It leans more toward exploration + action MMO hunting
Still, there’s a chance later updates could add crafting or building systems.
Character Creation
The character creator looks detailed with:
- Multiple clans or backgrounds
- Face and body customization
- Gear variations
Typical for Korean MMOs, the customization quality is high.
Graphics and Performance Notes
The PC version looks very polished—lighting, animation, and environment quality are close to console AAA games.
The mobile version will be scaled down, so players shouldn’t expect:
- Full ultra reflections
- High-end shadows
- Complex particle effects
Still, the overall design suggests it will remain visually impressive.
Release Date
There is no confirmed release date or beta schedule yet. Considering the current state of the trailer, players estimate:
- A possible test around 2027
- Or even later depending on development progress
This is speculation, but the scale of the project suggests a long development cycle.
Horizon: Steel Frontier is shaping up to be one of the biggest cross-platform MMORPG launches in years. With real development handled by Guerrilla and strong support from NCSoft, the game brings together open-world exploration, machine hunting, and advanced movement systems in a way mobile MMOs haven’t seen before. While details like release dates remain unclear, early footage is enough to build serious excitement. As more official updates appear, the game could easily become one of the most anticipated online titles of the next generation.