Developer Insight – Rookie Hunter Evolution

Along with the many other fixes and new features coming to Hunt with Update 2.2, we are also introducing improvements to our Hunter Evolution System. Designed to deepen the identity and progression of your Hunters, the new system has been revamped with enhanced progression tracking and more. Here’s an in-depth look at the evolution of this system, why changes were made, and what you can expect to see in the future.

The Original Recruitment System
Previously, the recruitment system offered players two primary methods of acquiring new Hunters. You could directly purchase empty-handed Legendary Hunters with random Traits using Hunt Dollars or select from a random roster of rotating regular Hunters, all of whom varied in their gear, Traits, appearances, and names. These Hunters were organized into tiers, with early recruits appearing simple and inexperienced, while higher-tiered options displayed the grizzled, battle-worn look of seasoned veterans.

Changes with Update 2.0
With the launch of update 2.0, we simplified recruitment. We provided a consistent selection of four free Hunters with random basic equipment, while others became purchasable using Hunt Dollars, but were recruited with random traits and no gear.

This change also retired many beloved Hunter models, which had become iconic within the community as we updated them visually to take advantage of new tech our engine integration provided.

Changes Coming in Update 2.2
We’re expanding the evolution and recruitment systems to include more characters and new progression features. From the release of Update 2.2, you can expect to see the following:

• 18 Unlockable new Hunters: Players can now permanently unlock a roster of 18 Survivor and Hunters skins by progressing through the Rookie ranks. This will see the return of many fan-favorite Hunters, updated and adjusted to their new role as upgraded variants of existing Rookies.
  
• Progression-Based Unlocks:
  
  • Reaching Level 50 with any Rookie Hunter unlocks their Survivor Hunter tier.
    
  • Reaching Level 50 with any Survivor Hunter unlocks their Veteran Hunter tier.
  These progression rewards are permanent unlocks and persist through Prestige, allowing players to recruit more and more of these advanced Hunters as they progress through the game.
  
• Enhanced Progression Tracking:
  
  • A new Hunter Progression Screen lets players view all unlockable Hunters in one place.
    
  • Individual Hunter Progression Screens track progress and preview specific Hunters available in your line up

Hunters Progression in 2.2
Here’s the lineup of Rookie Hunters that offer Survivor and Veteran variant progression after the next big update:

• Default Bloodline Unlocks:
  
  • Oliver Whitman
    
  • Jane Eddings
• Unlockable at Bloodline Ranks:
  
  • Antonia Higuera (Rank 5)
    
  • Mercy Zener (Rank 34)
    
  • Ambrose Hazen (Rank 50)
    
  • Leon Ulitsky (Rank 75)
    
  • Joan Damon (Rank 90)
• Prestige Unlocks:
  
  • Jesse Buchanan (Prestige Rank 1)
    
  • Laura Gottschalk (Prestige Rank 3)

Why We Made Changes
The updated system aimed to address several challenges:

Enhancing Player Experience: By introducing a structured progression from Rookie to Survivor to Veteran, we are able to allow players to see tangible growth in their Hunter roster. This evolution reflects the Hunters’ increasing experience and resilience, while creating a deeper connection between you and your favorite Hunters.

Streamlined Experience and Consistency: The new streamlined approach simplifies recruitment, enabling better oversight and a more unified, fair experience for all players.

Fostering Hunter Identity: Replacing generic recruits with distinct Hunters who possess unique identities and clear progressions not only deepens emotional engagement but also rewards you with a greater sense of accomplishment as your favorite Hunters evolve over time.

A Growing System
The Hunter Evolution System is a significant step forward in not only improving player experience and clarity, but in building individual stories behind your favorite Hunters as they survive in the unforgiving world of Hunt.

We’re excited to hear your feedback on these changes and the direction of the Hunter Evolution System. Let us know your thoughts once update 2.2 goes live!