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Hunt: Showdown Leaves PS4 and Xbox One Behind With Free Next-Gen Update

Crytek has announced a significant update for Hunt: Showdown that will see the end of support for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of the game, as it prepares to launch a major free next-gen upgrade. Set to go live on August 15, this update marks a pivotal moment for the game, bringing a host of enhancements and new content for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S players.

A Significant Relaunch

Hunt: Showdown is a tense multiplayer first-person shooter where players must survive against each other while hunting mythical monsters. Crytek is treating August 15 as a “significant relaunch” of the game, originally launched in Early Access on Steam in February 2018, before coming to Xbox in 2019 and PS4 in 2020.

"After this is live and running natively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, you will no longer be able to play at all on the older generations of consoles and will need to upgrade." - David Fifield, Crytek

Next-Gen Enhancements

The upcoming update for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S includes:
- New Map and Biome: Fresh hunting grounds to explore and conquer.
- CryEngine 5.11 Upgrade: Enhancements in graphics and performance.
- Performance Improvements: Upgrades for both PC and console versions.
- New UI/UX Design: A revamped user interface for a better player experience.

Transition Details

Crytek has assured players that all player accounts, entitlements, and DLCs will carry over to the next-gen versions for free. This means that when players upgrade their hardware, they can continue their progress without any loss.

"Affected Hunt: Showdown players are being offered a free upgrade to the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S version from August 15."

Community Engagement and Future Updates

Crytek is committed to keeping the community informed about the upcoming changes. In the months leading up to the update, the developer will share detailed information through various channels. Here’s what players can expect:

• Community Surveys and Lessons Learned: Insights from player feedback and how it shapes future events.
• Sneak Peek into New UX/UI Design: Early looks at the redesigned interface.
• Technological Upgrades: Detailed explanations of performance improvements via CryEngine 5.11.
• Fair Play Task Force Update: Measures to combat cheating, exploitive play, and toxic interactions.
• Hunter Recruitment and Prestige System Changes: Evolutions in game mechanics, including hunter revival, health chunks, and more.

"Crytek is 'very committed' to sharing more about the update ahead of its launch, and the studio is set to air a series of videos over the coming months to do just that."

Looking Ahead

In addition to the updates for Hunt: Showdown, Crytek is also developing Crysis 4, which was announced in 2022. Although no release window has been provided, this sequel is highly anticipated by fans of the franchise.

"Crytek is also working on first-person shooter sequel Crysis 4, announced in 2022 but without a release window."

Conclusion

The August 15 update for Hunt: Showdown represents a major leap forward, bringing the game to a new level on next-gen consoles. While the end of support for PS4 and Xbox One might disappoint some, the free upgrade ensures that players can continue their journey on the latest hardware with enhanced features and performance. Crytek's dedication to improving the game and engaging with the community promises an exciting future for Hunt: Showdown players.

Stay tuned for more updates as Crytek prepares to launch this significant relaunch and continues to develop new content for the Hunt: Showdown community.