Hunt: Showdown 1896 – Monster Hunters

The developers of the original Far Cry and Crysis have faced financial troubles, nearing bankruptcy. Their latest iteration of the well-known shooter failed to gain strong recognition and popularity. Additionally, the revenue from the free-to-play shooter Warface, the rights to which were still owned by the Russian Mail.ru Group, appears not to have kept the company afloat. Another source of income was licensing their engine, which continues to provide impressive visuals in Crysis. However, it has not gained significant popularity among other developers. The company's situation continued to worsen, and in 2020, rumors resurfaced about possible closure.

However, a few years before that, something happened that could be considered a lifeline for Crytek (alongside some mysterious investor). At the dawn of extraction shooters in 2018, Hunt: Showdown was released in Early Access — one of the pioneers of the genre, which immediately carved its own path and developed somewhat separately. The game had a unique gameplay and narrative formula from the start, which earned it its first fans. This time, both development and publishing were handled by Crytek themselves, allowing them to create a monetization system that doesn’t come off as exploitative and avoids the pay-to-win model. The absence of reliance on external corporations directly enabled the game to evolve and, after years of development, reach a renaissance, six years after its initial release. Currently, over 30,000 players play Hunt: Showdown 1896 daily on Steam.

From Early Access to “1896”

From the very beginning, Hunt carved its own path. The game underwent numerous changes in UI, balance, and gameplay mechanics but remained true to its unique formula and setting. Originally developed by Crytek USA as a spiritual successor to Darksiders under the title Hunt: Horrors of Gilded Age, the series faced challenges leading to the acquisition and renaming of the studio. After its initial announcement in June 2014, the American studio was closed due to financial issues, and development was transferred to Crytek Frankfurt. The game was reimagined and officially re-announced under its final concept and title, Hunt: Showdown, in May 2017. It eventually launched in Early Access on Steam on February 22, 2018.

Since its release, Hunt: Showdown has become a unique take on the extraction shooter genre. Crytek managed to create a game that combines intense PvPvE gameplay, a high emphasis on tactical interaction, and a dark, immersive atmosphere. Through these elements, Hunt: Showdown stands out from other projects in the genre, offering a distinctive experience that blends threats from other players with menacing monsters.

The game is set in the swamps of Louisiana, where bounty hunters hunt dangerous supernatural creatures while competing with one another for survival and rewards. However, the task isn’t just about hunting—surviving and extracting the reward is far from simple, as other players also seek the same prize. All of this unfolds against the backdrop of a meticulously crafted late 19th-century aesthetic, where every detail of the location creates a palpable sense of fear and immersion.

The latest iteration, Hunt: Showdown 1896, brought console versions of the game to the next generation, introduced numerous gameplay improvements and a more refined user interface, while expanding the game’s geography to include a mountainous location in Colorado.

This sets the stage for the game we’ll delve into next.

Gameplay Loop and Key Mechanics

Like other core representatives of the genre, the main objective for players in Hunt: Showdown 1896 is to complete tasks on the map and secure valuable items during the mission, then extract them. However, the uniqueness lies in the details: these valuable items aren’t typical loot in the conventional sense—though loot is present—, but rather the reward for successfully completing the objective.

Currently, the game features 3 multiplayer modes, a tutorial, and a firing range for weapon familiarization and practice in aiming.

Soul Survivor

A single-player mode designed for players who want to test their skills without partners. It closely resembles a mix of more traditional extraction shooters and battle royale elements, as only one player will survive.

Soul Survivor

Instead of a zone, there is an energy source randomly placed on the map that players must search for and stay within its vicinity as much as possible. Meanwhile, other hunters will be hunting the player. The mission starts with a pre-prepared character and random weapons chosen for the chosen combat distance. Better gear can be found on the map.

Bounty Hunt

The main and most popular game mode. In this mode, hunters embark on a mission to hunt down boss monsters, using clues to locate and defeat the target.

Bounty Hunt

After defeating a boss, players must collect the "trophy" and successfully escape the map while avoiding encounters with other players. This mode combines PvE and PvP elements, creating a tense struggle for resources and survival.

Bounty Clash

A smaller version of Bounty Hunt on a trimmed-down section of the map with a defeated boss, where players only need to grab the reward and fend off competing hunters. Ideal for warming up and practicing shooting accuracy.

To complete the Bounty Hunt task — banishing a monster, players must first locate it by researching clues—special objects scattered across the map. After investigating each clue, the search area for the main target gradually narrows down. To precisely determine the boss’s location, players need to research three different clues. Dark Sight is used to pinpoint their direction.

Currently, there are 4 full-fledged and 3 minibosses available, making missions highly varied. There are 3 maps in the game, with one more undergoing development.

During the search for the main target, players must explore different locations on a medium-sized map, defeating or avoiding various smaller monsters. These monsters can range from ordinary zombies, familiar from other games—slow and clumsy—but becoming much more dangerous in groups.

Armored Brutes require more firepower and often block important pathways. There are also Walking Hives, which can deal damage from a distance by sending a swarm of venomous insects your way. Fast, fiery infernal monsters can burn a portion of your health. Lastly, packs of infernal dogs won’t let you escape, surrounding and attacking the player relentlessly.

Water Devils, like a swarm of persistent and biting leeches, will make it difficult to pass through most bodies of water. The flesh-eating giant, though blind, has keen hearing and will pursue you if its minions manage to poison you. It will continue the chase until you escape far enough, run out of precious ammo, or use explosives to eliminate it.

The local fauna has an unwelcoming appearance and will hinder players from reaching and defeating the boss. However, there are other hunters on the mission. Up to 12 players can be on the map, with configurations of 1, 2, or 3 in a team depending on the matchmaking mode. The boss can be either 1 or 2, making resources limited and shared among all participants. Therefore, reaching and defeating the boss first is not enough to achieve the objective. Players must also successfully extract the reward. Once a player secures the desired bounty, all hunters are alerted, as the player becomes marked with lightning on the map and sky when using Dark Sight mode.

Sound plays a significant role in Hunt: Showdown 1896, as the exact locations of competitors remain unknown until the boss is defeated. However, gunfire against monsters quickly reveals the player to other hunters. Additionally, there are other ways to give away your position—birds or injured animals can be startled, alerting nearby players to your presence.

Chickens or dogs trapped in cages can also be startled, signaling that a player is passing by. Even stepping on a dry branch or killing a zombie with a knife will generate noise. Therefore, headphones are highly recommended. The developers even left a notification about this on the game's main menu screen.

The level of detail in Hunt: Showdown 1896 creates a steep learning curve for new players. However, once accustomed to the harsh world, these elements enhance the atmosphere and immersion.

Equipment and Mission Preparation

One key aspect to understand is that players shouldn’t get too attached to their hunter, as death is permanent. If a player doesn’t escape the mission, the character and all their equipment are lost. Initially, this can be frustrating, especially since both the character and necessary items require in-game currency. However, team members can recover them before the mission ends. Additionally, the game’s economy is well-balanced, providing ample room for maneuvering, making bankruptcy difficult. During the first 10 account levels, players can practice without worrying about the permanent loss of their hunter.

Thus, the main element of equipment, oddly enough, is the hunter himself. Like the account, the hunter gains experience and can reach up to 50 levels. Each level grants points that can be used to unlock abilities for future missions or to restore maximum health lost after deaths in the mission.

Abilities vary in cost and are unlocked as the account progresses. They can be broadly categorized into several types based on their purpose: enhancing survivability, simplifying the handling of different weapon types, improving hunting skills, and stealth. Some skills cannot be purchased with upgrade points, but can be found in random locations on the game map.

The hunter has two weapon slots, allowing them to carry one long-range weapon, such as a shotgun, and either a pistol or two medium-range "guns." By using a specific ability, a medium weapon (e.g., a sawed-off shotgun) can be placed alongside a larger weapon in the second slot.

In addition to weapons, the hunter brings tools and consumables such as a knife or brass knuckles, medkits, syringes with healing potions, antidotes, or stimulants for restoring stamina. There are also various explosives and Molotov cocktails, along with many other tools at their disposal.

This, in combination with chosen weapons and tools along with abilities, builds a highly versatile system that creates unique character builds suited to various playstyles.

Hunters can be hired from a free pool, receiving simpler weapons and one random skill. Alternatively, they can purchase upgraded hunters using in-game currency, who come with three random abilities but no gear. These characters also feature more unique skins, obtainable through premium currency or progression, and serve as archetypes for newly hired hunters.

Weapons and Gameplay

The late 19th-century setting not only defines the aesthetic but also influences the available weaponry and combat tempo. Almost everything shoots slowly, reloads leisurely, but deals significant damage.

Great attention is given to the visuals, animations, and sound of weapons. While Hunt: Showdown 1896 takes place in a mystical setting, most of the arsenal closely resembles their real-life counterparts.

The game features a wide variety of weapons, each with distinct characteristics and offering unique gameplay experiences. Finding two identical "guns" is unlikely, but they can be categorized by types..

The late 19th century is the era of revolvers, which are the primary type of pistols in the game. There are about a dozen variations, each with unique modifications like silencers, homemade stocks that transform them into carbines, and more. In addition to revolvers, there are a couple of semi-automatic pistols available.

Rifles are often used as the main firepower in Hunt: Showdown. The variety is even greater than with pistols. For starters, there are single-shot rifles that have been carried over from the times of the American Civil War and are relatively inexpensive, allowing hunters to gear up without significant expense. More technically advanced and expensive are bolt-action rifles, with lever-action rifles, like the Winchester, taking a distinct place in the arsenal. Additionally, there are a few experimental models that offer unique gameplay experiences. For close-range combat enthusiasts, a variety of shotguns are available, ranging from single-shot to semi-automatic models.

Of course, there's plenty that can be customized, such as making sawed-off versions of shotguns or attaching different sights and accessories from local blacksmiths. For example, a small axe can be attached to easily cut through crowds of zombies without making too much noise or wasting ammunition.

For those who enjoy stealth, there are mentioned silencers, as well as other silent weapon options — crossbows and bows, along with various melee weapons for close combat.

In addition to weapon variety, special ammunition adds another layer of variability. Remember the antidote syringe? It's not just for toxic insects but also for stopping similar threats from enemy bullets. Alongside toxic rounds, players can use high-speed bullets for easier aiming at long distances, piercing rounds for forcing enemies out of cover behind wooden barriers, dumdum rounds for causing bleeding and forcing enemies into cover or quicker healing, and incendiary rounds for igniting monsters and enemies. There are also other specialized types, all requiring a separate cost in-game currency. These can be effective depending on the playstyle and against different bosses, with some rounds having varying levels of effectiveness.

Choosing the right equipment for a hunt in Hunt: Showdown 1896 requires careful consideration, keeping in mind the game's balance mechanics. It's also important to coordinate your loadout with team members to ensure synergy.

What Makes the Game Unique?

The key uniqueness of Hunt: Showdown 1896 lies in its expertly crafted gameplay formula, which attracts players with its balance between risk and reward, tactical depth, and atmospheric tension. Firstly, the PvPvE system creates a constant conflict of interest: hunters must decide whether to face bosses head-on or ambush other players. This dynamic forces players to adapt their strategies based on unfolding events. Secondly, the game rewards skill and attentiveness: players must use sound, tracks, and the environment to track enemies or avoid ambushes. Lastly, the progression mechanics add a layer of risk: each hunter has value, and death means losing both gear and the character itself.

This approach creates a unique cycle of tension and satisfaction. Players experience constant adrenaline—every confrontation or decision could be decisive. The atmospheric locations, Gothic style, and meticulously crafted sound design further enhance this effect, immersing players in a world where fear and excitement intertwine.

Throughout its development, Hunt continuously brings new elements to gameplay, design, and mechanics. With that, bugs often arise, a common issue in many live-service games. However, they are consistently addressed, and player feedback is actively acknowledged, ensuring a more polished experience over time..

Recently, the game has been hosting regular themed events that diversify the gameplay and update the objectives. Weekly challenges have also been introduced, rewarding players with various items, including premium currency. Currently, the "Murder Circus" event is underway in collaboration with musician Post Malone. Additionally, there are discounts available on Steam and PlayStation, and the game is accessible through Game Pass on Xbox.

Hunt: Showdown 1896 becomes that game players want to return to, thanks to its ever-evolving content, engaging events, and rewarding challenges.