By 
The new update is here and looks great.
Having recently celebrated welcoming its 10 millionth player, Crytek launches Post Malone’s Murder Circus Encore today, a massive in-game Event to its acclaimed extraction shooter, Hunt: Showdown 1896. The Event, in collaboration with 9x Diamond Certified artist and avid Hunt superfan Post Malone, plunges the bayou back into a reign of carnivalesque terror. The Event arrives alongside the comprehensive Update 2.6, delivering a wealth of new content, long-requested features, and extensive game improvements. Post Malone’s Murder Circus Encore is live now on PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S. The Event will run until February 9th 2026.
The stage is set for a new chaotic struggle. The former Ringmaster, portrayed by Post Malone, has been reborn as the brutal Disciple of Death, seeking to reclaim his Corrupted domain. With the key to his victory—the fabled HelioStone artifact—still lost, Hunters are drawn into a fresh conflict where old foes and new alliances collide.
Introducing Story Challenges and Player Profile Customization
An exciting new gameplay system, Story Challenges, provides narrative-driven gameplay. These thematic chapters allow players to explore the game’s rich lore and Hunter backstories while earning rewards. The feature is launching with two stories: the time-limited On the Winds of Midwinter, about Krampus, and the permanent free story An Acquired Taste, which follows a Hunter named Tennessee Morgan. This feature adds a new dimension to progression with an ever-expanding library of Story Challenges.
Players can now showcase their accomplishments with the new Player Profile Customization. This system allows hunters to display a unique identity through avatars, titles, cosmetic frames, achievement badges, and stat trackers, visible in lobbies, on last match and the death screens. Every foe and friend now has a distinct identity, and your achievements are clearly displayed to rival hunters. We can’t wait to see the unique combinations players will come up with!
New Gameplay Dynamics
Update 2.6 introduces the Status Effect “Wet,” adding a new layer of strategic depth. Hunters traversing deep water become soaked, making them harder to ignite and improving their health recovery at the cost of louder footsteps. The new Water Bottle throwable item allows players to strategically apply this effect, extinguish fires, and even neutralize the fiery Immolator enemies. But don’t try dousing an oil fire with water unless you are looking to get burned.
A Fiercer Foe and Event Traits
The terrifying two-headed Ursa Mortis monster has returned, but this is not a simple reanimation. It is an evolution. With reinforced vitality, increased damage, and devastating new tricks, it now stalks its prey with terrifying cunning. It can plow through barriers, is immune to explosive stagger, and its chilling roar can prematurely trigger traps.
With the Circus’s return, players can pledge allegiance to multiple Troupes simultaneously to unlock unique Event Traits using Pledge Marks. These include:
The Knifethrower Troupe – Blademancer: Automatically retrieves ammo in front of you while in Dark Sight.
The Mystic Troupe – Communion: Sacrifice your own health to heal a teammate and cure their Status Effects.
The Trickshooter Troupe – Crack Shot: Reduces weapon sway and increases iron-sight zoom for rifles and pistols with stocks.
The Strongman Troupe – Bruiser: Lowers melee stamina cost and significantly reduces flinching from damage.
The Ringmaster Troupe – Corpse Seer: Grants Dark Sight Boost when looting dead Hunters.
Enhanced Teamplay and Usability
A major overhaul of the user interface and communication tools aims to improve coordination and clarity. The Map screen now features a transparent background and a reorganized Trait display. The ping system and compass have been redesigned, allowing players to place multiple context-sensitive Ping Markers on in-world objects like Ammo Boxes and Traps, all visible on a new, intuitive compass for superior tactical planning.
A More Accessible and Balanced Bayou
Significant balancing changes and onboarding improvements:
Burn Traits such as Relentless, Remedy, and Rampage can no longer be stacked to prevent overpowered combinations.
Improvements for new players looking for scalable early level gameplay are also included in the new update.
More Fixes and Polish
Update 2.6 brings more stability and polish, addressing a long list of bugs and community-reported issues. More details and a full expansive change list can be found in the Patch Notes.
Post Malone’s Murder Circus Encore features a dedicated Battle Pass, allowing players to progress through tiers by completing challenges and engaging with new content, including the High Striker Booth. By earning Event Points, players can unlock a wealth of exclusive themed rewards, including cosmetics, weapons, and Hunter unlocks tied to the macabre carnival.
The Curtains Rise!
The bayou has never been more dynamic, customizable, or dangerous. Join the Hunt under the big top, chase the Story Challenges, make yourself known to other Hunters, and enjoy the festive season.
Post Malone’s Murder Circus Encore is live now on PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S and will run until February 9th 2026.
Follow our official channels for more information:
X/Twitter – https://twitter.com/HuntShowdown
BlueSky – https://bsky.app/profile/huntshowdown.com
Discord – https://discord.gg/nFqe7r6AwQ
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/huntshowdown/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/huntthegame/
YouTube – @HuntShowdown
TikTok – Hunt: Showdown (@huntshowdownofficial)
Hunt: Showdown 1896 official website at https://www.huntshowdown.com
Find out more about Crytek at https://www.crytek.com/
