Understanding Project Ethos: A Deep Dive into the 2K Roguelike Hero Shooter

Project Ethos is an innovative third-person shooter that offers a unique roguelike experience, currently under development by 2K. As of now, the game is accessible only through a playtest that commenced on October 17, 2024, and is scheduled to end on October 20. Players interested in participating can acquire beta access keys by watching Twitch streams and claiming drops.

The official site for Project Ethos indicates that it will be a free-to-play game. However, it is exclusively available on Steam and currently limited to players in North America and Europe. The game features a variety of characters, each endowed with unique abilities that can significantly influence gameplay on the battlefield.

This article will delve into the details of Project Ethos and uncover its features.

Understanding Game Modes in Project Ethos

During the community playtest, players can explore two main game modes. Below is a brief overview of each:

Trials

This open-world mode challenges players to fend off opponents while collecting Cores. Designed to incorporate a PvPvE (Player versus Player versus Environment) aspect, much like the DMZ mode in Call of Duty, Trials simplifies the experience as players aim to gather as many cores as possible and exit the map safely.

Extraction points are marked on the map and available to all players. However, caution is advised since other players may ambush you while collecting cores in these regions. Additionally, SIERRA bots will engage players when they come within a certain range.

Upon returning from the open-world map, players arrive in Haven, where they can use their collected cores to enhance their Augmentations. These upgrades will assist players in their next core-gathering mission.

Gauntlet

Gauntlet offers a straightforward PvP experience where players form teams and compete against each other. The objective is to secure three rounds of victory to win the match, achieved solely by eliminating the opposing team.

Round-based PvP modes have become staples in shooter titles, whether first-person or third-person. The inclusion of such a mode in Project Ethos is essential for players looking to hone their skills and potentially transition to ranked gameplay in the future.

Meet the Heroes of Project Ethos

Currently, players can select from six distinct Heroes in the game:

Rojas (Short-range Skirmisher)

This hero excels in speed, strength, and accuracy.

Breeze (Explosive Rocketeer)

Utilizes rocket weapons to eliminate foes.

Rayo (Mid-range Assault)

For those who prefer a classic soldier experience, Rayo can sprint and wield powerful armaments.

Prism (Light Bending Sniper)

With elusive capabilities, this hero can inflict substantial damage from a distance.

Arbor (Poison and Protection)

Harnessing nature, Arbor can heal and inflict curses on their enemies.

Giacomo (Heavy-duty Defense)

Specializing in defense, Giacomo can also deal significant damage when necessary.

Matchmaking and Crossplay in Project Ethos

The ongoing playtest is currently limited to PC players on Steam, with an active region lock that restricts participants to NA and EU servers. This approach is aimed at ensuring a seamless gaming experience given the limited number of active players.

All game modes in the playtest feature teams of three. Players have the option to form Duos or Trios, with the matchmaking system stepping in to fill any open slots. Since the game is limited to the Steam platform, there are no barriers hindering matchmaking and crossplay at this stage.

Eligibility Criteria for the Playtest

The following countries are eligible for participation in the Project Ethos playtest:

• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• United Kingdom
• Ireland
• France
• Germany
• Spain
• Italy

Players from these countries can join the game during its testing phase, ensuring an optimal gameplay experience given the number of active servers. The game currently supports the following languages:

• English
• French
• Italian
• German
• Spanish (EU)
• Spanish (LATAM)

To uphold the integrity of the game, developers have established a reporting system for users to flag others for specific reasons directly within the game. Players may also contact customer support to provide a detailed report with photographic or video evidence of any violations.

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