This update reworks one of the core systems of the game: Fear system among other changes.

After watching players and gathering feedback, it was clear that Fear wasn’t always understood or impactful enough. This update aims to make it more readable, more meaningful, and more dangerous.

The flashlight has been replaced with a Lantern.

• The Lantern reduces Fear while active.

• It consumes Oil over time.

• When the Lantern runs out, you’re left in the dark.

Managing your light source is now a key part of survival.

• Oil cans can be found and used to refill your Lantern.

• Each refill restores a portion of your fuel.

• Resources are limited, use them wisely.

Fear now behaves more consistently and is easier to understand:

• Fear builds over time and increases faster under threat.

• High Fear can reveal your position to Hunters.

• The Lantern is now the primary way to reduce Fear.

• Standing near another player with a Lantern on also reduces Fear.

• Updated Heart UI with dynamic speed and color.

• New visual effects that intensify as Fear rises.

• Clearer indication of when you are in danger.

• High Fear can reveal survivor position.

• Detection now uses a directional screen indicator instead of outlines.

• Information is temporary and requires Hunters to react quickly.

• Staying close to a teammate using a Lantern can reduce your Fear

• Fear builds faster when standing near a hunter

• Bots can now barricade doors

• Bots can now use the Lantern when needed

• Fixed an issue where the run animation would not trigger

This update is an important step toward making Hunt Grounds more readable, more tense, and more strategic.

As always, feedback is welcome!

The hunt continues.

Hunt Grounds - Development Roadmap
Here’s an overview of recent updates and what’s ahead as Hunt Grounds moves toward full release.

• Private Games

• Traitor Rework

• Unified Modes

• Online Bots

• New Achievements

• New Hunter: Doctor Toxin

• Survivor Tutorial

• Hunter Tutorial

• Fear Mechanic Rework

[c]This update focuses on onboarding improvements and refining core game-play systems.[/c]

• Inventory Polish & Updates

• Solo Scenarios

• Bot Improvements

[c]This phase expands solo play options while improving AI behavior and overall match flow.[/c]

• Communication Mechanic

• New Playable Content (Hunter/Survivor additions)

• Match Presentation Improvements

• Overall Polish, Balance & Stability

[c]Version 1.0 is focused on solidifying the core experience and delivering a more complete Hunt Grounds experience.[/c]

Development priorities may evolve based on feedback and testing. Thank you for supporting Hunt Grounds.