[h1]theHunter: Call of the Wild[/h1]
theHunter: Call of the Wild is a hunting simulation where you take on the role of a hunter and hunt animals for money and experience points. I played theHunter: Call of the Wild primarily on PS5, though I’ve also clocked around 30 hours on PC by now. This allowed me to get to know the game over an extended period and form a solid impression of the base game.
[h1]Hunting & Gameplay[/h1]
The hunting feels satisfyingly realistic and takes a measured, unhurried pace. You have to take your time and wait for the right moment. It is particularly rewarding when an animal drops instantly after a well-placed first shot.
Personally, however, I find the tracking mechanics a bit misleading, so I mostly relied on blood trails instead. On the plus side, animal behavior is varied: while smaller animals like hares flee at the slightest noise, larger animals such as black bears will sometimes issue warning calls before running off.
[h1]Animals & Hunting Grounds[/h1]
The two maps included in the base game are impressively large and feature beautiful, atmospheric environments. However, for my taste, they don't differ all that much from one another. The selection of animals is also somewhat limited, as many species appear on both maps.
Even so, there is plenty to discover on the maps, and the variety of animal species ensures a diverse hunting experience.
[h1]Weapons & Equipment[/h1]
The weapons in the base game work well and are neither overpowered nor underpowered. There is a sufficient variety of weapons for different animal species, and the shooting mechanics feel distinct depending on the weapon used. Factors like recoil, reloading, and other details ensure that the weapons don't all feel the same.
In my opinion, there is also a decent selection of equipment right from the start. However, you quickly realize that a large portion of the additional content is offered through DLCs.
[h1]Progression & Atmosphere[/h1]
I really like the skill and perk system, as it allows you to specialize your character in various areas.
Improvements to tracking skills, in particular, can make hunting significantly easier. Unlocking new weapons and gear is also fun, though the grind in the base game is certainly noticeable.
Visually, the game remains impressive for a title that is nearly ten years old. The weather, landscapes, and overall atmosphere are also excellent. However, the lighting isn't always optimal, as the sun can sometimes cause severe glare.
The animal and ambient sounds are particularly impressive. You can hear something almost constantly, which adds immensely to the atmosphere. That said, when no animals are nearby, the ambient sounds repeat quite frequently, making the world feel a bit less alive at times.
[h1]Is the Base Game Worth It?[/h1]
This is where I see the base game's biggest weakness: in my opinion, the available content is relatively limited, which can lead to boredom fairly quickly.
Anyone looking for more variety in the long run will likely end up turning to the DLCs. New animals, maps, companions, ATVs, and weapons are largely available through additional DLC packs.
Therefore, if you want to try the game out, I would recommend waiting for a sale. While the base game offers a solid foundation, the bulk of the extensive content is found in the expansions.
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