Enter the
alpha.
The gate opens in 2027.
Closed alpha playtests begin in 2027, ahead of launch on PC. Invitations are limited, free, and focused on one thing: making the game better. Register your interest below.
Alpha registration
2027Alpha
2027 · Invitation only
Platform
PC · Steam
No paid access
Always
Wipe
Between waves & at launch
NDA
First wave only
The program
A real alpha. Not a demo.
We are inviting players in to find the edge of the world before launch day does it for us. Here is exactly what that means.
What it is
- A real, unstable build that changes between waves
- Scheduled play windows with a focused test goal
- Direct access to the developers in a private channel
- Short surveys and honest conversations about what broke
- A wipe between waves — progress is not permanent
What it is not
- A marketing demo or a vertical slice showcase
- A paid beta or a pre-order bonus
- A finished game — systems will change
- A commitment to play a certain number of hours
- A place for harassment, leaks, or content creation without consent
The waves
Four windows into the long night.
Each wave has a focused test goal. Progress is wiped between waves. Feedback from one wave shapes the next.
Combat & feel
Blade, Lantern, Gale, Iron, and Veil in controlled scenarios. We are testing weight, readability, stamina, and whether a fight feels fair when the network is not.
Territory & scale
40-player sieges, claim and defense, shard stability, and the first large-scale economy test. Expect wipes. Bring friends.
The living world
Trade routes, faction politics, seasonal arcs, and the full loop from a quiet morning to a very loud night. This is the dress rehearsal.
The long night ends
PC launch on Steam. Alpha progress is wiped. The world opens for everyone. The first season begins.
Hardware
Built to run on your machine.
VxEngine targets performance across a wide range of hardware. These are the current alpha targets, not final launch specs.
Alpha builds are not fully optimized. Performance may vary by scene, driver, and content. Final specs will be published before launch.
Is alpha access paid?
No. Alpha access is invitation-only and free. There is no paid alpha tier, no pre-order requirement, and no way to buy an invitation. If anyone offers you alpha access for money, it is not us.
How are invitations chosen?
We prioritize long-time Horizon RP players, people with deep experience in large-scale online games, and players who are good at explaining what broke. We also reserve a portion of every wave for new players who have never touched a Horizon game.
Will my alpha progress carry over to launch?
No. Progress will be wiped between waves and at launch. Alpha is for testing, not early access. Cosmetics earned through alpha participation may be granted as a thank-you, but they will not affect power.
What do I need to play?
A PC, a Steam account, and a Discord account for the alpha channel. Our minimum spec is a GTX 1060 / RX 580 with 12 GB of RAM at 1080p 30 fps. We are actively testing on integrated graphics and Steam Deck as well.
Is there an NDA?
Alpha builds are under NDA for the first wave. We want testers to focus on feedback, not screenshots. After the first wave, we will open capture and streaming permissions for approved participants. We will be explicit about what is and is not allowed.
How much time do I need to commit?
One scheduled session per wave — usually a weekend — plus a short survey. There is no minimum hour requirement. We would rather have a focused three-hour tester than a disengaged thirty-hour one.
When will I hear back?
We will contact the first wave in late 2026 / early 2027. Everyone who registers will receive a confirmation, and we will keep the list informed as each wave opens.
One more thing
The night has teeth.
Read the full reveal, explore the world, and register for the alpha. The long night begins in 2027.
Alpha 2027 · PC · No paid alpha access