Important takeaways
- Extracting the bounty and surviving to the extract requires patience and strategy to outsmart the enemy hunters.
- Use custom ammo and carry melee weapons to effectively clear enemies while remaining silent to avoid attracting attention.
- Pay attention to spawn locations, watch out for loot and buy traits to improve gameplay and gain advantages in tough fights.
From being dropped into the Bayou to extracting the first bounty, Hunt: Showdown 1896 provides creepy creatures and deadly environments that keep the tension high. It's a race between hunters to grab the prize and escape before being overrun by enemies.
Even with gripping gameplay, the ways of the Bayou can be difficult to master. As you explore ruins and swamps and battle both humans and creatures, only the best will make it out alive. Fortunately, Hunt: Showdown equips you with the best weapons and gear a hunter could ask for, but how you use them is entirely up to you.
Updated on October 3, 2024 by Drew Ferguson:Hunt: Showdown has become Hunt: Showdown 1896, and many things have changed! There's a brand new map, many weapons work very differently, and the meta has seen some shakeups. Surviving the hunt is as exciting and difficult as ever, and a few more tips can help you go that much further.
15 Dark Vision And Bounty Carriers
Once you've managed to secure the reward, you've got a new job; survive to the extract. You've suddenly become the main character in a game where that's generally a bad thing, and everyone will be fighting for what you have. Fortunately, having the bounty token gives you a distinct advantage; you can see where enemy hunters are in Dark Sight, up to 150 meters.
Unfortunately, this bonus only lasts for five seconds of Dark Sight time, so make it count. It's worth using a second to start with to check the scenery, then only use it sparingly when you're sure something must have changed. If you want more bad news, this means that every hunter on the map can see your location, either by checking the map for lightning or by going into Dark Sight. But theirs is a little less accurate than yours, and doesn't allow them to pinpoint your location exactly.
14 Keep an eye on your money
Everything you use in Hunt: Showdown 1896 costs Hunt Dollars. These Hunt Dollars aren't too hard to come by, but by the same token, many items in the game cost a hefty sum. Keep an eye on how much your charge is costing and consider recouping some of your losses on a free Hunter if you're running low.
An easy way to deal with this is by bringing in fresh hunters with little gear and then slowly equipping them with each extraction they make. They will earn money by investigating clues and mining with tokens, and that money can go towards upgrading them. It ensures that you don't spend what you haven't and prevents you from getting into dire straits.
13 Be patient
Hunt: Showdown is different from many other shooters out there. Whoever coined the term “Patience is a virtue” must have simply been a huge Hunt fan, and they're undoubtedly right. Running around the Hunt with no regard for what's around will end up with you dead from someone you had no idea was there.
Instead, if you had been patient, you might have heard that little sound alerting you to their presence. Often a fight in Hunt is won within the first few seconds because one team was more attentive than the other. Be the team that wins that fight, and not the team that gets looted.
While not all of your matches will have an extra RV, you will have some coming. They will be set up around a karraige or steamer that is meant to take you to better seas, but if you get caught by the extra campsites it will take you across the River Styx instead.
If the enemy hunters are too close to that hatch when you get there, you'll be alerted to their presence by either the horses getting restless and neighing, or the steamer's whistle blowing. If that happens, you probably won't have the advantage in a fight where the enemy has established their positions and you've just arrived. Sometimes you have to take the fight anyway, and in that case explosives can help push them out of their position(s).
11 Bring custom ammo
Almost every weapon in Hunt can give custom ammo as opposed to standard, and knowing what custom ammo does will make a huge difference in your score, especially in PvP. Most custom ammo excels in a particular situation, but comes with a downside. Understand both of these, and you will understand when you want to use it.
Some ammo is definitely more useful than others, but rarely is any custom ammo useless; some only have very narrow use cases. Some of the most useful special ammo, especially for fighting enemy hunters, are Dumdum, High Velocity if you're fighting at longer ranges, and FMJ if you want the ability to shoot through walls.
10 Play to the goal
The objective in Hunt: Showdown seems simple: gather clues, kill the target, collect the reward and escape. In reality, there's a lot more to think about, including other players and dangerous creatures that get in the way.
These factors can quickly distract you from the main objective, making it easy for other players to sneak in and grab the reward before you've discovered it. Focusing on the main objective will not only give you the most experience at the end of the match, but is also the best way to familiarize yourself with the game's environment.
9 Use melee weapons to clear adds
Hunt: Showdown is filled with all kinds of deadly enemies ready to take down the first hunter that crosses their path. Fighting them is inevitable, so it's best if done right. A gun takes out enemies quickly and from afar, but the sound will draw other hunters to your position.
Using a knife or other melee weapon will get the job done quickly and easily without making noise for other players to follow. If you don't bring a knife, don't worry; the maps will have tons of melee weapons for you to pick up and use. Clearing lairs quietly will make a nice path to bounty and give you some extra experience on the side.
8 Special enemies will not die easily
While it can be easy to deal with add-ons, some special enemies can be found that damage in particular ways. Some are much stronger than others, so it's important to learn when it's better to avoid them instead of risking a fight.
Some enemies will need to be killed in specific ways; otherwise, they will become a greater danger to you than other players. Special enemies can be identified by their physical characteristics; they may be different in size, make certain sounds or move differently. Keeping an eye out for these creatures can make travel safer and easier.
7 Don't be afraid to fight
Engaging with other players can seem daunting at first. The risk of losing a hunter to a much more experienced player can easily discourage you from seeking out fights. While you might be tempted to hide in the game's overgrown environment, battling other players is the best way to get a feel for the game's combat.
There is no set way to approach fights; some groups are waiting for others to take the first shot while the rest will rush in, ready for a battle. Engaging in PvP can help you learn your preferences while allowing you to explore the best areas and positions to fight. Not only that, but you get a good amount of experience every time you take out an enemy hunter as well.
6 Try different weapons
It's hard to create intense fights if you don't have the right weapons. Thankfully, Hunt: Showdown comes with a whole host of them. From shotguns to crossbows, there are tons of weapon types to try.
There is a good chance that each game will be completely different; some will have a lot of fuss while others will have none. Sticking to one weapon type will limit how the game can be played. By testing weapons, you can discover new ways to play, whether it's finding a new love for ranged combat or an enjoyment for the thrill of close encounters.
5 Buy traits when you level up
After extracting, a hunter will level up depending on your performance. With these levels you can earn points to buy traits. Traits are a great way to improve gameplay and can give you an advantage during tough fights.
Some features will cost more than others, but they will also be more useful. Some will help you during combat, while others help with recovery and stamina. Be sure to read through and choose the traits that will be most useful during the match.
It's important to bring the right tools on any adventure and Hunt: Showdown is no different. The most important thing you need is a first aid kit to heal yourself during fights. There are many other items you can then bring with you, depending on how you want to play.
When starting out, it's a good idea to bring a range of items with you to learn how and when they can be used. Items like firebombs are more useful during fights, but if stealth is more your thing, then a knife or some vitality shots for stamina are better options.
3 Watch out for things that make noise
Audio is a huge aspect of Hunt: Showdown and can make or break a game. Many things can generate noise, including flocks of crows, broken glass and simply running. Making noise can give away your position to other players, so keep an eye out if you want to stay hidden.
On the other hand, sound is a great way to find other players and targets. If a team finds a target quickly, they will make a lot of noise trying to fight it. It allows other players to find the objective without collecting all the clues. If you're already in an area, listening for footsteps or disturbed animals is an easy way to tell when an enemy team is approaching.
2 Keep an eye out for loot
While there isn't much loot to be found in the Bayou, the rare find can be extremely useful when you're in a tight spot. Around the map you can find ammo boxes that can come in handy during long fights. There are also melee weapons, lanterns, and various traps that you can use to secure a building and protect yourself from incoming enemies. Using traps in doorways or on stairs can catch enemies when they least expect it.
After a successful fight, be sure to loot the enemy hunters as well. There's a good chance their weapons are better, so keep an eye out for where enemies land when you kill them. Be careful if their bodies are still out in the open, as you will be in danger if other players are out looking for you.
1 Spawn locations matter
When entering the Bayou, hunters always spawn along the edge of the map. Although the locations are random, they can be extremely useful when planning your route.
Players will always spawn near a POI and an extraction point. Normally, the nearest POI will contain a clue, so be aware that other players may also move to the same location. Since everyone is playing on the edge of the map, you can point out the general direction they can come from. It's an easy way to keep an eye out for enemies while looking for clues and loot.
