Way of the Hunter is a hunting simulator console game that closely imitates real-life hunting; the game emphasizes both hunting ethics and skills development.
But if you’re progressing in the game more slowly than you’d like, the following tips can help you get out of a rut and start enjoying the game. If you’re looking for a way to get better at Way of the Hunter, this is the guide for you.
Gamers can leverage the following tips to improve their skills, choose the right weapons, earn and save money, and progress more quickly in Way of the Hunter. Whether you’re a pro gamer (or hunter) or you’re new to outdoor simulation games, this guide is designed to help you unlock the best possible gaming experience.
#1 Choose the Right Weapon
In real hunting, weapon choice is critical — the same is true in Way of the Hunter, and the in-game firearm applications are very true-to-life.
While air guns might be the best tools for specific hunts in real life, these non-traditional weapons aren’t available in the game. Players will have to choose their weapon from a selection of shotguns and rifles.
If you’re trying to find the best possible weapon in Way of the Hunter, consider the following three elements:
- Distance – Rifles are better for long-distance shots; shotguns should be your close-range weapons of choice.
- Caliber – Moose, bears, and other large animals generally demand larger caliber weapons while smaller animals (like hares and foxes) can be taken down with smaller rounds.
- Capacity – You should choose a weapon with a sensible capacity depending on your target species and gaming strategy. If you’re hunting fowl (like pheasants or ducks), consider a high-capacity shotgun to increase your likelihood of bagging a higher number of animals once you find a flock.
#2 Remember Noise
Real-life hunters looking to limit their noise in the field might choose an air rifle for their hunt. But in Way of the Hunter, you’ll need to choose between a rifle and a shotgun, both of which are very noisy.
While this isn’t always true in real hunting, rifles are less noisy than shotguns in Way of the Hunter. If you’re trying not to scare away other wildlife after taking a shot, consider opting for a rifle to increase your chances of bagging a second kill.
#3 Walk, Don’t Run
As a highly strategic sport, hunting demands keen senses. And, if you choose to run through the field instead of walking in Way of the Hunter, your senses are limited, and:
- You might not see animals while running that you would have spotted if you were walking.
- You might not hear auditory cues in the game that will lead you to a herd or a target.
- You might make too much noise and scare something away if you’re constantly running.
So, take a page out of the real hunter’s book — slow down and take your time as you walk to your hunting site, just as a real hunter would.
#4 Consider Magnification vs. Lens Quality for Scopes
Another important skill for real-life hunters is choosing the best possible optic for their application and target species. In Way of the Hunter, there are two metrics you’ll have to balance as you choose a scope:
- Magnification – Magnification describes how tightly your optic will zoom in on your target; magnification can vary greatly between scopes.
- Lens quality – Lens quality is a measure of how clear your scope’s image is once you zoom in. High lens quality generally correlates to crisp, defined images.
While you can try to balance both, you’ll likely find yourself choosing one over the other in Way of the Hunter. To determine which metric is more useful to you (a tight zoom or a clear view), try out multiple scopes and compare their impact on the simulated hunting experience.
#5 Save Money
Completing side missions is a great way to earn money in Way of the Hunter, whether you explore other campsites to find side quests or check in at other cabins.
But in Way of the Hunter, saving money is just as important as earning money. Before you upgrade your weapon or optic, do as much as you can with the one you already have — complete side quests, refine your skills, and find the best way to work with your current tools. Working with what you have and banking your earnings while you do so will help you save much-needed money for eventual upgrades.
#6 Analyze Blood Trails
For real hunters and Way of the Hunter players alike, blood analysis is a highly useful skill. After a kill, take a look at your blood trail and use the blood analysis tool to:
- Track your kills with ease
- Learn more about the specific animal you shot
- Find a trail to your downed animal
While it’s honed over many years of hunts, blood analysis is a key skill for real-life hunters, too. It can help them pinpoint where an animal ran after the shot and determine the quality of their shot, and you can do the same with blood analysis in Way of the Hunter.
#7 Upgrade Your Call
In many real-life hunting scenarios, calling is key: moose hunters and wild turkey hunters particularly understand the finer points of calling up an animal to their stand or perch.
Thus, calling in Way of the Hunter is key — and you can upgrade your call to:
- Separate individual animals from a herd to make targeting easier
- Call up larger animals
- Make animals come as close to you as possible
While you should also focus on saving, upgrading your call is a good investment in Way of the Hunter. Your call is highly likely to become your best friend as you progress through the game.
Way of the Hunter: An Immersive Experience for Hunters and Gamers
Way of the Hunter offers an exciting hunting simulation for experienced hunters, veteran gamers, and everyone in between. And, with the tips above, you can progress more quickly in the game and enjoy the complete, immersive experience.
