Crytek has unveiled a significant update to its survival shooter, Hunt: Showdown, rebranding it as Hunt: Showdown 1896. This relaunch not only introduces a new map set in the picturesque Rocky Mountains of Colorado but also implements a comprehensive technological upgrade, transitioning the game to CryEngine 5.11. This evolution comes after a period of growing demand for enhanced performance and visual fidelity, particularly as the game has evolved since its early access debut in February 2018.
In a conversation with Crytek’s general manager, David Fifield, he expressed the necessity for a technological revamp, noting that the previous iterations struggled under the weight of new effects, such as rain. “If we’re going to keep doing stuff like this, we have to raise our min spec, and we need to go to the new engine,” Fifield remarked, highlighting the urgency for an upgrade.
Technological Overhaul and User Experience Challenges
The transition to the new engine brings a host of improvements, as detailed in a recent press release:
- A significant enhancement in visual fidelity, with upgrades across textures, lighting, environments, and animations.
- Upgraded to DirectX 12, resulting in improved graphical performance and higher frame rates.
- A new light cache system and specular tracing for multi-bounce Global Illumination, offering richer lighting and depth to environmental visuals.
- Advanced water and hair shaders that enhance realism, making rivers and character features more lifelike.
- Integration of DLSS and FSR technologies for a performance boost, delivering sharper graphics and higher frame rates.
- Enhanced CrySpatial audio for improved clarity and immersion in the gaming experience.
This “drastic leap” in both visual and audio fidelity accompanies the introduction of a new biome, a live event titled Scorched Earth, and a variety of new gameplay elements, including non-boss monsters, a roaming boss known as the Hellborn, and an array of period firearms and melee weapons. The newly designed map, Mammon’s Gulch, offers a vibrant alpine setting that contrasts sharply with the previous swampy terrains.
However, the update has not been universally embraced. Following the launch, user reviews on Steam have taken a downturn, shifting from a solidly positive consensus to “Mostly Negative.” This shift marks a notable increase in negative feedback, with many players voicing concerns over bugs, gameplay mechanics such as bullet drop, and the presentation of in-game advertisements. Some of the most vocal critics are long-time players, whose extensive experience may color their perceptions of the changes.
While the intent behind the update was to attract new players, it raises questions about the balance between catering to seasoned veterans and welcoming newcomers. Fifield previously emphasized that Crytek does not plan to replace Hunt: Showdown with a sequel, suggesting that players will need to adapt to the new version. Although the idea of allowing players to revert certain aspects of the 1896 build could appease some critics, implementing such changes poses significant challenges.
In response to the feedback, Crytek’s development team is actively engaging with the community, acknowledging the need for a more intuitive user interface. “We’re focused on balancing simplicity with functionality,” a representative stated, assuring players that they will continue to refine the UI based on player feedback.
For those interested in experiencing the revamped game, it will be available for free from August 15th to 19th, providing an opportunity to explore the new features and enhancements firsthand.