Set in the backwaters of the bayou in 1896 and packed with authentically clunky weaponry, Hunt Showdown is the last place I’d expect to see a real-life pop star appear. In the new Hunt Showdown Post Malone’s Murder Circus event, the one and only Post Malone enters the bayou. Sure, there are massive spiders, pigmen, zombies, and more – which I don’t think you’ll find if you traveled to Louisiana (now or back in the nineteenth century) – but this might just be one step too far for a game known for its haunting atmosphere and authenticity.
Hunt Showdown is no stranger to unnatural appearances and events, though so far these have been in keeping with the FPS game‘s moody, half-realistic, half-mystical setting such as creepy pumpkins or masked ghouls. The previous exception to this rule was Ghostface from Scream, who arrived as a playable hunter earlier this year. The Post Malone’s Murder Circus event builds on this by bringing the very real singer to the game’s swamps. 2020’s Billboard ‘top artist’? Not exactly screaming 1896, right?
Fear not, though. While the event outwardly names the singer, the uncanny in-game event is all explained in the lore. Post Malone takes on the role of the Deposed King, a former ringmaster (modeled after the singer) who has brought his twisted vision to Hunt’s gritty environments. The Desposed King’s old traveling carnival has been transformed by a mysterious artifact known as the HelioStone, which he now hunts down across the world – often recruiting gunslingers to aid him.
As for what the event actually brings to the bayou (besides Post Malone’s acting chops), there’s a lot to be excited about. First off, there’s a new monster to hunt – Ursa Mortis, a bear that has been twisted by the HelioStone. Stalking the Circus grounds, Ursa Mortis can charge and roar, so you’ll want to keep your distance or be prepared to dodge.
There is also a collection of new themed hunter skins, weapon variants, enemies, and more to earn and encounter during the event.
“We’re thrilled to have had the opportunity to collaborate with such a passionate and high-profile Hunt fan such as Post Malone. Hunt: Showdown 1896 has always been about creating immersive, high-stakes gameplay. And with Post Malone’s Murder Circus, we’re bringing a new level of intensity and dark entertainment to the Hunt universe,” Hunt Showdown’s game director Scott Lussier explains.
While a Post Malone Hunt Showdown crossover certainly wasn’t on my bingo card, it’s good to see that it at least sticks to the game’s gritty stylings. It’s a sign that Crytek is open to more outlandish crossovers for the multiplayer game in the future.
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