TheHunter: Call of the Wild – A True-to-Life Hunting Experience

Players are not given an easy path to success. Every hunt requires careful preparation, including studying the terrain, identifying animal tracks, and ensuring the correct equipment is used. Firing a shot is just one part of the process—finding and approaching the target without scaring it away is the real challenge. The game rewards those who take their time and punish those who rush in without strategy.

TheHunter: Call of the Wild has continued to evolve since its release, with frequent updates and expansions that introduce new animals, hunting reserves, and weapons. It remains the top choice for players looking for a realistic hunting simulation.

Gameplay Mechanics

The core gameplay of theHunter: Call of the Wild revolves around tracking, stalking, and hunting animals in a massive open-world environment. Unlike arcade-style hunting games that rely on fast reflexes, this game requires patience, observation, and precision.

Tracking is one of the most essential skills in the game. Players must look for footprints, droppings, and broken vegetation to determine where animals have been. Some animals leave clearer tracks than others, and the challenge is to follow these signs without making noise that could scare the prey away. Wind direction also plays a role—if an animal picks up the player’s scent, it will flee before a shot can even be taken.

The game’s weapon system is highly detailed, with each firearm having realistic bullet physics, recoil, and penetration mechanics. Players must select the right gun and ammunition for the size of the animal they are hunting. Using a weapon that is too weak may result in a wounded animal escaping, while using one that is too powerful can damage the trophy quality of the kill.

There is also a strong emphasis on ethical hunting. Players are encouraged to take clean, precise shots that ensure a quick and humane kill. The game penalizes poor hunting practices, such as shooting animals multiple times or using the wrong caliber for the species being hunted.

Hunting pressure is another unique feature. If players hunt too much in a specific area, animals will begin to migrate elsewhere, forcing them to move to new locations. This prevents overhunting and encourages exploration.

The game’s realism extends to animal behavior as well. Each species has its own unique AI, reacting differently to noise, movement, and environmental changes. Some animals are cautious and flee at the slightest disturbance, while others may charge at players if they feel threatened. This makes each hunt different from the last, requiring players to constantly adapt their approach.

Game Versions and Expansions

TheHunter: Call of the Wild launched as a standalone game, but it has since expanded with numerous downloadable content packs that introduce new hunting reserves, weapons, and features. These expansions have greatly increased the variety and depth of the game.

Base Game

• Released in 2017
• Features two large hunting reserves
• Includes multiple animal species and basic hunting gear

Major Expansions and DLCs

1. Medved-Taiga National Park (2017) – Set in a frozen Siberian landscape, this expansion features harsh winter conditions and animals such as brown bears, moose, and reindeer.

2. Vurhonga Savannah (2018) – Introduces hunting in the African wilderness, with open grasslands and wildlife such as lions, springboks, and cape buffalo.

3. Parque Fernando (2018) – Based on the rugged terrain of Patagonia, Argentina, this reserve includes species like pumas, mule deer, and wild boars.

4. Cuatro Colinas Game Reserve (2019) – Located in Spain, this expansion brings Iberian wolves, red deer, and European rabbits into the game.

5. Silver Ridge Peaks (2020) – Features mountainous North American terrain filled with black bears, mountain lions, and wild turkeys.

6. Te Awaroa National Park (2020) – Set in New Zealand, this expansion adds feral pigs, sika deer, and chamois to the hunt.

7. Rancho del Arroyo (2021) – Inspired by Mexico’s Sonoran Desert, it includes bobcats, collared peccaries, and turkeys.

8. Mississippi Acres Preserve (2021) – A swampy region where players can hunt alligators, raccoons, and wild hogs.

9. Revontuli Coast (2022) – Located in Finland, this reserve focuses on waterfowl hunting and migratory bird species.

10. New England Mountains (2022) – A North American forested region with species like moose, black bears, and white-tailed deer.

11. Emerald Coast Australia (2023) – Set in the diverse ecosystems of Australia, featuring kangaroos, dingoes, and saltwater crocodiles.

Each expansion introduces new challenges and wildlife, making the game continuously fresh for players who enjoy exploring different environments.

Multiplayer Experience

TheHunter: Call of the Wild is not just a solo experience. The game features a multiplayer mode that allows up to eight players to explore the hunting reserves together. Players can team up for cooperative hunts, helping each other track and take down animals, or they can compete to see who can score the most successful kills.

Multiplayer also introduces additional challenges. More players in a session mean more noise and movement, which can make animals harder to approach. Communication and coordination are essential, as a careless shot can scare off an entire herd before anyone else gets a chance to take aim.

The community aspect of the game is strong, with regular in-game events, challenges, and updates that keep the experience engaging. Whether players prefer to hunt alone or alongside friends, the game offers a well-balanced mix of cooperation and competition.

Graphics and Sound Design

One of the most impressive aspects of theHunter: Call of the Wild is its visual fidelity. The game’s landscapes are stunning, with lush forests, realistic lighting, and detailed weather effects that create an incredibly immersive world. Sunrises and sunsets paint the sky with breathtaking colors, while dynamic weather patterns add to the unpredictability of each hunt.

Sound design is equally impressive. Every environment is filled with ambient noises, from the rustling of leaves to the distant calls of animals. The sound of a deer walking through the underbrush or the cry of an eagle overhead adds to the sense of immersion. Even gunfire and bullet impact sounds are carefully designed, giving a sense of weight and realism to each shot.

Reviews and Reception

Since its release in 2017, theHunter: Call of the Wild has received generally positive reviews from both critics and players. It has been praised for its stunning visuals, immersive gameplay, and realistic hunting mechanics. The game successfully delivers an experience that captures the patience and skill required for real-world hunting, which sets it apart from arcade-style hunting games.

Critics have highlighted the game's detailed open-world environments, which offer some of the best nature visuals in any hunting game. The realistic animal AI, combined with the dynamic weather and day-night cycles, adds to the depth of the experience. Many players have also appreciated the continuous updates and DLC expansions, which have kept the game fresh for years.

However, the game has not been without its criticisms. Some players have reported occasional technical bugs, such as animal pathfinding glitches or frame rate drops in certain areas. Others have noted that the slow-paced gameplay may not appeal to everyone, particularly those looking for more action-driven hunting experiences.

Despite these minor drawbacks, theHunter: Call of the Wild remains one of the most well-regarded hunting simulators on the market, consistently drawing in players who seek a deep and rewarding hunting experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Incredibly realistic hunting mechanics that require patience and strategy
• Massive open-world environments with beautiful, detailed landscapes
• Lifelike animal AI that reacts naturally to movement, noise, and wind
• A large variety of weapons and hunting gear
• Diverse hunting reserves featuring different species, climates, and terrain
• Multiplayer mode for cooperative or competitive hunting
• Frequent updates and expansions, adding new content over time

Cons

• Slow-paced gameplay may not appeal to action-oriented players
• Occasional bugs and AI pathfinding issues
• DLC-heavy structure, requiring additional purchases for access to all reserves
• Challenging mechanics that may be overwhelming for newcomers

Is theHunter: Call of the Wild Worth Playing?

For those who appreciate realism, strategy, and immersion, theHunter: Call of the Wild is one of the best hunting simulators available. The game is ideal for players who enjoy exploring vast landscapes, tracking animals, and carefully planning their hunts. Unlike action-based hunting games that prioritize quick reflexes, this title focuses on patience, precision, and knowledge of animal behavior.

Multiplayer adds another layer of fun, allowing players to hunt with friends, share tracking responsibilities, and engage in cooperative gameplay. The regular updates and new reserves ensure that long-term players always have something new to explore.

However, if you prefer fast-paced gameplay, instant rewards, or more casual hunting mechanics, this may not be the best fit. The game requires time and effort to master, and those looking for a more action-packed experience may find the pacing too slow.

Overall, for players who love the thrill of the hunt, theHunter: Call of the Wild delivers an authentic and deeply rewarding experience that few other games can match.

Game Details

• Game Genre: Hunting Simulation, Open-World
• Release Year: 2017
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Age Rating: 16+
• Game Ratings: Mostly positive (Critics and players praise its realism and graphics)
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both (Solo play and up to 8-player multiplayer)
• Game Mode Accessibility: Online and offline play available
• Pricing Model: Base game is paid, with additional DLC expansions available
• Developer: Expansive Worlds
• Publisher: Avalanche Studios
• Game Engine: Apex Engine

Awards and Nominations

While theHunter: Call of the Wild has not received major gaming awards, it has been recognized as one of the best hunting simulators in the industry. The game has been praised for its exceptional environmental design, attention to realism, and community-driven content updates. It has consistently held a strong player base, thanks to the frequent release of new hunting reserves, weapons, and gameplay enhancements.

System Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• OS: 64-bit Windows 7 / 8 / 10
• Processor: Intel i3-4170 or AMD FX 6100
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 660 / ATI HD 7870 (2GB VRAM)
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 60 GB available space

Recommended Requirements

• OS: 64-bit Windows 10
• Processor: Intel i7 Quad-Core or AMD Ryzen 7
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 760 / Radeon R9 270X (4GB VRAM)
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 60 GB available space

Final Thoughts

TheHunter: Call of the Wild is a unique and realistic hunting experience that stands out from other games in the genre. With stunning environments, immersive sound design, and detailed animal AI, it offers a game world that feels alive and dynamic. Whether playing alone or with friends, the game provides an experience that closely mirrors the challenges of real-world hunting.

While the slow-paced nature of the game may not be for everyone, those who take the time to learn its mechanics will find it to be one of the most rewarding and authentic hunting simulations ever made. With ongoing updates and expansions, the game continues to evolve, ensuring that there is always something new for players to discover.