Hunter’s Arena will not just be a new battle royale game, but aims to impress with unique elements. That’s why MOBA elements find their way into the title and the battles play out similarly to the beat ’em up Tekken.
What is Hunter’s Arena? The title, which was previously known as Project W – not to be confused with the game that Bluehole and Kakao Games are working on – uses Unreal Engine 4 to make the battles particularly spectacular. The battle royale principle is also present here, but with some adjustments:
- You are on a map that is about half the size of Sanhok from PUBG.
- Up to 50 players fight against each other on the map.
- Close combat is the focus. There seem to be no ranged weapons.
- There are additional game modes, including a 1:1 duel, tag team, and a PvE mode.
- The title is initially set to be released for PC. Releases for PS4, Xbox One, and smartphones are planned.
A MOBA Battle Royale with Tekken-style fights
What makes the game special? Hunter’s Mode aims to make the fights special and also introduces MOBA elements.
- On the map, you not only fight against other players. Monsters, similar to those in League of Legends (LoL), roam around, making life difficult for you.
- If you defeat monsters, you earn EXP, which you use to upgrade your hero. This is reminiscent of the Shadow Arena from Black Desert Online.
- Close combat is compared to Tekken, as you can perform combo attacks.
- The more hits you land, the faster an “Ultimate” ability charges up.
- Hiding plays a crucial role, allowing you to ambush enemies from bushes.
- You can jump down from cliffs onto your opponents.
- In the PvE mode, you face wave after wave of enemies.
Fresh wind for the genre?
What has been shown so far? During the Game Developers Conference, Mantisco showcased the 1:1 mode of Hunter’s Arena. There wasn’t enough time for more, so it’s hard to say how the battle royale mode plays with all the new features.
The focus on close combat, the Tekken-like combat system, and the MOBA elements could bring fresh wind to the genre.
When does the game launch? A closed beta is planned for April, but initially only in South Korea. It’s unknown what business model the developer studio Mantisco will use for Hunter’s Arena.
