Diving into Hunt: Showdown can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with a vast arsenal of weapons. Understanding the different weapon categories isn’t just about knowing what guns are available; it’s about grasping how each type fits into your playstyle and contributes to your success in the bayou. This beginner’s guide to Hunt: Showdown weapon categories breaks down the fundamentals, moving beyond just stats to explore the practical roles these weapons play in your hunts.
Instead of getting bogged down in the minute mechanical differences between every single gun right away, let’s categorize them based on their general function in a Hunt: Showdown match. Think of this as your introductory weapon wheelhouse. Later on, as you gain experience, you can delve into the specifics of each weapon and variant. For now, understanding these broader categories will give you a solid foundation for building effective loadouts and developing your own winning strategies.
Remember, in Hunt: Showdown, every piece of equipment, especially your weapons, is a tool. Each tool has its strengths and weaknesses. The key is to understand what each weapon is designed to do and how to use it effectively. Using a tool for the wrong job will put you at a disadvantage. Sometimes, you might have to make do with what you have, but knowing your tools is the first step to mastering the hunt.
Let’s explore the main weapon categories you’ll encounter in Hunt: Showdown:
Slow Pistols: These handguns are defined by a Cycle Time of 1.4 seconds or more (think of the Pax as a benchmark for the fastest of this type). They occupy a single Small weapon slot, making them versatile and popular choices. Beginners will find slow pistols useful for several reasons:
- Close-Range Power (with Fanning/Dual Wield): While individually slow-firing, skills like Fanning or dual-wielding can transform slow pistols into devastating close-quarters weapons.
- Ammo Pool Extenders: Many slow pistols share ammo types with larger weapons, effectively boosting your overall ammo capacity for longer hunts.
- Reliable Quickswap Finishers: Their solid damage per shot makes them dependable for quickly finishing off downed hunters when you switch from your primary weapon.
While some slow pistols are stronger than others, they are all generally reliable and a good starting point for understanding pistol mechanics in Hunt: Showdown.
Fast Pistols: In contrast to their slower counterparts, fast pistols boast a Cycle Time of less than 1.4 seconds. Like slow pistols, they take up a single Small slot. For beginners, fast pistols offer:
- Rapid Fire for Close Encounters: When you need to put down an enemy quickly in a tight spot, the high fire rate of these pistols can be a lifesaver.
- Quickswap Advantage: Their speed makes them excellent for quick-swapping to finish off enemies, especially when paired with a slower, harder-hitting primary weapon.
The trade-off is often a smaller ammo pool, but the increased fire rate can be crucial in tense firefights, allowing you to secure kills that slower weapons might miss.
In-Betweeners: This category is a bit more nuanced, encompassing guns that bridge the gap between pistols and rifles. They are often compact versions of larger weapons or have unique characteristics that place them in this middle ground. For beginners, “In-betweeners” offer:
- Versatility in a Compact Package: They provide a taste of rifle-like performance in a medium or small slot, useful when you need a specific weapon type but are limited by slot availability.
- Synergy with Other Weapons: They excel when paired with another weapon to cover their weaknesses. For example, a Springfield Compact (medium range focus) combined with a Caldwell Handcannon (close range) creates a balanced loadout.
Think of them as versatile sidekicks. They might not be the absolute best in any single category, but they are adaptable and can significantly enhance your combat options when used strategically.
All-Rounders: These are the adaptable weapons, designed to be comfortable in a variety of situations. They are the generalists of Hunt: Showdown. Beginners should consider all-rounders because:
- Easy to Adapt Playstyles: They are forgiving and suit various approaches, making them great for learning the game’s diverse combat scenarios.
- Solid Performance in Most Situations: While not specialized for any single role, they perform adequately in most engagements, providing a reliable baseline.
The trade-off is that they are not necessarily the best tool for any specific situation. However, their versatility makes them excellent starting weapons as you experiment with different playstyles.
Single-Shots: These weapons are all about delivering high damage in a single, impactful shot. For beginners, single-shot rifles teach valuable lessons:
- High Damage Potential: They emphasize accuracy and making each shot count. A well-placed shot can be devastating, even against fully healed hunters.
- Attrition and Economic Value: They are often more ammo-efficient and can be more economical in terms of in-game currency.
- Close-Range Gamble: Surprisingly, their decent hip-fire accuracy makes them a risky but viable option for one-hit kills at close range, particularly against already downed hunters.
- Sidearm Synergy: They pair exceptionally well with sidearms for follow-up shots, allowing you to secure kills after your initial powerful shot.
The downside is their slow rate of fire, making follow-up shots challenging. However, their raw power makes them a force to be reckoned with in the hands of a skilled hunter.
Long Guns: These are your primary rifles and shotguns, the backbone of many Hunt: Showdown loadouts. For beginners, long guns provide:
- Sustained Firepower: Magazines allow for follow-up shots, making them more forgiving than single-shot rifles in prolonged firefights.
- Medium to Long-Range Dominance: Medium/Long ammo types and high muzzle velocity make them effective at longer distances.
- High Damage Output: While not always one-shot kills, their high damage makes them capable of downing hunters quickly, especially those who have already taken damage.
Their slower fire rate compared to pistols and limited ammo pools require careful aim and trigger discipline. However, their overall effectiveness in a variety of engagements makes them essential for any serious hunter.
Snipers: Defined by their scopes and specialized ammo (generally not base compact ammo), snipers are the long-range specialists. For beginners, snipers offer:
- Long-Range Engagement Prowess: Scopes provide superior zoom for engaging enemies at medium to long distances.
- Strategic Positioning and Control: Snipers excel at controlling sightlines and picking off enemies from advantageous positions.
However, they also come with significant drawbacks for beginners:
- Close-Range Vulnerability: Low hip-fire accuracy, forced zoom, and slow fire rates make them weak in close-quarters combat.
- Steeper Learning Curve: Quick-scoping and effective sniper play require practice and map knowledge.
While powerful in the right hands and at the right range, beginners should be aware of their limitations and practice positioning and awareness to mitigate their close-range weaknesses.
Shotguns: The undisputed kings of close-quarters combat in Hunt: Showdown. For beginners, shotguns offer:
- Guaranteed Close-Range Kills: At very close range (within 5 meters), a single shot to the chest is almost always a one-hit kill.
- Area Denial and Aggression: Shotguns can quickly clear rooms and force enemies to reposition, making them powerful tools for aggressive playstyles.
- Special Ammo Versatility: Special shotgun ammo types can dramatically alter their effectiveness and playstyle, adding layers of tactical depth.
Shotguns are high-risk, high-reward weapons. They force both you and your opponents to play differently, creating dynamic and often explosive close-range encounters.
Stealth Weapons: This category includes silenced weapons and bows, designed for a more subtle approach. For beginners interested in stealth, these weapons provide:
- Silent Takedowns: Silenced weapons and bows allow for quieter engagements, reducing the risk of alerting nearby enemies and hunters.
- Utility and Disruption: They can be used to disable sound traps discreetly, create diversions, and even deliver area-denial effects with poison or explosive ammo.
- Alternative Engagement Options: Bows, in particular, can reach otherwise inaccessible locations, like sniper towers, with specialized ammo.
Stealth weapons encourage a slower, more methodical playstyle, rewarding patience and map knowledge.
Gimmick Weapons: These are the unconventional, often quirky weapons that don’t fit neatly into other categories. For beginners, gimmick weapons are:
- Playstyle Shifters: They dramatically alter how you play, often requiring a higher skill level to use effectively.
- Unique Tactical Options: They can offer unexpected advantages and catch opponents off guard.
- Experimental Fun: They are great for experimenting and discovering unconventional strategies as you become more experienced.
Gimmick weapons are for players who want to push the boundaries and master unusual combat approaches.
Melee Weapons: Dedicated melee weapons offer a high-risk, high-reward close-quarters combat option. For beginners considering melee:
- Lethal Close-Range Option: Melee weapons can be devastating in extremely close quarters, potentially one-shot killing hunters.
- Economical and Silent: They are free (starting knife) or cheap, and silent, useful for PvE and surprise attacks.
- Playstyle Variety: They offer a drastically different playstyle, emphasizing aggression, positioning, and timing.
Melee combat in Hunt: Showdown is risky but can be incredibly rewarding. Reach is a crucial factor (piercing weapons like bayonets excel), while rending weapons (talons) offer wider attack patterns.
Understanding these weapon categories in Hunt: Showdown is your first step to mastering your loadout and dominating the bayou. Experiment with different categories, find what suits your playstyle, and remember that the best weapon is the one you know how to use effectively. Happy hunting!
