Hunt: Showdown 1896 launched on August 15, 2024, as a relaunch for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. It brought the hunt from the Louisiana bayou to Colorado, introduced the Mammon’s Gulch map, moved the game to CRYENGINE 5.11, and refreshed its presentation, interface, and controls. The change also ended support for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Crytek announced these changes and console performance targets; the figures below are publisher claims, not independently tested results.
At a glance: the main changes
| Area | What changed in the August 15, 2024 relaunch |
|---|---|
| Setting and map | The setting shifted from the Louisiana bayou to Colorado, beginning with Mammon’s Gulch, a map with 16 compounds among mountain peaks and ravines. |
| Technology and presentation | The game moved to CRYENGINE 5.11. Crytek described upgrades to visuals, lighting, textures, animation, audio, rendering, and performance; the announcements do not provide an independent before-and-after measurement. |
| Gameplay additions | Launch content included the Hellborn Wild Target and the Scorched Earth event, with weapons and Bear Traps among the event additions Crytek listed. |
| Interface and controls | Crytek announced a new UI/UX design and controller improvements. |
| Platforms | The relaunch was for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One support ended. |
Why was it called Hunt: Showdown 1896?
The new name marked what Crytek called a new era for the game, rather than a wholly separate sequel. The relaunch placed the hunt in Colorado in 1896, replacing the Louisiana bayou as the setting for its first new map of this era. Crytek announced the game was out on PC and current-generation consoles on August 15, 2024. Crytek’s launch announcement describes the release as the start of a new era.
What did Mammon’s Gulch add?
Mammon’s Gulch brought the hunters to a mountainous Colorado landscape of peaks and ravines. Crytek said the map contains 16 compounds. Its more vertical terrain creates different sightlines and vantage points from the flatter bayou environment, changing how players approach movement and fights. Crytek’s map announcement gives the compound count and describes the biome.
What new gameplay content arrived?
The launch package included the Hellborn, a new Wild Target, and the Scorched Earth event. Crytek also listed the 1865 Carbine, Infantry 73L rifle and sniper variant, and Bear Traps among the event additions. These were part of the relaunch-era content; they should not be mistaken for a complete inventory of everything added to the game since then.
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#1 Best Overall
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How did the engine, graphics, audio, and performance change?
The relaunch moved Hunt: Showdown to CRYENGINE 5.11. Crytek described broader improvements to textures, lighting, animation, audio design, rendering, and overall performance. Those are publisher descriptions of the upgrade, not quantified results from an independent benchmark; the announcements cited here do not establish a measured before-and-after comparison. Crytek’s launch announcement and relaunch details describe the technical changes.
Crytek’s stated console targets
Crytek announced native 4K at 60 FPS for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and 2K at 60 FPS for Xbox Series S. These are Crytek’s stated targets for the relaunch, not independently verified performance results. They should not be read as a guarantee of current performance after subsequent updates. Crytek’s map and platform announcement lists the targets.
Rank #2
- Award-Winning Strategy: 2007 Games Magazine Game of the Year winner delivers proven strategic depth and competitive gameplay that keeps players engaged across multiple playthroughs
- Outbid Your Opponents: Compete with three to five players using dynamic bidding mechanics to secure the best contractors and build the most famous hotel and casino on the Las Vegas strip
- Stunning Vegas Artwork: Beautiful art design and graphic elements create an immersive entertainment theme with luxury casino aesthetics that elevate your game night experience
- Adapt Your Plans: Event cards introduce strategic twists that force you to adjust tactics and react to changing conditions throughout the seventy-five minute gameplay
- Perfect for Adults: Strategic board game designed for ages fourteen and up with engaging gameplay that appeals to experienced gamers seeking intellectual challenge and social connection at game nights
What changed on console?
PlayStation 4 and Xbox One support ended on August 15, 2024. The relaunch was available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S instead. Crytek announced that eligible players could upgrade at no added cost to the corresponding current-generation console and carry over purchases and progress. That describes the transition policy Crytek announced at launch, not a guarantee about present-day store or account-transfer conditions. Crytek’s relaunch announcement and console transition information cover the platform change.
Did the interface and controls change?
Crytek announced a redesigned UI/UX and controller improvements as part of the relaunch. In 2025, the company said Update 2.4 addressed more than 100 UI issues. That number is Crytek’s reported issue count, not an independent measure of usability or proof that every interface concern was resolved. Crytek’s Update 2.4 announcement reports the figure.
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Rank #3
- Match based pvpve: climb up the ranks and stand your ground against the best players 20-40 minutes of playtime per session
- tactical sandbox: chose your own playing style and solve problems you encounter your way.
- open, highly replay able maps: use tools, tactics and a feature rich environment to turn the odds in your favour.
- High tension survival gameplay: fight over bounty against other hunter teams in a world full of challenging AI.
- High risk/ High rewards: gamble with your life. Earn rewards and upgrades vs. The fear of losing your character forever.
Did the older maps return at launch?
No. Crytek described the original maps as returning after overhauls, so the August 2024 relaunch should not be treated as including every previous map on day one. A later announcement about DeSalle described work on lighting, textures, terrain, and vegetation, alongside gameplay revisions to paths, sightlines, and entry points. Crytek’s relaunch map announcement discussed the planned return, while its DeSalle update announcement described that map’s revisions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Was the 1896 relaunch the end of major changes?
No. August 2024 was a milestone in an ongoing game, not a final feature set. Crytek’s June 2026 Road to Hell announcement documents later content and inventory changes. Features and platform details from the relaunch therefore describe what changed at that point, not everything the game includes today.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- New, fun, and innovative way to play
- Fun for the whole family
- More than just roll the dice and follow the instructions
- It's never the same game twice
- Hours of excitement and fun
Rank #4
- WWII Battle Of The Bulge Action
- Solitaire
- Complexity: Low
- Next Design In The Valiant Defense Series
- Plays in 60 - 75 minutes
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