Rise of the Triad: The HUNT Begins

Rise of the Triad: The HUNT Begins functions as a shareware prequel episode to the full retail release. The player assumes the role of Taradino Cassatt, an operative of the High-risk United Nations Taskforce, with the objective of infiltrating and dismantling a cult stronghold on an island in the Gulf of Santa Catalina.

This version was designed to demonstrate the game's features, incorporating elements like weapons, enemies, and traps from later episodes of the main campaign. It offers ten single-player levels, which include secret areas and two levels accessible only through a cheat code. For multiplayer, eight dedicated levels support three distinct Comm-Bat modes, and connectivity is maintained with players of the full Dark War edition.