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Hunt: Showdown

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.
Hunt: Showdown Game Cover
76%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
optimization, stability
77% User Score Based on 168,177 reviews
Critic Score 76%Based on 24 reviews

Platforms

Xbox Series X|SPCPlaystation 5CloudPlaystation 4Xbox OneXboxNVIDIA GeForce NOWWindowsPlayStation
Hunt: Showdown Game Cover

About

Hunt: Showdown is a single player and multiplayer survival shooter game with a horror theme. It was developed by Crytek Frankfurt and was released on August 27, 2019. It received mostly positive reviews from both critics and players.

"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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77%
Audience ScoreBased on 168,177 reviews
gameplay7.2k positive mentions
optimization2.3k negative mentions

  • gameplay
    19,823 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Hunt: Showdown" is widely praised for its unique blend of PvPvE mechanics, offering a tense and immersive experience that combines strategic planning with high-stakes combat. Players appreciate the depth of the gunplay, the importance of sound as a gameplay mechanic, and the rewarding nature of its permadeath system, which adds tension to each match. However, many reviews also highlight significant frustrations with the user interface, matchmaking issues, and the introduction of mechanics that some feel detract from the core gameplay experience, leading to a mixed reception overall.

    • “The gameplay loop is incredible, the gunplay satisfying, and the audio is so good that every other game feels pathetic afterwards.”
    • “The gameplay is fun and exciting.”
    • “The gameplay is unique and interesting, the devs listen to the playerbase, and the soundtrack is nonstop bops.”
    • “They nerf or buff things with a sledgehammer and make drastic changes to the gameplay, but then don't adjust them if they are broken, useless, overpowered or ruin the fun.”
    • “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 loop is very shin besides gunfights.”
  • graphics
    12,053 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of *Hunt: Showdown* have received mixed reviews following the recent updates. Many players praise the game's stunning visuals and atmospheric design, highlighting the unique gothic western aesthetic and detailed environments that enhance immersion. However, there are significant complaints regarding performance issues, graphical glitches, and a perceived downgrade in quality, particularly for players using AMD graphics cards, which has led to frustration among the community. Overall, while the graphics are often described as beautiful, the optimization and stability of the game remain points of contention.

    • “The graphics are stunning, showcasing the grim and gritty world in remarkable detail.”
    • “The graphics, sound, and overall feel are great.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely fantastic, not just on a technical level, but aesthetically as well.”
    • “Not to mention the horrendous menu, far worse hit registration, melee has somehow also gotten worse, and at maximum settings the game's graphics look like complete shit compared to what they were before the update.”
    • “What a shame, I really used to love this game but after the 1896 update it looks shit even with a new graphic card and doesn't run smooth at all, the UI is shit the hacker problem doesn't seem to be fixed and overall the game just became shit.”
    • “The graphics have really become better 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.”
  • optimization
    8,923 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of "Hunt: Showdown" has been a significant point of contention among players, particularly following the recent engine update. Many users report a marked decline in performance, with frequent frame drops, stuttering, and connectivity issues, even on high-end systems. While some players have experienced improvements in performance after patches, the overall sentiment is that the game remains poorly optimized, with a user interface that complicates navigation and adds to the frustration. Overall, players are calling for urgent optimization efforts to restore the game's previously smoother performance.

    • “The engine update was also supposed to fix performance issues for many players, but has instead split the community on whether it was a good or even terrible change.”
    • “Performance issues galore: the game now suffers from severe performance issues.”
    • “But what finally broke me after all these years was the performance after the engine update.”
    • “The game itself is literally unplayable how bad the servers and game performance is.”
    • “The performance has tanked majorly since this update, the stuttering makes gunfights practically unplayable.”
  • atmosphere
    7,238 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in *Hunt: Showdown* is widely praised as its standout feature, characterized by a hauntingly immersive environment set in the eerie Louisiana bayou. Players highlight the game's exceptional sound design, which enhances the tension and suspense, making every encounter feel intense and unpredictable. While the atmosphere captivates many, some reviews express concern that recent updates and cosmetic changes may detract from the game's original, darker ambiance. Overall, the combination of atmospheric visuals, sound, and gameplay creates a unique and engaging experience that resonates with players.

    • “The atmosphere, the maps, the art style, the sound design... it is all great.”
    • “The brilliance of this game was how atmospheric it was.”
    • “The atmosphere is incredible and sounds bounce between walls and throughout the map.”
    • “Instead of focusing on core gameplay and community feedback, the developers are pushing overpriced cosmetics that detract from the game's atmosphere.”
    • “The whole atmosphere is gone, and you have a looter shooter battle royale without the looting, and gun combat that is over in 2 seconds.”
    • “The atmosphere has changed, maps are no longer place to explore but became just a pvp battleground.”
  • stability
    3,011 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of "Hunt: Showdown" has been a significant concern among players, with numerous reports of frequent crashes, freezes, and various bugs that disrupt gameplay. Many users have expressed frustration over the game's performance issues, particularly after recent updates, which have introduced new glitches while failing to resolve existing ones. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess," with players often losing progress and characters due to these technical problems, leading to a general recommendation to avoid playing until substantial fixes are implemented.

    • “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.”
    • “It is so buggy and broken I am left speechless, broken menus, the settings not saving, glitching/flickering 3D models in game, guess it's time to move on to upcoming extraction shooters from devs who aren't resting on their laurels.”
    • “The game freezes and forces you to restart mid-match while risking your hunter; guns sometimes become fully invisible when you hold them, so no iron sights; sometimes the match starts with the cursor showing over the screen, sometimes you won't even load into the match and have to reconnect.”
    • “The recent engine update, advertised as a 'Hunt 2.0', was supposed to make things better; however, it has only made performance more lackluster and buggy.”
  • story
    2,594 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story aspect of "Hunt: Showdown" has received mixed feedback from players. While some appreciate the atmospheric setting and the potential for unique narratives in each match, many criticize the lack of a cohesive, overarching storyline and the removal of in-game lore elements in recent updates. Players express a desire for more structured storytelling, such as a single-player campaign or cooperative missions that delve deeper into the game's rich lore and character backgrounds. Overall, the game offers engaging moments and environmental storytelling, but many feel it falls short in delivering a compelling narrative experience.

    • “Well, where to begin? Hunt was a good game; it was unique and filled that cowboy old west hole in my soul. It also had cool black magic mumbo jumbo and a helluva story which you could learn about in the game's in-game lore books, even learn the in-game lore of the weapons and the legendary hunters.”
    • “Every match is a new different story to be told. You choose your strategy, alone or with your friends or with random companions, and fight against a dozen other people to take home the scary monsters' precious bounties.”
    • “The atmosphere, the missions, the map are so immersive, so well designed, and so unique. The story behind the setting and the game's atmosphere is great and is so pulling.”
    • “The story and setting of 'hunt' are being erased.”
    • “Lore and story: there weren't much to begin with, but almost all of lore bits that existed within the game has been removed with new update (book of monsters, book of weapons, trials, hunters bio).”
    • “The story feels more like a random assortment of ideas thrown together than a serious attempt at a compelling narrative.”
  • music
    2,249 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    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. The main menu music is particularly highlighted as a standout feature, often described as catchy and memorable, enhancing the overall experience of the game. However, some players express disappointment with recent changes to the music, longing for previous tracks that contributed to the game's unique vibe.

    • “It's a great game, a great experience, and the soundtrack is superb.”
    • “The music by Port Sulphur band is phenomenal.”
    • “The haunting soundtrack complements the grim atmosphere, immersing players in the eerie world of bounty hunting.”
    • “It's an endless parade of events, busywork challenges, DLC, heaps of weapons with meaningless distinctions, layers upon layers of menus, cringe menu music complete with crooning lyrics, lag, and rendering issues.”
    • “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.”
  • monetization
    2,064 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of "Hunt: Showdown" has drawn significant criticism from players, who feel that the game has shifted towards aggressive and predatory practices, reminiscent of free-to-play models despite being a paid title. Many reviews highlight the intrusive nature of in-game advertisements, the overwhelming presence of microtransactions for cosmetic items, and the introduction of battle passes, which detract from the overall gameplay experience. While some players acknowledge that the monetization is primarily cosmetic and not pay-to-win, the general sentiment is that the focus on monetization has overshadowed the game's original appeal and quality, leading to frustration within the community.

    • “The monetization in this game is not even close to other live-service games, such as Overwatch (yes, I have a problem), and there are no pay-to-win mechanics.”
    • “The monetization method is generous and cosmetic centered.”
    • “The monetization is fair.”
    • “It has become clear to me that whoever is in charge clearly cares more about monetization via the game's battle pass and everlong DLC than fixing recurring and new problems that the community, in some cases, have been begging to have fixed for years.”
    • “The constant monetization and in-your-face shop discounts make it feel more like a mobile or free-to-play game rather than the intense and atmospheric experience it used to be.”
    • “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.”
  • grinding
    1,054 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with players describing it as tedious, frustrating, and overly time-consuming. Many reviews highlight the cumbersome user interface and convoluted progression systems that make character management and loadout selection feel like a chore, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game. Additionally, the introduction of grind-heavy events and battle passes has led to a perception that the game prioritizes monetization over player experience, making it feel more like a job than a fun gaming experience.

    • “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.”
    • “It's not grindy and simulation-focused like Tarkov, but it is extraction-based, and vastly more detailed, tactical, and intense than typical FPS fare.”
    • “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.”
    • “No amount of grinding will give you the BB you need to purchase stuff.”
    • “The menu is so tedious, annoying, 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.”
  • humor
    971 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in "Hunt: Showdown" is a mixed bag, often stemming from the chaotic gameplay and the unpredictable interactions between players. Many users find the game's bugs and glitches amusing, leading to hilarious moments, especially during proximity voice chat where players engage in banter or unexpected alliances. While some aspects, like the poorly received UI changes, are described as "hilariously bad," the overall experience is often characterized by a blend of tension and laughter, making it a fun game to play with friends despite its flaws.

    • “If you’re into chaotic, heart-pounding action with a side of dark humor, this game is your new best friend!”
    • “Hunt: showdown, developed by Crytek, is a side-splittingly hilarious game that combines intense monster hunting, chaotic gunfights, and a whole lot of terrified screaming.”
    • “The natural ebb and flow of the gameplay means that it is especially well suited to playing with friends, and the community has a great sense of humor.”
    • “Not funny anymore.”
    • “This breaks the game, and makes it not funny to play.”
    • “Crack open your sparkling wine and have a happy 1 year of this appalling game... so far under par it's not funny.”
  • replayability
    576 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game boasts exceptional replayability, with many players highlighting its unique mechanics, diverse weaponry, and procedural generation that ensure no two matches are alike. The combination of PvPvE elements, a high skill ceiling, and a rewarding progression system contributes to an engaging experience that keeps players coming back for more. While some users note potential for content fatigue over time, the overall consensus is that the game offers near-infinite replay value, making it a standout in the shooter genre.

    • “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 for this game is that the quantity of replayability is quite minimal.”
    • “In the distant future, new maps are a must in order to keep the game replayable for more than 20 hours (only 1 map as of now).”
  • emotional
    299 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of "Hunt: Showdown" is a significant draw for players, often described as a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Many express deep attachment to their hunters, making their loss feel heartbreaking, while the game's intense gameplay elicits a range of emotions from joy to frustration. Despite its flaws, players find themselves returning for the thrill and emotional investment, highlighting the game's ability to evoke strong feelings and create memorable experiences.

    • “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 is one of the few games that I've played that calls for true emotional investment while delivering massively on entertainment and fun.”
  • character development
    100 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is noted for its impressive visual design and atmosphere, with many reviewers praising the unique and detailed character designs that enhance immersion. However, there are criticisms regarding the lack of substantial character progression and depth, with some players feeling that the character development system is too simplistic. Overall, while the aesthetic and thematic elements of character design are highly regarded, the gameplay mechanics related to character growth leave room for improvement.

    • “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.”
    • “Amazing character design, the look and feel of the hunters and their tools/weapons is really amazing.”
    • “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.”
    • “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 Ghost Face, 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.”
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150h Median play time
505h Average play time
17-750h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 1,147 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Hunt: Showdown is a survival shooter game with horror theme.

Hunt: Showdown is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and others.

On average players spend around 505 hours playing Hunt: Showdown.

Hunt: Showdown was released on August 27, 2019.

Hunt: Showdown was developed by Crytek Frankfurt.

Hunt: Showdown has received mostly positive reviews from both players and critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its optimization.

Hunt: Showdown is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include The Cycle, Delta Force, Battlefield 6, Halo Infinite, Rogue Company and others.