8 Best Hunting Games, Ranked

Key Takeaways

The Horizon series, like Zero Dawn and Forbidden West, combines a post-apocalyptic setting with hunting robots in a sustainable cycle of progression.
Depth Hunter 2 offers a unique underwater hunting experience, with challenges such as hiding prey, marine predators, and the crucial factor of oxygen.
Red Dead Redemption 2 not only includes hunting as a prevalent activity in the Old West, but also encourages players to pursue legendary animals for valuable parts and iconic outfits.

As someone who’s spent countless hours traipsing through dense woods and open plains, I can confidently say that these hunting simulations have truly captured the essence of the sport. I remember my first foray into the world of digital hunting, back when I was just a lad with a dream and a dial-up connection. Oh, the patience it required to load those grainy images, one pixel at a time!

Few might assume that hunting and gaming share a common fanbase, given their contrasting nature. Hunting is a demanding, lengthy endeavor that takes place in the wilderness with minimal rewards, while gaming is an indoor activity offering rapid entertainment and continuous enjoyment. Although each has its unique aspects, their differences are quite distinct. Interestingly, numerous game developers strive to replicate the hunting experience within games.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve found myself drawn to numerous hunting games out there. Some of these games entirely revolve around the hunting experience, while others incorporate it as a part of a larger, grander adventure. Regardless, what sets these games apart is their ability to either accurately portray the essence of real-life hunting or innovatively enhance the formula with creative additions. No matter the approach, these hunting titles are definitely worth seeking out and exploring.

8 The Horizon Series

Future Worlds, Primitive Hunts

In the Horizon games – Zero Dawn and Forbidden West, you might not anticipate a world ravaged by robots to involve hunting, but it’s quite common in these scenarios. The robots in these titles are modeled after dinosaurs and ancient creatures. Since humans possess only rudimentary weapons like bows and arrows, directly confronting the robots isn’t feasible.

As a devoted fan, I can relate to Aloy’s character because she was raised in the wilderness, which has equipped her with an impressive arsenal of improvised tools. Her training allows her to outsmart these mechanical beasts in various ways. For instance, she might lay an electric snare trap to immobilize her target or use rapid-fire darts and plasma bombs to weaken its armor. She even attaches a scope to her bow to focus on vulnerable spots. After defeating these machines, Aloy collects their parts to craft new armor and weapons, creating a self-sustaining loop of advancement that I find captivating. This cycle is what makes this world so appealing, as players will spend most of their time hunting cybernetic dinosaurs rather than engaging in repetitive base battles or human conflicts.

7 Depth Hunter 2: Deep Dive

Dangers Lurk Underwater

Platform: Microsoft Windows
Release Date: 20 August 2014
Developer: Biart Company LLC

Depth Hunter 2 delves into the rich diversity of marine life, as most hunting games are limited to land-based wildlife. Players equip themselves with a spear and venture into the underwater world to hunt various species of fish and aquatic mammals. Additionally, they can uncover hidden treasures submerged beneath the waves. This is not a casual swim, though; it’s a challenging quest for these prized catches.

In Depth Hunter 2, you’ll face all the difficulties that come with such underwater settings. While swimming gives you more freedom, it also increases the number of hiding spots for your prey. As a hunter, you must stay vigilant, always mindful of both your quarry and your own survival. Be aware of sharks and other marine predators, but remember that oxygen is just as crucial. Neglecting this aspect can lead to drowning, making it an essential factor in every hunt.

Factors like these add a refreshing twist to a well-known subgenre, known as Depth Hunter. This game showcases the same level of detail and craftsmanship found in traditional tracking titles, but transfers those elements into an enigmatic yet thrilling environment. If you’ve grown tired of hunting terrestrial animals, this could be a fantastic change of pace (or dive) for you.

6 Red Dead Redemption 2

Embrace the Frontier Spirit

One common pastime in the Old West was hunting, a popular activity featured in both Red Dead Redemption video games. However, the sequel presents a more engaging hunting experience. Players track and hunt their prey by following signs like tracks, droppings, blood trails, etc. The method of killing – be it with a bow or a gun – affects the quality of the hide, which can be sold or used for crafting items or outfits. In fact, some iconic outfits can only be obtained this way, making players strive for more challenging game.

These creatures are depicted as extraordinary versions of common animals, as their names imply. For instance, consider a gigantic white alligator, a swift black leopard, or an enormous brown bear. These beasts are challenging to locate and nearly impossible to defeat.

This feature is remarkably great even though it’s not the primary aspect of Red Dead Redemption 2. It’s completely optional, but it certainly isn’t insignificant or secondary. The creatures in question are far more challenging and evasive than any bandit you might encounter.

5 Far Cry Primal

Return to the Dawn of Humanity

If you’re looking for a thrilling hunting experience without committing to a specialized simulator, Far Cry Primal could be just what you need. This action-adventure game belongs to the renowned Far Cry series, transporting players back to a period before civilization, where our ancestors lived among cavemen and relied on rudimentary tools for survival against fierce predators such as Sabretooth Tigers and Mammoths.

In essence, hunting involves enticing animals with bait towards a trap or confined area where one can subsequently employ weapons for the final kill. Interestingly, besides preying on beasts, some animals like sabretooths can be tamed and utilized as battle companions or mounts to traverse vast open landscapes such as plains.

4 The Monster Hunter Series

The Hunt for Colossal Beasts

As a seasoned gamer, it’s no secret that Monster Hunter is all about taking down mythical beasts of epic proportions. The game’s creativeness shines through in the design of these creatures, making each hunt a unique challenge. From extra limbs to peculiar behaviors, every monster keeps you on your toes and requires strategic adapting to conquer. And let’s not forget the thrill of the chase!

Each triumphant hunt brings treasures of worth, as monster remnants are highly valued at hunter outposts. These pieces can be crafted into improved weapons and equipment by players, allowing them to take on even larger monstrosities. This cycle echoes the sustainability that drove the world in Horizon.

It’s worth mentioning that the popularity of Monster Hunter extends beyond just its gameplay mechanics; it also stems from its cooperative features. The excitement of defeating massive creatures alongside friends is truly captivating.

3 Hunting Simulator 2

Master the Art of the Hunt

In simple terms, Hunting Simulator 2 is a realistic game where you step into the role of a skilled hunter navigating through vast, untouched landscapes to track and capture various wildlife. It’s important to note that only those with the appropriate gear can successfully hunt the animals roaming this open world environment.

Beyond featuring standard elements of contemporary hunting simulations such as multiple firearms and equipment options, the game additionally offers an authentic hunting experience by letting players bring along hunting dogs during their expeditions. The objective is to retrieve the game they’ve successfully hunted. While fast travel is available, travel spots are strategically placed far enough apart that hunting necessitates a substantial journey into the wilderness. The hunting mechanics emphasize realism; animals flee when they hear noise, walking is slow and demanding, and each hunt requires patience and the willingness to wait for an opportunity to present itself.

2 Way of the Hunter

Track the Ultimate Game

Platforms: PlayStation 5, GeForce Now, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, Android
Release date: August 16, 2022
Developer: Nine Rocks Games

The Way of the Hunter is a simulation game that casts players as a newly-established lodge owner within a forest teeming with hunting wildlife. Picture it as a spinoff from Stardew Valley, except rather than cultivating a farm, the player ventures into the role of a hunter.

As a seasoned gamer, I can tell you that Way of the Hunter offers an immersive experience with stunningly realistic graphics that bring the great outdoors to life. It’s teeming with various creatures, each with their unique habitats, waiting to be hunted. The game map is vast and inviting, promising endless exploration.

1 theHunter: Call Of The Wild

The Art of Hunting Perfected

theHunter may not boast the same level of visual spectacle as its predecessors, but it stands out for its authenticity. It delivers the mechanics that gamers have grown accustomed to. The expansive environments serve as captivating hunting grounds. Moreover, hunters are equipped with a variety of tools: different weapon types, lures, vehicles, tracking dogs, and numerous other options. These features make the game a formidable experience on its own.

What sets theHunter apart, however, is its remarkable level of detail. Each animal exhibits distinct appearances and behaviors, even among their own species. To add to this, their senses surpass those of humans, enabling them to detect potential threats from a great distance. This means that if players are downwind or make a sound like stepping on a twig, they unintentionally provoke a survival instinct. Needless to say, it can be challenging and exasperating at times.

What sets this game apart is its realistic nature. Players need to consider factors such as wind direction and noise levels while stalking their targets, just like real hunters would. This attention to detail makes the game incredibly immersive, making it one of the best hunting simulation games available today.

2024-11-10 19:55