After the shooter Hunt: Showdown was able to set a new player record on Steam in March, it has now been broken again. Over 34,000 people are currently playing the game simultaneously – and that only on Steam. The reason is the new update “Light the Shadow,” but not only that.
This is how Hunt looks on Steam: In August, Hunt: Showdown had an average of 11,601 players on Steam (via steamcharts.com). At its peak, there were even 34,248 players – a new high since the release in 2018.
Hunt: Showdown now has almost double the number of players compared to June. Back then, up to 17,715 hunters played simultaneously. A similar number was only reached with the new boss Scrapbeak in March and April.
The recent reviews are “very positive” with 84% positive votes from 2,576 reviews. This is actually 1% better than the overall rating.
However, the player numbers do not include players from Xbox and PlayStation. The absolute number is therefore even higher – and the reason is likely the new event “Light the Shadow.”
What kind of update is this? On Wednesday, August 25, the new event “Light the Shadow” started, which had already been announced with numerous teasers. The event brought many balance changes but also new content that fans have wanted to see for quite some time.
By the way, there is a 50% discount on Hunt: Showdown on Steam for the event. You can currently get the game for €19.99 (via Steam).
New weapons, new traits – and new maps before that
This is what the update includes: With “Light the Shadow,” many new contents were added to the game. The most important ones are summarized here for you:
- 2 new weapons, the hunting bow and the throwing axe
- 4 new legendary hunters (special skins)
- new legendary weapon skins
- 3 new traits for your hunters
Since the bow was shown in a teaser, the community has been eager to see it in action. Additionally, there is a new time of day, “sunset.” You can now also play in twilight on all 3 maps of Hunt: Showdown, which could influence the use of certain tools or weapons.
In addition, the namesake event “Light the Shadow” has started, where you can earn special event currency. With this, you can unlock skins or earn money in-game to purchase equipment. You can read more about it in the official patch notes (via Steam).
The event runs until September 22. However, features such as the weapons can still be obtained afterwards.
Is the number only due to the update? “Light the Shadow” has definitely contributed to the record being set. However, the new map DeSalle has already been a cornerstone for activating new and especially old players.
The fact that the game enjoys such great popularity is also due to the game itself.
What is Hunt: Showdown anyway?
Hunt: Showdown is considered a hidden gem and, with its gameplay, is one of the absolutely unique video games. Similar to a battle royale, you start alone or as a team of up to three players in the round.
However, you are not empty-handed; instead, you equip your hunter in advance with weapons or search for them on the map. The goal is to collect bounties from particularly tough monsters and bring them out of the dangerous area.
During this, other hunters can ambush you at any time and seize the bounty. Hunt is especially known for its difficulty; aiming with the “old” weapons from the 19th century is rather challenging, mistakes are harshly punished, and shots are quick to be fatal.
Upon death, you may lose carried items and even the hunter himself, which, however, is not particularly alarming after a few rounds. Loss is part of the game, and nothing is irreplaceable.
After the last major update, MeinMMO author and avid Hunt player Mark Sellner explained, why you should start playing Hunt Showdown right now. If you did not heed the advice back then, you can now jump directly into a special event with “Light the Shadow.”
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