Horizon 3 is reportedly in an advanced stage of development.

As Guerrilla Games prepares for the release of the cooperative spin-off title Horizon Hunters Gathering, it seems that the studio is also working on what fans are actually most looking forward to – the final chapter of Aloy's story.

According to information coming from God of War creator David Jaffe and former IGN journalist Colin Moriarty, Horizon 3 could be significantly closer to release than previously assumed.

Appearing on the Last Stand Media podcast, the duo revealed that they had spoken with individuals who had the opportunity to try early versions of the game, participating in playtests and so-called mock reviews. Although neither of them has personally played the title, both claim that the initial reactions are extremely positive. Jaffe stated that the game is "exceptionally well executed," but also that it is an experience that fans of the Horizon series will not find overly unfamiliar.

"People have had the chance to try Horizon 3. It is an exceptionally well-executed game, but at the same time, it is something we have already seen," Jaffe said.

Similar information was confirmed by Moriarty, who briefly concluded that he simply heard that the game is – good.

Of course, some players might be disappointed by the fact that Guerrilla reportedly does not plan to radically change the proven formula of the series. On the other hand, Horizon Forbidden West showed that it is not necessary to revolutionize gameplay for a sequel to be successful. The Pullcaster, Shieldwing, underwater exploration, and flying mounts from Burning Shores were exactly what a sequel should be – evolution, not revolution.

For this reason, it should not be surprising if Horizon 3 follows the same path.

New gameplay mechanics, new areas to explore, and even more spectacular battles against machines are likely what awaits us in the final part of the trilogy. The story will almost certainly focus on the conflict with Nemesis, a threat whose arrival was announced in the Burning Shores expansion and represents the greatest danger Aloy has faced so far. It is particularly interesting that mock reviews and playtesting are usually reserved for projects that are already in a relatively advanced stage of development. While this does not mean that Horizon 3 is practically finished, it suggests that the game is much closer to release than previously assumed. As a result, the first estimates of the release date have already emerged. The year 2027 is most frequently mentioned, while some sources believe that a release in 2028 would represent a more conservative scenario.

Whatever Guerrilla Games is preparing, one thing seems quite certain – the studio has not given up on its most important franchise. Despite occasional online debates about the popularity of the series, Horizon has become one of the biggest PlayStation exclusives over the years, with tens of millions of copies sold and big plans for the future.

Aloy's final adventure is clearly on the way. The question is no longer whether Horizon 3 will be released, but how much longer we will have to wait to finally find out how one of the most important PlayStation trilogies of the last decade concludes.