A few days ago, the closed alpha test of Hunt: Showdown started on PC. You go monster hunting like in Monster Hunter World. However, it is set in a horror scenario where you also have to fight against other players. We provide you with the most important information along with the trailer and targeted release.
Hunt: Showdown is a competitive multiplayer shooter that cleverly combines PvE and PvP elements, allowing players to go monster hunting in a sandbox world. Per match, up to ten players fight together in teams or solo for the trophy: against the vile creatures, but also against other players. The other up to four teams also want the trophy – and they will stop at nothing.
During E3 2017, the first-person title from Crytek appeared for the first time, hinting at a mix of Monster Hunter World, Left4Dead, and Evolve with a splash of Lovecraft. Currently, Hunt: Showdown is in closed alpha, and those who are lucky enough may still snag a spot by registering on the official site.
Coop multiplayer is optional
In the game set in 1889 somewhere in Louisiana, you work as a bounty hunter and are supposed to send all the horrors to hell. At the beginning of each match, upon accepting the mission – that is, the monster to hunt – you must decide whether to go hunting alone or with one to three teammates.
Both the many smaller monsters and the particularly nasty bosses that have the bounty on their heads are quite disgusting. They seem to have sprung directly from the worst horror movies and are intent on taking the players’ lives.
By the way, it is unfortunately not only the monsters, mutants, and beasts themselves that want to get you: the other up to four teams are no friends and will do everything to grab the bounty for themselves. In total, a maximum of ten players are knee-deep in the swamp at the start in up to five groups. So you are never really alone, even if you decide not to join any group. You not only have to defeat the monsters, but in the end, also the other teams.
Precision over mindless shooting
Unlike many other games of this genre, Hunt: Showdown does not rely on abundant action and speed. What is allowed is what could approximately have been done by a person in that century. You cannot jump endlessly far, but rather plod somewhat clumsily through the dead grass.
The weapons are also correspondingly old-fashioned, and recoil as well as reloading make life difficult as a bounty hunter. At least you can still hit pretty hard with your own fists or melee weapons.
However, sometimes it is indeed necessary to act quietly and in secrecy. Stealth and attentive listening are often appropriate – especially since you would already be hiding behind a rock or a bush at the sight of one or another monster.
Those who are killed are truly dead
If a character dies during a game, they not only lose match progress, but the character itself is also lost. The experience points are then transferred to the “bloodline.” From there, the player can transfer them to their other hunters. However, if the character survives a match, they can be equipped with new abilities.
Survive at any cost! It is not a game for the faint of heart. Behind every dirty, shadowy corner, the final death may lurk. You simply never know where all the many enemies are hiding…
Release and forecast for Hunt: Showdown
Meanwhile, the closed alpha is still running, for which you can register on the website of Hunt: Showdown . After an unspecified period, the game will then be available on Steam’s Early Access program, waiting for undaunted players. This phase is expected to last about a year. So a release is not expected until 2019. Versions for PS4 and Xbox One have not yet been firmly planned.
Guddy says: I find the dark setting with Lovecraftian creatures exciting, and it creates a wonderful symbiosis with the gameplay. Hunt: Showdown promises to be oppressive and immersive. The fact that you cannot rely solely on your aiming accuracy, but must also act tactically, quietly, and in secrecy, greatly interests me. I am curious how the game will develop during the alpha and early access.
What do you think? Does it make it onto your imaginary “To Remember!” list?
Amazon is also currently working on a horror title with an older setting
