Hunt: Showdown

77%
Game Brain Score Based on 84,192 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.

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Reviews

77%
Audience ScoreBased on 84,192 reviews
gameplay3,613 positive mentions
optimization1,170 negative mentions
  • gameplay9,917 mentions

    The gameplay of "Hunt: Showdown" is characterized by its unique blend of PvPvE mechanics, where players hunt monstrous bounties while contending with rival hunters. The game emphasizes strategic decision-making, sound-based gameplay, and a high-stakes environment, making each match intense and rewarding. However, recent updates have introduced controversial mechanics, such as bullet drop and self-revive options, which some players feel detract from the core experience, alongside persistent technical issues and a frustrating user interface. Overall, while the gameplay remains engaging and immersive, it is marred by balance concerns and bugs that impact the overall experience.

    • “If you are a horror fan and want great PvP gameplay, this game is truly a vibe.”
    • “In Hunt: Showdown, being able to use its incredibly accurate 3D sound design, along with map knowledge to pinpoint enemies on the other side of a wall, made wallbangs one of the core mechanics of the game, making it one of the reasons it stands out in a sea of samey-feeling FPS games.”
    • “The gameplay loop is incredible, the gunplay satisfying, and the audio is so good that every other game feels pathetic afterwards.”
    • “Horrible choices that have affected the game's very identity such as the Ghostface collaboration DLC and the effective removal of bullet penetration for wallbangs, claiming the past version which we had for years was in fact a bug, and the addition of a nonsensical bullet drop mechanic in which "light" ammo, which is used in shorter range weapons has the least bullet drop and "long" distance ammo has the most drop, which Hunt has never had nor did it need, while also making any headshot at any range a one-hit kill.”
    • “The quality of Hunt’s central mechanics and gameplay have never been meaningfully refined or iterated upon, making the game feel unpolished and unfinished, as though it was still in early access.”
    • “The gameplay itself is a mix of hunting for clues, fighting bosses, and engaging in player versus player combat, but the recent changes have made it feel more like a cash grab than a meaningful gaming experience.”
  • graphics6,032 mentions

    The graphics of "Hunt: Showdown" have received mixed reviews following the recent updates. While many players praise the game's stunning visuals, atmospheric design, 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 aesthetic remains a strong point, but optimization and UI changes have detracted from the experience for some players.

    • “Great visuals and superb audio give this game a distinct edge in the battle royale genre.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, with beautifully crafted environments that draw you into the heart of the action.”
    • “The atmosphere, the maps, the art style, the sound design... it is all great.”
    • “The game is poorly optimized; I get 120fps on high graphics (high being the medium in this game) with an i5 13600k and RX 6950XT.”
    • “What a shame, I really used to love this game, but after the 1896 update it looks terrible even with a new graphics card and doesn't run smoothly at all.”
    • “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.”
  • optimization4,470 mentions

    The optimization of "Hunt: Showdown" has been a significant point of contention among players, with many reporting severe performance issues following the recent engine update. Users have experienced drastic frame rate drops, stuttering, and inconsistent performance even on high-end systems, leading to frustration and a decline in gameplay quality. While some players note improvements in performance over time, the overall sentiment is that the game still requires substantial optimization to provide a smoother and more enjoyable experience.

    • “Performance will be optimized.”
    • “The new update has some performance issues, but overall has only made the game even better.”
    • “The performance has gotten better after the patches they put out.”
    • “The game is poorly optimized; I get 120 fps on high graphics (high being the medium in this game) with an i5 13600k and RX 6950 XT.”
    • “The performance is atrocious; new bugs every patch, and the game is literally unplayable how bad the servers and game performance are.”
    • “The new update has tanked performance for me and a lot of other people; I went from 120 fps to 50 and stuttering with a 3060 Ti.”
  • atmosphere3,622 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 commend the game's exceptional sound design, which enhances the tension and suspense, making every encounter feel significant and nerve-wracking. However, some reviews express concern that recent updates have diminished the game's original atmospheric depth, introducing a brighter aesthetic that detracts from the intended horror experience. Overall, the game's unique blend of atmospheric storytelling, strategic gameplay, and intense PvP encounters creates a compelling experience that resonates with many players.

    • “There’s this atmospheric, realistic lighting that gives everything a cinematic touch, which is super impressive.”
    • “The atmosphere, the maps, the art style, the sound design... it is all great.”
    • “The atmosphere is incredible and the game is gorgeous.”
    • “Instead of focusing on core gameplay and community feedback, the developers are pushing overpriced cosmetics that detract from the game's atmosphere.”
    • “The whole game takes itself seriously, the atmosphere is dense enough to cut with a knife and every single element of the game is there to provide you with an immersive and satisfying experience.”
    • “The atmosphere has changed, maps are no longer a place to explore but became just a pvp battleground.”
  • stability1,514 mentions

    The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with players reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and crashes that significantly hinder gameplay. Many users noted that the recent engine update exacerbated existing issues, leading to frequent freezes, server instability, and frustrating UI problems. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess," making it nearly unplayable for some, despite its potential and enjoyable mechanics.

    • “Game runs great, looks great, runs stable, and the new engine has been performing flawlessly.”
    • “No latency, no frame drops, no kicks, no freezes.”
    • “Crytek worked on this update for a long time and consider how much they changed in the game I am surprised it runs as smoothly and major bug free as it does.”
    • “Significant drop in quality post engine update, countless bugs, glitches, and exploits.”
    • “Several UI glitches tend to happen throughout a session, server stability is questionable at the moment, among several other problems, such as skins and DLC you paid for getting disabled without any notification or way of knowing since the skins are just gone.”
    • “The game is so buggy after the new 1896 update.”
  • story1,296 mentions

    The story aspect of "Hunt: Showdown" is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating the atmospheric lore and environmental storytelling, yet expressing disappointment over the lack of a cohesive narrative or single-player campaign. While the game features rich backstory elements and character lore that can be discovered through gameplay, the reliance on battle pass missions and the removal of previous lore content have left some players feeling that the story has been diminished. Overall, the game offers a unique setting and intriguing lore, but many players wish for a more structured narrative experience.

    • “The game is an absolute blast and doesn't completely punish you if you die or fail in your mission like other hardcore shooters in the market.”
    • “Every match is a story you won’t forget (and maybe, won’t survive).”
    • “The story and setting of 'Hunt' are being erased.”
    • “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' bios).”
    • “The story chapters they added to fill the battle pass aren't that interesting, and no narrative is present within the game.”
  • music1,122 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many players praising its atmospheric and immersive qualities that enhance the overall experience. The soundtrack, primarily composed by the in-house Port Sulphur band, is noted for its haunting and catchy themes, particularly the main menu music, which many find memorable and engaging. However, some players express disappointment over recent changes to the music, longing for the return of older tracks that they felt better suited the game's aesthetic.

    • “The music is so good it will make you forget where you are.”
    • “The soundtrack is superb.”
    • “The music, setting, atmosphere, etc. are an incredible mix that enhances the experience to the utmost.”
    • “The new music seems very edgy and just annoying.”
    • “The main menu music scares the shit out of me every time I open the game.”
    • “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.”
  • monetization1,035 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 in-game advertisements, the overwhelming presence of microtransactions for cosmetic items, and a perceived neglect of gameplay improvements in favor of monetization strategies. While some players acknowledge that the microtransactions are cosmetic and do not impact gameplay, the overall sentiment is that the focus on monetization has detracted from the game's original identity and enjoyment.

    • “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 is fair, and you only pay for cosmetics; everything gameplay-related is included in the base game.”
    • “Despite the really great time I had with Hunt, I got a bit burned out after the addition of so many events that followed each other so closely, but the monetization system allows you to earn premium currency by playing, which is a positive aspect.”
    • “It feels like this game is losing the identity that made it stand out from the oversaturated market of shooters in the first place in favor of microtransactions and gimmicks.”
    • “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.”
    • “The constant overuse of FOMO, the aggressive microtransactions, and the constant dribble of DLC put a bitter edge on the final nail in the coffin.”
  • grinding526 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with players expressing frustration over the tediousness of the new UI and the excessive time required to set up for hunts. Many reviews highlight that the progression system feels overly grindy, often requiring players to invest significant hours to unlock content or earn in-game currency, which detracts from the overall enjoyment. Additionally, the introduction of battle passes and monetization strategies has led to a perception that the game prioritizes grinding over fun, making it less inviting for both new and veteran players.

    • “When they do, their battle pass is not grindy and does not rely on FOMO tactics.”
    • “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 Hunt 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 menu is so tedious, annoying, and generic that I dread playing the game, or loading into the lobby, just because I know when I die, I need to repeat this annoying process over and over again.”
    • “My playtime for this game is at least 35% menu navigation for selecting and building hunters and min-maxing my hunt dollar expenditure, and as of right now, building hunters is frustratingly tedious and obtuse.”
  • humor487 mentions

    The humor in "Hunt: Showdown" is a prominent aspect that players frequently highlight, often describing the game as a chaotic blend of tension and comedy. Many reviews point to the hilarious interactions facilitated by proximity voice chat, as well as the absurdity of various bugs and glitches that lead to unexpected and funny moments during gameplay. While some players express frustration over technical issues and UI changes, they often find humor in the community's reactions and the game's unpredictable nature, making it a memorable experience when played with friends.

    • “If you're into chaotic, heart-pounding action with a side of dark humor, this game is your new best friend!”
    • “The proximity chat in the game makes some encounters quite hilarious, sometimes it's toxic but hey it's the internet.”
    • “Hunt: Showdown is a game that defies expectations and brings together unlikely elements in a hilariously unconventional mashup.”
    • “Not funny for casuals only”
    • “I'm pretty sure they have forgotten about the Oceania server because the server is so glitchy it's not funny.”
    • “This breaks the game, and makes it not funny to play.”
  • replayability288 mentions

    The game is widely praised for its high replayability, with many players noting that each match offers a unique experience due to its procedural generation, diverse weaponry, and dynamic gameplay mechanics. The combination of PvPvE elements, permadeath, and a variety of playstyles contributes to an engaging and addictive gameplay loop, making it a standout title in the shooter genre. However, some players express concerns about potential content limitations and the need for further updates to maintain long-term replay value.

    • “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.”
    • “The replayability factor is off the charts, ensuring that you'll never run out of challenges to overcome.”
    • “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.”
    • “In the end, my issue with this game is that it was released in a state where it should be more playable than it is now since it was advertised as a semi-smooth running build that we could test before release.”
  • emotional150 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is a significant point of contention among players, with many expressing feelings of heartbreak and frustration due to the loss of invested characters and the game's current state. While some players find joy and excitement in the intense gameplay and emotional highs, others feel emotionally drained and disillusioned by recent updates and performance issues. Overall, the game elicits a wide range of emotions, from joy and nostalgia to despair and anger, making it a deeply engaging yet often painful experience.

    • “Losing a hunter you’ve invested time in is heartbreaking but also adds to the adrenaline rush of each hunt.”
    • “The story of lulu and monroe serves as a poignant backdrop to the intense gameplay of 'Hunt: Showdown,' adding a layer of emotional depth to the overall experience.”
    • “This game is so emotionally exhausting, yet I can’t get enough of it.”
  • character development50 mentions

    Character development in the game is noted for its impressive character designs and atmospheric aesthetics, which contribute to a unique and immersive experience. While many players appreciate the visual detail and thematic consistency, some express disappointment in the lack of substantial character progression and depth, feeling that the focus on design overshadows meaningful development. Overall, the character design is widely praised, but the system for character growth is seen as somewhat flat and reliant on gameplay mechanics rather than narrative depth.

    • “The character design and overall aesthetic is superb and helps the game carve out a sense of uniqueness among other FPS games out at the moment.”
    • “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.”
    • “Amazing character design; the look and feel of the hunters and their tools/weapons is really amazing.”
    • “The only things keeping me from recommending it is the absolute terrible character design.”
    • “The learning / character development curve is too flat.”
    • “The addition of Ghostface, rather than an original character design that could add depth to the game’s lore, reflects a trend toward quick profits rather than fostering the game’s loyal fanbase.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

76% average critic score

Buy Hunt: Showdown

Play time

150hMedian play time
502hAverage play time
17-725hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 575 analyzed playthroughs

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