If you're into realistic hunting simulations, theHunter: Call of the Wild - New Species 2018 serves as an expansion that brings fresh wildlife to the mix in this PC title blending simulation, adventure, and sports elements. Released back in 2018, this DLC enhances the base game by introducing animals like the gemsbok, mallard, Canada goose, and white-tailed jackrabbit, each with unique behaviors and variations that add depth to your hunts across diverse reserves.
Gameplay
In this hunting simulation, you track and pursue animals in expansive open-world reserves, paying close attention to their senses and habits to succeed. For instance, the gemsbok in Vurhonga Savanna relies on sharp smell, hearing, and eyesight, making it a cautious target that moves slowly to avoid threats. It features five fur variations, from common grey to rarer types, rewarding patient hunters. Similarly, mallards in Layton Lake District have strong eyesight but weaker hearing and smell, so strategic positioning near water bodies can catch them off guard, with up to nine plumage variations including the iconic iridescent-green head.
Canada geese appear in Hirschfelden, identifiable by their white chinstrap and excellent hearing and vision, though their sense of smell is lacking. They travel in groups and show four variations, mostly the standard brown-bodied form alongside leucistic types. The white-tailed jackrabbit, spotted in Layton Lake, stands out for its speed and agility, with a keen sense of smell but average vision, and it comes in five fur types, including a rare albino. Tools like the Beacon Deluxe Duck Caller and Short Reed Canada Goose Caller help attract these birds, with the duck caller working well in windy conditions near lakes and the goose caller replicating various vocalizations for close or distant lures.
Mechanics emphasize realism, from tracking footprints and sounds to considering wind direction and animal alertness. Reserves evolve over time, with ecosystems that can introduce more species as you progress, keeping hunts dynamic without scripted events.
Game Modes
The game supports both single-player and multiplayer experiences, allowing you to explore reserves alone or with friends in cooperative hunts. In single-player, you focus on personal progression, unlocking new areas and gear through successful outings. Multiplayer lets groups tackle larger reserves together, sharing strategies for spotting and taking down elusive animals.
Reserves like Layton Lake District, Hirschfelden Hunting Reserve, Medved-Taiga National Park, and Vurhonga Savanna each offer unique environments and species pools, with the DLC expanding options in these areas. You can switch between them freely, adapting your approach to different terrains and wildlife behaviors.
Key Features and Updates
Since its release, the game has seen ongoing support through additional DLCs that introduce more maps and species, with newer reserves boasting higher diversity, sometimes up to 20 animals per area. This keeps the core loop fresh, as you adapt to evolving ecosystems and new hunting challenges.
Highlighted additions in this DLC include:
- Gemsbok with nomadic habits and thick skin for protection.
- Mallards that feed in wetlands and socialize near resting spots.
- Canada geese forming lifelong pairs and migrating in formations.
- White-tailed jackrabbits known for solitude outside mating seasons.
These elements integrate seamlessly into the base mechanics, encouraging repeated visits to reserves for rare variations and trophies.
Is It Worth Playing?
For fans of simulation games that reward patience and strategy, this DLC enhances an already solid hunting experience with new species that feel authentic and challenging. Player feedback highlights the relaxing atmosphere, detailed graphics, and realistic animal behaviors, with the expansion earning very positive reviews at 92% from over 250 users. It's particularly appealing if you enjoy solo exploration or teaming up for hunts, and with continued updates adding variety, it remains engaging for those seeking a true-to-life outdoor pursuit. If fast-paced action isn't your style, but methodical tracking in beautiful settings is, it's a strong pick to extend your time in the wild.
