Hunters,

The malevolent carnival is back in town! Our new massive Event, Post Malone's Murder Circus Encore, is live now. In collaboration with one of our biggest fans and world—renowned artist Post Malone—we are happy to bring you the gift of terror for the holiday season. Be chased by Ursa Mortis (who's learned new tricks), try your luck at the High Striker Booth, douse yourself with a Water Bottle, chase the Story Challenges, and show off with Player Profile Customization. Read on for more information, but watch the gameplay trailer first:

The stage is set for a new chaotic struggle. The former Ringmaster, portrayed by Post Malone, has been reborn as the brutal Disciple of Death, seeking to reclaim his Corrupted domain. With the key to his victory—the fabled HelioStone artifact—still lost, Hunters are drawn into a fresh conflict where old foes and new alliances collide.

Introducing Story Challenges and Player Profile Customization

An exciting new gameplay system, Story Challenges, provides narrative-driven gameplay. These thematic chapters allow players to explore the game's rich lore and Hunter backstories while earning rewards. Launching with two stories: the time-limited On the Winds of Midwinter, about Krampus, and the permanent free story An Acquired Taste, which follows a Hunter named Tennessee Morgan. This feature adds a new dimension to progression with an ever-expanding library of Story Challenges.

Players can now showcase their accomplishments with the new Player Profile Customization. This system allows Hunters to display a unique identity through avatars, titles, cosmetic frames, achievement badges, and stat trackers, visible in lobbies as well as the Last Mission and death screens. The majority of content for Player Profile Customization is unlocked via gameplay progression whilst some other pieces of content are unlocked through Blood Bonds. A new feature is the Stat Trackers; while most are free to use, a few weapon-specific stats will require Blood Bonds to be displayed. Don't worry though, you can still view all stats without any cost, so you won't miss out on any stats! Check out our blog for more detailed info on how Player Profile Customization works here.

New Gameplay Dynamics

Update 2.6 introduces the Status Effect “Wet," adding a new layer of strategic depth. Hunters traversing deep water become soaked, making them harder to ignite and improving their health recovery at the cost of louder footsteps. The new Water Bottle throwable item allows players to strategically apply this effect, extinguish fires, and even neutralize the fiery Immolator enemies. But don't try dousing an oil fire with a Water Bottle unless you are looking to get burned.

A Fiercer Foe and Event Traits

The terrifying two-headed Ursa Mortis monster has returned, but this is not a simple reanimation. It is an evolution. With reinforced vitality, increased damage, and devastating new tricks, it now stalks its prey with terrifying cunning. It can plow through barriers, is immune to explosive stagger, and its chilling roar can prematurely trigger traps.

With the Circus's return, players can pledge allegiance to multiple Troupes simultaneously to unlock unique Event Traits using Pledge Marks. These include:

• The Knifethrower Troupe - Blademancer: Automatically retrieves ammo in front of you while in Dark Sight.
• The Mystic Troupe - Communion: Sacrifice your own health to heal a teammate and cure their Status Effects.
• The Trickshooter Troupe - Crack Shot: Reduces weapon sway and increases iron-sight zoom for rifles and pistols with stocks.
• The Strongman Troupe - Bruiser: Lowers melee stamina cost and significantly reduces flinching from damage.
• The Ringmaster Troupe - Corpse Seer: Grants Dark Sight Boost when looting dead Hunters.

Enhanced Teamplay and Usability

A major overhaul of the user interface and communication tools aims to improve coordination and clarity. The Map screen now features a transparent background and a reorganized Trait display. The ping system and compass have been redesigned, allowing players to place multiple context-sensitive Ping Markers on in-world objects like Ammo Boxes and Traps, all visible on a new, intuitive compass for superior tactical planning.

A More Accessible and Balanced Bayou

Significant balancing changes and onboarding improvements:

• Burn Traits such as Relentless, Remedy, and Rampage can no longer be stacked to prevent overpowered combinations.
• Improvements for new players looking for scalable early level gameplay are also included in the new update.

More Fixes and Polish

Update 2.6 brings more stability and polish, addressing a long list of bugs and community-reported issues. More details and a full expansive changelist can be found in the Patch Notes.

A dedicated Battle Pass with lots challenges as well as Event Points will unlock many Event-themed rewards, cosmetics, weapons, and Hunters tied to the carnival. The bayou is hungry and it's calling you to the stage. Get chased by Ursa Mortis this holiday season in Post Malone's Murder Circus Encore! The Event will run until February 9th 2026.

See you under the big top!

- Your Hunt: Showdown 1896 team

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