TheHunter Call of the Wild Guide: Is It Worth It in 2025

There’s no shortage of hunting sims on the market, but few have kept players returning for eight years quite like theHunter: Call of the Wild, released in February 2017 by Expansive Worlds and still receiving new DLC content. This guide cuts through the community noise to give beginners clear answers on money-making, the hardest animals, and whether the game is worth your time in 2025.

Release Date: February 16, 2017 ·
Developer: Expansive Worlds ·
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One ·
Base Price on Steam: $19.99 USD ·
Number of Reserves: 10+ ·
Animal Species: Over 100

Five key specs define the base game package:

Is TheHunter: Call of the Wild Any Good?

What Makes the Game Accessible for New Players?

• The game offers a tutorial session and a beginner-friendly reserve, Hirschfelden, designed for new hunters (Official site).
• Graphics and atmosphere are widely praised – IGN called it “a beautiful, serene world” (IGN review).
• Patience is required: animals spook easily, and tracking takes time (PC Gamer review).

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Rushing shots – always wait for a broadside or quartering-away angle for a clean kill.
• Using the wrong caliber – each animal class requires a specific ammunition type (e.g., class 2-4 for .243).
• Ignoring wind direction – animals catch your scent from up to 200 meters away.

How the Learning Curve Feels

“This game is not for everyone but if you enjoy hunting and beautiful scenery then you’ve found it.”

– Reddit user, r/theHunter

A Gamespot review notes that the learning curve is steep but rewarding, and that the game is “not for the impatient.” The implication: if you value realism and atmosphere over arcade action, you’ll feel at home after a few hours.

What this means: theHunter: Call of the Wild is a niche title that excels for players who want a meditative, authentic hunting experience. For those who prefer fast-paced action, it may feel slow.

What’s the Fastest Way to Grind Money?

Top Money-Making Animals and Their Payouts

Five species offer the best cash-per-hunt ratio for new players:

*DLC-dependent. Sources: theHunter Wiki and YouTube money-making guide.

Best Weapons and Gear for Efficient Hunting

• Starter Ranger .243 with polymer-tip bullets handles class 2-5 animals (theHunter Wiki).
• For class 6-9, save for a .300 Canning Magnum or 7mm – these ensure clean kills on bison, bears, and moose.
• Always carry a backpack with scent eliminator and callers for your target species.

Using Missions and Side Objectives

• Daily and weekly challenges pay $500 to $12,000 depending on difficulty (YouTube beginner guide).
• Players can complete up to three challenges per day before reset.
• Focus on missions that align with your current reserve’s species – they often require no extra travel.

The pattern: grinding money in theHunter: Call of the Wild is about consistency. Hunt what you can kill cleanly, sell everything, and stack challenges. The first $50,000 is the hardest – after that, gear upgrades snowball your efficiency.

How Long Is 1 Hour in COTW and What Is the Hardest Animal to Hunt?

In-Game Time vs Real Time Ratio

Time compression: One in-game hour equals 2 real minutes, a 30x acceleration rate, according to the community wiki. This means you can hunt through an entire day cycle in under an hour of real playtime.

The Most Difficult Animals to Track and Kill

• Coyotes – small, fast, and easily spooked; they detect you from far away (Wiki: Coyote).
• Red Fox – similar to coyotes but even more skittish; requires near-perfect stealth.
• Bison – not fast, but extremely tough; can take multiple shots to bring down, often fleeing before you get a second shot.

Tips for Hunting Coyotes, Foxes, and Other Skittish Species

• Use a caller (rabbit distress or predator call) to lure them into a kill zone.
• Set up a ground blind near known need zones (drink, feed, rest).
• Approach from downwind and crouch or crawl when within 150 meters.

What this means: the hardest animals are not the biggest but the most alert. Mastering wind and call use turns these frustrating creatures into reliable income.

Is Hunter Call of the Wild Better than Hunting Simulator 2?

Sequel Status – Official Statements and Rumors

Comparing Gameplay and Features: COTW vs Hunting Simulator 2

Two hunting sims, two philosophies – here’s how they stack up:

Sources: Steam store, Wikipedia article, and PC Gamer review.

Which Game Do Players Prefer and Why?

On Reddit, the consensus favors theHunter: Call of the Wild for its realism and freedom. Hunting Simulator 2 draws players who want a guided experience without the steep learning curve (Reddit community discussions). The trade-off: COTW rewards patience, while HS2 respects your time more.

The pattern: if you want to feel like a real hunter in a vast world, COTW wins. If you prefer structured gameplay, HS2 may be better. There’s no wrong answer – just different hunting styles.

Which Game Is Best for Boring?

Best Games to Play When Bored – Including COTW

• theHunter: Call of the Wild – often recommended for its relaxing, immersive environment (Reddit community discussions).
• Stardew Valley, Euro Truck Simulator 2 – similar chill vibes with no pressure.
• For hunting sim fans who want more action, Hunting Simulator 2 is a structured alternative.

Background on the Hunters TV Show Cancellation

Hunters (Amazon Prime) was canceled after its second season due to mixed reviews and creative differences. It has no connection to the game.

How the Cancelation Affects the Game Community

None – the game’s community continues to grow through regular updates and DLC. The cancellation does not impact game development or support (Official site).

Why this matters: confusion between the TV show and the game persists online. Knowing they are unrelated prevents unnecessary worry about the game’s future.

Pros and Cons of theHunter: Call of the Wild

The takeaway: these pros and cons reflect a game that rewards patience and penalizes rush – choose accordingly.

How to Start Making Money in COTW: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Complete the tutorial on Hirschfelden – learn basics and earn starting gear.
2. Focus on drinking zones – animals gather at lakes and rivers between specific times (YouTube money-making guide).
3. Hunt pronghorn or pumas – they pay well and are manageable with the starter .243.
4. Harvest every animal – sell meat, pelts, and antlers for extra cash.
5. Complete daily challenges – up to three per day paying up to $12,000 (YouTube beginner guide).
6. Invest in a .300 Canning Magnum – opens up class 6-9 animals for higher payouts.

The pattern: following these steps systematically will quickly move you from struggling beginner to efficient hunter.

Clarity Check: What We Know vs What’s Still Uncertain

The implication: the game’s future is stable but not expanding into a sequel.

The catch: these quotes highlight the divide between patient hunters and casual players.

For any player weighing whether to step into the reserves of theHunter: Call of the Wild, the implication is clear: if you value realism, immersion, and a meditative pace, this is the best hunting sim on the market – but if you want quick action and structured missions, you’ll find more satisfaction elsewhere. There’s no sequel coming, but the living game with its expanding DLCs remains a unique destination for those who hunt not just for trophies, but for the experience.