Hunt: Showdown is officially out on the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Players from both platforms will soon be hopping into the dreadful Louisianna bayou. PC players have had access to this "kind of" battle royale for some time.
Crytek has announced cross-play would come to the console platforms, but there is no word about the PC. Regardless of the platform you play on, Hunt: Showdown is an extremely difficult game. Mechanics such as permadeath make it hard for new players to enter the fray... unless they follow these tips, that is.
10 Sound Is Crucial
Both maps in Hunt: Showdown are full of things that will scream, shout, nay, ring, explode, and more. Each of these sounds can be heard from great distances, which can lead to your position being compromised. New players need to watch their surroundings and avoid sound as much as possible.
Crows, horses, chicken coops, dog pins, broken glass, and hanging bottles are just a few things that can give off a sound. Crows can be heard from really far away and can even tell the direction you are going as they fly away in the opposite direction you are walking. The Beastface trait reduces the distance of disturbing animal sound queues.
9 Always Bring A Melee Weapon
Hunt: Showdown is full of various weapons, tools, and equipment. One of the most vital weapons or tools in the game is a melee weapon. A melee weapon such as a knife or dusters will help you eliminate NPCs much quietly. It is also more effective than using the stock of a gun.
There are a handful of options when it comes to selecting a melee weapon. The most standard is simply the knife. It is perfect for eliminating grunts, and armored are also weak to the piercing damage. However, a knife is not great against immolators as the pierce causes them to erupt in flames. Use blunt weapons on these creatures.
8 Use Fire At Your Will
Fire is an effective mechanic in Hunt: Showdown. It appears as oil barrels, lanterns, consumables, and regularly in the environment. If a player is caught on fire, then their health will begin to burn away. If any bar of health is completely burned away, then it is gone for the rest of the game.
So, it is a very powerful weapon against downed hunters. Fire is how a downed enemy is "thirsted." Fire is also super effective against the Spider bounty and numerous NPCs. Players can also shoot lanterns above dog kennels and chicken coops to eliminate those sound threats.
7 Use NPCs To Your Advantage
Hunt: Showdown is so unique because it is a player versus player versus environment game. That means the world is scattered with NPCs that are also wanting to kill you. NPCs are triggered by proximity or sound. Use them to your advantage when you are preparing to defend during the banishing phase.
Once you enter a compound, try to keep a variety of NPCs alive. When enemy players approach, they may trigger the NPCs which have their own sound queue. It will also provide a good distraction for you to place a bullet into their head. You can also use them in a simple firefight. Shoot an immolator to catch an enemy on fire or attract some hellhounds for a nice bite.
6 Track Your Kill Count
Each match of Hunt: Showdown has at least 12 players. These 12 players can be comprised of single, duo, or trio player teams. The match may also not have a full roster. However, it is important players keep track of their kills. Doing so can help players gauge how many enemy hunters are left.
It is also important to count the amount of bodies players discover. Enemy hunters' bodies do not disappear when killed, so players can add them to their cont as well. Again, not every match will have 12 players, but it is important to keep count, so you know when to stay vigilant and when you are safe.
5 Play With Free Hunters
Hunt: Showdown is all about gaining more money for better weapons, equipment, and hunters. If you find yourself losing hunters constantly, then the free hunters are a great option. Players are offered a free hunter with each reshuffle, and they only feature contraband weapons and gear. Contraband cannot be sold.
Free hunters are a great way to save money and provide players with less stress if they lose them. Players are welcome to give their free hunters better weapons, but that leads to more spending. For those of you who barely have any money, free hunters are about your only option when it comes to Bounty Hunt.
4 Play Quickplay
If you are running low on money and tired of free hunters, then quickplay is a great option. Quickplay is a solo only mode where players are given a free hunter with no equipment and weapons. Weapons, consumables, and tools are scattered around the map for players to use.
Players need to collect four rifts to activate what is known as the Wellspring. The first hunter to collect four rifts will activate the Wellspring and its timer. Enemy hunters are alerted to their position and must kill them to take control. The hunter to win the quickplay match will be able to recruit their hunter and all the picked-up items for free.
3 Find A Friend To Join You
Hunt: Showdown is so much better with a friend. A random is okay, too, but having a friend to play with will make the experience better. You both can learn from each other and tackle the bayou together. Plus, you have better synergy than some random.
You can also find a third friend to have a team of three. Hunt: Showdown supports solos, duos, and trios. However, if you go into a game by yourself, then you are thrown into matches with at least teams of two. So, find a friend to join you on your journey through the swamp.
2 Use External Voice Communication
Hunt Showdown does have in-game voice communication, but its a curse and a blessing. Communication is key in Hunt: Showdown, as it helps players tell each other where enemy hunters are and NPCs. If you are playing with a random, then voice chat is the way to go.
Unfortunately, in-game voice chat may be the cause of your death. Hunt implements proximity chat, so enemy hunters may be able to hear your conversation. This can lead them to locate and to ambush your team. So, maybe stick to Discord.
1 Have A Well-Rounded Team
There is a wide variety of weapons in Hunt: Showdown. They range from short-range shotguns to high-powered rifles. There are also crossbows, bomb lances, calvary swords, and so much more. With so many weapons, it can be hard to choose what to take.
So, players should work with their team to decide what exactly they should take. If your partner is running a Sparks LRR, then maybe you should go for something medium to short-range. This will help you become more effective in the bayou and face off against enemy teams.