Classic action meets modern competitive play as GunZ: The Duel gears up for its third global playtest, officially joining Steam PvP Fest this February. Announced by Masangsoft, the upcoming test invites players worldwide to experience the latest version of the fast-paced third-person shooter during one of Steam’s biggest PvP-focused events.
For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this marks a major step forward in the revival of one of the most skill-driven shooters of the 2000s.
GunZ: The Duel Expands Global Testing Through Steam PvP Fest
After two successful global playtests, GunZ: The Duel is once again opening its servers—this time to a much broader competitive audience. The third playtest will run directly through Steam’s Playtest system, allowing players to jump in seamlessly during Steam PvP Fest.
Participating in Steam PvP Fest represents a key milestone for the title, placing GunZ alongside some of the most competitive multiplayer games on the platform and introducing its signature high-speed combat to a new generation of PvP players.
What to Expect From the Third Global Playtest
The upcoming playtest builds directly on player feedback gathered from the second global test. Masangsoft has confirmed that this phase will focus on strengthening the game’s technical foundation while refining its core mechanics.
Key Playtest Focus Areas
- Improved overall stability
- Refinement of core combat systems
- Large-scale testing of PvP matchmaking flow
- Real-time performance evaluation during a global festival environment
The development team will also continue collecting player feedback to guide future updates and development milestones. More detailed gameplay changes and adjustments will be shared closer to the start of the playtest.
Developers Aim to Test GunZ at Scale
According to PD Max, Game Director of GunZ: The Duel, Steam PvP Fest provides the ideal stage for large-scale testing.
By placing the game in front of a wider competitive audience, the team hopes to evaluate how GunZ performs under heavier player loads—while preserving the lightning-fast, skill-based combat that defined the original experience.
GunZ: The Duel Third Global Playtest Schedule
The Third Global Playtest will be available for a limited time as part of Steam PvP Fest, giving players nearly a full week to jump into the action.
Playtest Dates and Time
- Start: February 9, 2026 at 18:00 PST
- End: February 15, 2026 at 18:00 PST
Players can participate by requesting access through the GunZ: The Duel Steam store page once the playtest goes live.
A Modern Revival of a Cult Classic Shooter
Originally launched in the early 2000s, GunZ: The Duel earned cult status thanks to its acrobatic movement, high skill ceiling, and uniquely fast-paced PvP combat. The modern revival by Masangsoft aims to preserve that identity while introducing:
- Updated visuals
- Improved online infrastructure
- Systems designed for modern, global multiplayer audiences
With each new playtest, GunZ continues to bridge its classic roots with contemporary competitive expectations.

