What is Hunt: Showdown DLC and is it worth buying?

Hunt: Showdown downloadable content (DLC) refers to optional bonus packages players can purchase to gain access to new hunters, weapons, and cosmetic items. Since Hunt: Showdown‘s full release in 2019, the developers at Crytek have released multiple paid DLC packs that expand the variety of hunters and arsenal available in the monster-hunting shooter.

A Deep Dive on Hunt‘s DLC Offerings

Here‘s a comprehensive overview of the current DLC packs available for Hunt: Showdown as of February 2023:

• The Lonely Howl – Released December 2021 ($9.99 USD). Includes 1 legendary hunter, 2 legendary weapons, 1 legendary consumable.

• Luz Mala – Released December 2022 ($9.99 USD). Includes 1 legendary hunter, 2 legendary weapons, 1 legendary tool.

• The Penitent – Released October 2022 ($9.99 USD). Contains 1 legendary hunter, 2 legendary weapons, 1 legendary consumable.

• The Wolf and the Bear – Released December 2021 ($9.99 USD). Contains 1 legendary hunter, 2 legendary weapons.

• The Wild West– Released December 2021 ($9.99 USD). Contains 1 legendary hunter, 2 legendary weapons.

• Various minor free DLCs – Occasionally released during special events and updates.

As you can see, most paid DLC packs cost $9.99 USD and include cosmetic items in a similar structure – 1 legendary hunter, 2 weapons, and sometimes a consumable or tool. There have been 5 paid DLCs released in the past 2 years, averaging 2-3 per year.

The Value Proposition of Hunt DLC

Given the purely cosmetic nature of Hunt Showdown DLC, whether it‘s "worth it" comes down to personal preference and budget. Here are some of the key pros and cons:

Potential Benefits of Buying DLC:

• Gain access to exclusive hunters and weapons with stylish skins
• Shows support for the developers and funds future updates
• Cheap way to get more customization options
• Legendary item variants have minor stat differences
• Enjoyment from standing out visually in matches
• Prestige of owning rare DLC-exclusive items

Reasons You May Not Need DLC:

• Does not affect core gameplay or provide competitive advantage
• Base game already has great variety without DLC
• DLC items can still permanently die like other hunters/weapons
• Adds up in cost if you buy multiple DLCs
• May be difficult to justify if you‘re on a budget

Based on player feedback across Reddit and Steam, I‘d estimate around 30-40% of active Hunt players end up buying at least one DLC. Many supporters of the game see it as a good way to get more cosmetic bang for your buck compared to buying individual skins.

As a point of comparison, popular titles like PUBG and Overwatch charge up to $10-20 for character and weapon skins separately. Given Hunt‘s DLC packs contain 3-4 items for only $10, they offer good value compared to many competitors.

Top 10 Must-Own Hunt: Showdown DLC Items

If you‘re on the fence about purchasing Hunt DLC, here are my picks for the 10 best items across all the packs in terms of style, uniqueness, and prestige:

1. The Rat (legendary hunter)
2. The Scourge (Nagant M1895 Officer variant)
3. The Penitent (legendary hunter)
4. Delirium (Caldwell Rival 78 variant)
5. The Wages of Sin (Winfield "C" variant)
6. The Storm (Romero 77 variant)
7. Raíz Mala (Caldwell Conversion Chain variant)
8. Del Ojo (Vetterli 71 Karabiner Deadeye variant)
9. Premio del Tonto (Choke Bomb variant)
10. False Sacrament (Regeneration Shot variant)

Owning even a few of these coveted DLC items can give you serious hunter drip and exclusive flair.

Hunt DLC FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about how DLC works in Hunt: Showdown:

Do you lose DLC items permanently when your hunter dies?

No, while you will lose that individual DLC item, your overall inventory will still have access to recruit a new version for free by spending Hunt dollars.

Do DLC bundles include the base game?

No, you need to own Hunt: Showdown to be able to use DLC content. The DLCs just provide extra content.

Is the DLC gameplay pay-to-win?

Definitely not, the DLC is 100% cosmetic only and does not provide any gameplay or statistical advantages.

How do you unlock and equip DLC items?

Once purchased, DLC items can be equipped on hunters and will show up in your overall inventory alongside non-DLC gear.

Is DLC shared between PC and consoles?

Unfortunately no, DLC purchases are platform locked. You‘d need to buy again to use on a different platform.

Playing Solo with DLC – Tips from a Veteran

As an experienced solo Hunt player with hundreds of hours logged, here are my top 5 tips for succeeding solo with or without DLC:

1. Master stealth – Stay crouched often, avoid crows/hives, and re-position frequently during fights. Example clip

2. Prioritize vitality shots – Having ability to quickly heal mid-fight is essential. Bring plenty of vitality shots.

3. Extract early – If you get a decent bounty, head to extract rather than risking it all. Living to fight another day > greedy plays.

4. Play patiently – Patience and information win games. Avoid rushing the boss lair if the coast isn‘t clear.

5. Bring traps – Traps like alert trip mines can help watch your back while banishing.

While the learning curve is steep, Hunt: Showdown offers an incredibly rewarding solo experience. The DLC can help spice up your personal hunter style but isn‘t essential to compete and enjoy the game.

The Verdict?

At the end of the day, the value of Hunt: Showdown DLC comes down to your budget and personal preference around cosmetics. For die-hard Hunt fans who enjoy fresh swag, supporting Crytek, and standing out in the bayou, the $10 DLC packs offer a fun way to expand your arsenal of hunters and weapons. But for more casual players or those less interested in aesthetics, skipping the DLC won‘t hurt your experience.

Hopefully this deep dive has provided lots of useful insights into what exactly Hunt DLC entails and whether it may be worth it for you! Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions. Happy hunting!