HUNT: SHOWDOWN 1896 · UPDATE 2.9
Blood Testament
The biggest event of the year · Full guide
The update 2.9 event is split into three chapters, each about a month long. Here you'll find what each one brings, the battle pass level by level, and the notes for every patch, broken down and kept up to date.
From September 8 to December 8 · updated October 8, 2026
Frequently asked questions
When does it start and when does it end?
Blood Testament kicks off on September 8, 2026 and runs until December 8. That's three months split into three chapters. We're currently in Chapter 2, from October 6 to November 8.
What does the Temperance card do?
It restores the last Trait your Hunter lost during the mission: Burn Traits you use up, and also one stolen from you with Siphon. It unlocks in Stage III of All Hallows' Cleave.
When are the Twitch Drops?
From October 26 to November 9, as part of Twitch's Frightfest: 24 rewards spread over two weeks.
What is the Lancaster?
A new four-barreled, medium ammo pistol with a rotating firing pin: 110 damage for $100. It's the Stage II reward of Reap the Harvest, the Chapter 3 Community Event.
What is the story about?
Warren Russett, a Hunter who has lost everything, accepts a newly formulated blood serum offered by a woman named Lynch. Since taking drugs from a total stranger seems like a great idea, he gets hooked and ends up with a deadly thirst for blood. You find out how it ends by playing the free Story Challenge in Chapter 1.
What is a Burn Trait?
A single-use Trait: it's consumed when you activate it. Siphon is spent when you steal the Trait from an enemy corpse, and Chupacabra when you sacrifice the animal.
What was the “true nightmare” of Stage III?
A new boss: Bloodskin. The community finished Stage III on September 11, 2026 and Crytek unlocked it that same day. All the details are in the Bloodskin section.
When does All Hallows' Cleave start?
On October 13. At first you earn points by killing Bileweavers and destroying their eggs, and each of the five Stages changes how you score.
When does the Long Derringer arrive?
It's the reward for Stage V of All Hallows' Cleave. It's a single-shot tool that uses long ammo: it costs $110 and deals 116 damage.
When does Chapter 3 arrive?
No confirmed date yet. Crytek showed it early because there won't be a livestream for it; the next one will be for update 2.10, in December.
When are the beetles with hats coming back?
In October, no exact date. And this time they're staying for good.
How do I get the Siphon Trait?
Right now, only by finding it naturally in the world, like any rare Trait. During Make Them Bleed the Blood Wells handed it out too (one per Compound, once per team, in exchange for some health), but they went away after Stage III.
Can I lose the Burgess when I Prestige?
No. All three variants unlock through the battle pass (levels 15, 25 and 35) and stay unlocked through Prestige. Once the event ends, they move into the regular weapon progression.
Is this data final?
Yes. The patch 2.9 notes came out on September 8 and the 2.9.1 notes on October 6, so the numbers here are no longer preliminary. If Crytek changes anything in a later patch, this page will be updated.