First introduced in 2021, DeSalle was the third playable map in Hunt: Showdown, offering a distinct environment compared to the swampy terrain of the original maps, Lawson Delta and Stillwater Bayou. With its dusty rural towns, eerie quarry, and elevated vertical gameplay, DeSalle quickly earned a dedicated fanbase for its unique layout and tactical diversity.
However, in 2023, Crytek made the controversial decision to remove DeSalle from the map rotation following a major engine upgrade and console expansion. This move aimed to streamline the game’s development pipeline and unify the experience across platforms, but it left many longtime players disappointed.
A Return from the Shadows?
The spark that reignited the DeSalle conversation came directly from Hunt: Showdown’s official X (formerly Twitter) account. In a cryptic tweet, the developers posted:
“What was once left behind now returns, reshaped by time and conflict. Get ready to revisit the bayou’s most treacherous ground.”
What was once left behind now returns, reshaped by time and conflict.
— Hunt: Showdown (@HuntShowdown) May 26, 2025
Get ready to revisit the bayou's most treacherous ground. pic.twitter.com/a1vVtGfwa0
This carefully worded teaser immediately caught the community’s attention, with many believing it’s a clear reference to the long-lost DeSalle map. While Crytek hasn’t made a formal announcement yet, the post has fueled speculation that a return is imminent—possibly in an upcoming update.
