Hunt: Showdown

76%
Game Brain Score Based on 107,194 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • optimization
Hunt: Showdown Game Cover
Hunt: Showdown is an incredibly intense and sometimes nerve-racking game that will require a lot from you. In return, it delivers an experience and a world you will have a hard time finding anywhere else.
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"Hunt: Showdown" is a multiplayer bounty hunting game set in a dark, Victorian-era world. Players must track and kill monstrous targets, while also avoiding other teams of hunters with the same goal. Successfully banishing a target earns a bounty, but escape with it is a challenge as other players will be trying to kill you and take it for themselves. Each match is a tense, strategic experience with permadeath and a focus on teamwork.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

76%
Audience ScoreBased on 107,194 reviews
gameplay4,546 positive mentions
optimization1,546 negative mentions
  • gameplay12,628 mentions

    The gameplay of "Hunt: Showdown" is characterized by its unique blend of PvPvE mechanics, where players engage in intense, strategic encounters while hunting monstrous bounties. The game features a steep learning curve, requiring players to master various mechanics, sound cues, and environmental interactions, which can lead to a rewarding experience once familiarized. However, recent updates have introduced controversial changes, such as bullet drop mechanics and a self-revive feature, which some players feel detract from the game's original tactical depth and have led to frustrations regarding balance and gameplay flow.

    • “Once you understand most of the mechanics, decision making and combat are a blast in this game.”
    • “The gameplay is fun alone or with friends; it's an extraction shooter that feels fair.”
    • “The gameplay is intense and challenging, with a steep learning curve that requires strategy and skill.”
    • “The gameplay is also in a terrible state; it's full of bugs and the servers are completely unacceptable for a competitive shooter.”
    • “The mechanic changes since 1896 have been terrible and ignored while the push for Call of Duty-like behavior has increased; the game never needed trademarked or celebrity characters but is just a lesser problem to the fact it simply isn't in a fun state.”
    • “The gameplay has changed drastically over the last few years and is steadily moving towards being another game desperately reaching for the Call of Duty audience.”
  • graphics7,670 mentions

    The graphics of "Hunt: Showdown" have received mixed reviews following the recent updates. While many players praise the stunning visuals and atmospheric design, highlighting the game's unique aesthetic and attention to detail, others express frustration over performance issues, graphical glitches, and a perceived downgrade in quality, particularly for those using AMD graphics cards. Overall, the game's graphics are often described as beautiful but demanding on hardware, leading to significant frame rate drops and optimization challenges for some players.

    • “The graphics look stunning, even on my low-end machine (GTX 1650s). I'm mostly playing medium-high settings with FSR and it plays about 90-100 FPS.”
    • “Stunning atmosphere: the Louisiana bayou is brought to life with haunting visuals, dynamic lighting, and immersive sound design that keeps you on edge.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely stunning, with gorgeous lighting and atmospheric effects that create a truly haunting and immersive experience.”
    • “It's sad to see that one of my favorite games, with entirely unique art, aesthetics, and gameplay, has given in to today's live-service crossover slop standard.”
    • “The amount of graphical glitches, errors, and inconsistencies is so astounding it's not even funny, not to mention the absolutely terrible movement that feels like you're fitted with concrete shoes.”
    • “The graphics have really become worse for the most part, but you need to choose settings that make the game look worse than it was if you don't want your FPS to become so low that you can barely aim.”
  • optimization5,716 mentions

    The optimization of "Hunt: Showdown" has been a significant point of contention among players, particularly following the 1896 update. Many users report severe performance issues, including frame drops, stuttering, and crashes, even on high-end systems. While some players have experienced improvements in performance with recent patches, the overall consensus is that the game remains poorly optimized, especially for lower-end hardware, and that the new user interface is cumbersome and unintuitive. Developers are urged to prioritize optimization and bug fixes to enhance the gaming experience.

    • “Now that they have changed the gameplay mechanics and optimized the game further, I think they did a very great job and this is actually the best game I've played in 2024.”
    • “The game is well designed and optimized; unless you have a potato PC, even a RX 580 nowadays is at like 60 dollars and plays the game well.”
    • “The new update brought an overall performance improvement on Linux (after you tweak Proton to play nicely with it), and the graphical fidelity has been improved in a subtle but appreciable way.”
    • “But not solving the optimization problem that has been going on for years ruins all the fun of the game.”
    • “The 1896 update was supposed to bring in new players, but failed to retain them largely due to major bugs and performance issues (many still unaddressed).”
    • “The game's performance is awful, and nothing is being done to fix it.”
  • atmosphere4,676 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Hunt: Showdown" is widely praised for its immersive and haunting qualities, effectively capturing the eerie essence of the late 19th-century Louisiana bayou. Players highlight the game's exceptional sound design, which enhances the tension and suspense, making every encounter feel intense and unpredictable. The combination of atmospheric visuals, detailed environments, and a unique blend of PvP and PvE elements creates a gripping experience that keeps players engaged and on edge throughout their hunts.

    • “Incredible atmosphere, tension, sound design, and skins.”
    • “One of the best atmospheres in the multiplayer space if dark southern gothic horror is something you enjoy or think you may enjoy.”
    • “Stunning atmosphere: the Louisiana bayou is brought to life with haunting visuals, dynamic lighting, and immersive sound design that keeps you on edge.”
    • “The atmosphere has changed, maps are no longer place to explore but became just a pvp battleground.”
    • “The atmosphere is gone.”
    • “The atmosphere of this game is an absolute killer!”
  • stability2,053 mentions

    The stability of the game has been a significant concern among players, with many reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and server disconnects. The user interface has also been criticized for being buggy and cumbersome, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences. Despite some players enjoying the core mechanics and visuals, the overwhelming consensus is that the game remains in a precarious state, plagued by numerous technical issues that detract from its overall enjoyment.

    • “The game runs great, looks great, and plays great.”
    • “Game runs great, looks great, runs stable, and the new engine has been performing flawlessly.”
    • “No latency, no frame drops, no kicks, no freezes.”
    • “Crashes, freezes, server disconnects, and lags.”
    • “The game is so buggy it's practically an alpha even though it's been out for 5 years.”
    • “The game is a buggy mess and it is impossible to go up against other solo players.”
  • story1,762 mentions

    The story aspect of "Hunt: Showdown" is a mixed bag, with many players noting the lack of a traditional narrative or campaign mode. While the game is rich in environmental storytelling and lore, much of it is hidden behind gameplay mechanics and requires players to engage deeply with the world to uncover it. Players often express a desire for a more structured story mode or single-player experience to explore the intriguing setting and characters further, as the current mission structure can feel repetitive and lacks variety. Overall, while the atmosphere and potential for storytelling are praised, the execution leaves many wanting more depth and coherence in the narrative.

    • “The story is fun, and I do love to read it all and see its environmental storytelling.”
    • “The lore in this game goes very deep; it's quite a thing to look into. I personally enjoyed how much story is in this game if you really look into it.”
    • “Every match is a story you won’t forget (and maybe, won’t survive).”
    • “Lore and story: there weren't much to begin with, but almost all of the lore bits that existed within the game have been removed with the new update (book of monsters, book of weapons, trials, hunters' bio).”
    • “The story chapters they added to fill the battle pass aren't that interesting, and no narrative is present within the game.”
    • “The story feels more like a random assortment of ideas thrown together than a serious attempt at a compelling narrative.”
  • music1,462 mentions

    The music in "Hunt: Showdown" has received widespread acclaim for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, with many players praising the haunting soundtrack created by the in-house band, Port Sulphur Band. The main menu music, in particular, is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, often described as catchy and memorable, enhancing the overall experience of the game. However, some players have expressed disappointment with recent changes to the soundtrack, longing for the return of previous tracks that they felt better suited the game's dark, gritty aesthetic.

    • “The music gets me pumped every time I start it.”
    • “The game is gorgeous and keeps getting better, the music is top tier, and the gameplay loop is fantastic.”
    • “The soundtrack is incredible, and the sound design enhances the immersion with a haunting soundtrack and realistic sound effects that complement the visual aesthetic.”
    • “The new music seems very edgy and just annoying.”
    • “The new menu music is garbage.”
    • “Game is one of the best of all time but every time I update they add a new song to the menu and each manages to be worse than the next.”
  • monetization1,341 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism from players, who feel that it has shifted towards aggressive and predatory practices, reminiscent of free-to-play models despite the game being a paid title. Many reviews highlight the intrusive nature of microtransactions, particularly the overwhelming presence of ads for cosmetic items and battle passes, which detracts from the overall gameplay experience. While some players acknowledge that the microtransactions are primarily cosmetic and do not impact gameplay, the general sentiment is that the focus on monetization has overshadowed the game's original identity and quality, leading to a decline in player satisfaction.

    • “I respect the game, its gameplay, the dedication, art style, and the way of monetization.”
    • “The monetization in this game is not even close to other live-service games, such as Overwatch, and there are no pay-to-win mechanics.”
    • “The monetization method is generous and cosmetic-centered.”
    • “The game has become less player friendly, chasing monetization and other FPS gimmicks rather than embracing the stuff that made it unique.”
    • “I enjoyed it because there was nothing quite like it... but all good things come to an end, it just happens that this good thing was lobotomized by its own developers for a cash grab.”
    • “The game now opens with a storefront and ads for bundles, making it clear that Crytek is more interested in squeezing money out of players than providing a smooth and enjoyable experience.”
  • grinding697 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with players describing it as excessively tedious and time-consuming. Many reviews highlight the cumbersome user interface and convoluted progression systems that make essential tasks feel like a chore, leading to frustration and burnout. While some players appreciate the game's core mechanics and potential for fun, the grind for rewards, particularly in events and battle passes, is often seen as a major detractor from the overall experience.

    • “It's not grindy, it's not pay-to-win, it's super fun, especially with friends.”
    • “You only need the base game to use every weapon; weapons unlock very quickly, and there is no grinding in this game unless you want more cosmetics.”
    • “Risk is higher than battle royale type games since you can lose your hunter/equipment, but not as high as Tarkov since this game is not grindy and does not gate items/weapons/skills behind arbitrary tasks.”
    • “The tedious and depressing nature of playing in this optimized way has seeped into the player base itself, leading to a community that, while significantly smaller than other live service products, is every bit as rancid and uninviting as the most notorious of them.”
    • “The game is awesome but broken to the point of being tedious and annoying.”
    • “The new UI is absolutely horrible and unusable; it takes so long to set up gear for a new character and cycling through them feels tedious.”
  • humor624 mentions

    The humor in the game is a prominent aspect, with players frequently highlighting the chaotic and unpredictable nature of gameplay that leads to hilarious moments, often amplified by the proximity voice chat. Many reviews mention the amusing interactions and absurd situations that arise during matches, such as unexpected glitches and comical player behavior, making it a fun experience, especially when played with friends. However, some players also note that the game's technical issues and frustrating mechanics can detract from the overall enjoyment, leading to a mix of laughter and exasperation.

    • “It's unpredictable, scary, violent, funny, beautiful, unique and hard to master.”
    • “Hunt: Showdown is a side-splittingly hilarious game that combines intense monster hunting, chaotic gunfights, and a whole lot of terrified screaming.”
    • “The community has left me laughing when I die and when I'm running for my life.”
    • “These 30 GB updates every week are getting ridiculous — it's really not funny anymore.”
    • “I'm pretty sure they have forgotten about the Oce server because the server is so glitchy it's not funny.”
    • “This breaks the game and makes it not funny to play.”
  • replayability382 mentions

    The game boasts high replayability, with many players praising its unique mechanics, diverse strategies, and the unpredictability of each match, ensuring that no two experiences are alike. While some users express concerns about bugs and limited content affecting long-term engagement, the overall consensus is that the game's depth and variety provide a compelling reason to return. Many reviewers highlight the enjoyment of playing with friends and the constant sense of progression as key factors contributing to its enduring replay value.

    • “If you're looking for a challenging, heart-pounding shooter with tons of replayability, this game is a must-try!”
    • “The incredible replay value comes from the fact that no two matches are alike.”
    • “Endless replayability: with its procedurally generated maps, diverse enemy types, and multiple objectives, no two matches in Hunt: Showdown are ever the same.”
    • “Before I headed into the game, I expected it to be a 5/10 (just from the looks of the main screen and a few seconds of the trailer), but after playing for 2 hours, I realized it's a 6/10 with no replayability.”
    • “Fun at first; but the game gets stale extremely quickly and repetitive. It's fun at first to kill a few hours, but I highly do not recommend it if you're looking for replayability.”
    • “The biggest issue I have with this game is that the quantity of replayability is quite minimal.”
  • emotional200 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is a significant point of discussion among players, with many expressing feelings of heartbreak and frustration due to the game's mechanics and updates. Players often describe an emotional rollercoaster experience, where the highs of victory and camaraderie are sharply contrasted by the lows of losing beloved characters and facing technical issues. Despite the emotional turmoil, many still find the game engaging and rewarding, highlighting its ability to evoke strong feelings and create memorable moments.

    • “Losing a hunter you’ve invested time in is heartbreaking but also adds to the adrenaline rush of each hunt.”
    • “It’s honestly heartbreaking to see a game that set a new bar for immersion start to abandon what made it special.”
    • “This game is one of the most stress-provoking, emotionally involved games I've played since Alien Isolation.”
  • character development67 mentions

    Character development in the game is generally praised for its unique and immersive designs, contributing to a captivating atmosphere. While many reviews highlight the impressive visual storytelling and attention to detail in character and weapon designs, some critiques point to a lack of depth in character progression and reliance on DLC for variety. Overall, the character designs are seen as a standout feature, enhancing the game's appeal despite some concerns about the direction of character development and lore.

    • “The character designs and enemy models are both intriguing and unsettling, contributing to an overall haunting atmosphere that is both captivating and terrifying.”
    • “The character design is just right with diverse hunters that walk in that world.”
    • “The developers put a lot of love into the details of the environment and the character design, the light details will make you feel like you have RTX on.”
    • “Not only is this money-grubbing shill behavior, it also reeks of a lack of confidence in their own setting, narrative, and character designs.”
    • “The only things keeping me from recommending it is the absolute terrible character design.”
    • “The learning/character development curve is too flat.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

76% average critic score

Buy Hunt: Showdown

Play time

150hMedian play time
530hAverage play time
17-800hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 742 analyzed playthroughs

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