Hunt: Showdown 1896 – First Look at the Desalle Updates Revealed

The return of DeSalle is stirring up excitement across the Hunt: Showdown 1896 community. While an official release date for the map hasn't been announced yet, the developers have just released a teaser highlighting one of its compounds and the updates it has received for its reintroduction. Let’s dive into the details below.

Pelican Island Prison Redesign Revealed for Hunt: Showdown 1896

As seen on the official X (formerly Twitter) page for Hunt: Showdown 1896, the developers at Crytek have released a new image showcasing one of Desalle’s most iconic compounds—Pelican Island Prison. The image includes a striking before-and-after comparison, highlighting the extensive visual and structural upgrades made for its reintroduction into the 1896 update.

A lot has changed at Pelican Island Prison.

In this side-by-side comparison, you can see the visual upgrades and layout refinements that make movement cleaner and combat more dynamic, both in and around the prison yard. pic.twitter.com/aXBhHOG9sz

— Hunt: Showdown (@HuntShowdown) May 27, 2025

While the spotlight is currently on Pelican Island Prison, it’s likely that other compounds across Desalle, from Lower Desalle to Pearl Plantation, have received similar treatment. Judging by early fan reactions, the community is largely impressed, praising the added environmental detail, improved textures, and new sightlines that open up the compound to more dynamic firefights and tactical encounters.

Community Reactions and Concerns

While many are excited about the changes, some players have voiced concerns about possible gameplay issues. Notably, a ladder connecting the ground level to the prison’s upper section has raised questions about balance and vulnerability. Additionally, the large hole in the prison wall—now even wider—has drawn criticism for potentially becoming a high-risk chokepoint with few options to counter flanking enemies.

so the boss lair is exposed completely by a hole in the side you can just walk into? Idk about this one but I guess we will see how it plays out

— Hayley (@hayleysnotfunny) May 27, 2025

These concerns are valid, but as always, the true impact of the redesign will only become clear once players can explore the map for themselves. Redesigns often come with growing pains, but the attention to detail shown so far is a strong indication that the developers are committed to quality and competitive balance.

If Pelican Island Prison is any indication of what’s to come, the return of Desalle is shaping up to be a major highlight for Hunt: Showdown 1896. The redesign isn’t just a visual update—it’s a reflection of the time, care, and hard work Crytek is investing into revitalizing the game.

With more reveals and a new event just around the corner, the future of Hunt: Showdown looks brighter than ever. If the rest of 2025 follows this trajectory, players are in for a wild and exciting ride. Stay tuned, as we’ll be covering all the details surrounding Desalle’s return and the upcoming event for Hunt: Showdown 1896 right here.