Price: $21.19
(as of Sep 10, 2025 11:11:38 UTC – Details)

Expert Review: WAY OF THE HUNTER for PS5 Gaming Console – The Most Realistic Hunting Sim on Console?

As a hunting game enthusiast with over a decade of experience dissecting digital hunts, from the arcade thrills of Cabela’s to the meticulous realism of theHunter: Call of the Wild, I’ve developed a keen sense for what makes a hunting simulation truly immersive. I’ve tracked countless virtual animals across diverse landscapes on every major platform, and I’m here to deliver an honest assessment of WAY OF THE HUNTER on the PS5. This isn’t just another digital shooting gallery; it’s a deliberate attempt to recreate the patience, strategy, and respect for nature that defines the real-world hunting experience. After logging over 100 hours in its sprawling environments, I’m ready to tell you whether it succeeds, and whether it’s worth your time and money. Spoiler alert: it gets closer to the mark than any console hunting game before it.

WAY OF THE HUNTER offers a compelling blend of open-world exploration, challenging hunting mechanics, and surprisingly deep management aspects. The focus is undeniably on realism, requiring players to embrace patience, strategic planning, and an understanding of animal behavior. This review will dive into the game’s strengths and weaknesses, offering a detailed analysis for fellow hunting enthusiasts and simulation gamers looking for an authentic virtual hunting experience on their PS5.

Game Features & Technical Specs

• Graphics Engine and Visual Capabilities: Built on Unreal Engine, WAY OF THE HUNTER boasts impressive visual fidelity. Lush environments, detailed animal models, and realistic lighting create a convincingly immersive experience. The PS5 version benefits from enhanced textures and improved performance compared to previous iterations.
• Game World Size and Scope: Two vast open-world regions are available: one in the USA (Pacific Northwest) and one in Europe (Carpathian Mountains). Each offers hundreds of square kilometers of diverse terrain, from dense forests and rolling hills to open fields and rocky mountains.
• Available Animals and Hunting Locations: A wide variety of animals are present, from common whitetail deer and elk to more challenging species like bears, wolves, and mountain lions. The European map introduces unique animals such as the European Bison and Red Deer. Each species has realistic behaviors and requires different hunting strategies.
• Weapon Variety and Customization Options: Players have access to a diverse arsenal of firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and bows. Each weapon can be customized with various attachments, such as scopes, suppressors, and ammunition types, allowing for personalized loadouts tailored to specific hunting scenarios. Ballistics are realistically modeled, demanding careful consideration of range, wind, and bullet drop.
• Single-Player vs Multiplayer Features: A robust single-player campaign offers a narrative-driven experience focused on conservation and responsible hunting practices. Multiplayer allows up to four players to hunt cooperatively in the open world, sharing the hunting experience and tackling challenging hunts together.
• DLC and Content Expansion Options: The game has seen multiple DLC releases, expanding the animal roster with species like Fallow Deer and introducing new weapons and gear. Future DLC is likely to add even more content, keeping the experience fresh for dedicated players.

Gameplay Performance Deep Dive

Graphics & Immersion Quality

The visual fidelity of WAY OF THE HUNTER on the PS5 is truly impressive. The environments are rendered with a level of detail that rivals many AAA titles. Sunlight filters realistically through the trees, casting dynamic shadows that shift as the day progresses. Animal animations are fluid and natural, adding to the immersion. Weather effects, such as rain and fog, further enhance the realism, impacting visibility and animal behavior. The day/night cycle is also well-implemented, forcing players to adapt their hunting strategies to different lighting conditions. I was particularly impressed with the detail of the animal models; each species is rendered with accurate textures and realistic anatomical features. This commitment to visual realism significantly elevates the overall hunting experience.

Gameplay Mechanics & Controls

WAY OF THE HUNTER separates itself from many other hunting games through its emphasis on realism. Weapon handling is weighty and deliberate, requiring players to master breath control, stance, and bullet ballistics to achieve accurate shots. Animal AI is challenging, with animals reacting realistically to sound, scent, and visual stimuli. Tracking systems are intuitive but demanding, requiring players to follow tracks, droppings, and calls to locate their quarry. Calling mechanics are crucial for attracting animals, requiring players to learn the appropriate calls for each species and use them strategically. Inventory management is also an important aspect, requiring players to carefully select their gear and manage their weight. The controls are generally well-optimized for the PS5 controller, though mastering the nuances of weapon handling takes time and practice.

Progression & Replay Value

The progression system in WAY OF THE HUNTER revolves around leveling up your character and unlocking new skills and perks. These skills enhance your hunting abilities, such as improving your tracking speed, increasing your weapon proficiency, and reducing your scent signature. Unlockable weapons and gear provide further customization options, allowing players to tailor their loadouts to their preferred hunting style. The single-player campaign offers a variety of missions, ranging from tracking down specific animals to managing your family’s hunting business. Multiplayer adds significant replay value, allowing players to hunt cooperatively with friends and compete for the largest trophies. While the initial grind for experience can feel slow, the sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering the game’s mechanics and successfully harvesting a trophy animal is incredibly rewarding.

Technical Performance

On the PS5, WAY OF THE HUNTER generally runs smoothly, maintaining a stable frame rate in most situations. Loading times are relatively short, allowing for quick transitions between areas. However, I did encounter a few minor bugs and glitches during my playtime, such as occasional clipping issues and instances of animals getting stuck in the environment. These issues were infrequent and did not significantly detract from the overall experience. The stability of the game has improved significantly since its initial release, thanks to a series of patches and updates.

Comprehensive Pros & Cons

Strengths:

• Unparalleled Realism: WAY OF THE HUNTER offers the most realistic hunting simulation available on consoles, with authentic animal behavior, realistic ballistics, and a deep understanding of hunting practices.
• Vast and Beautiful Environments: The two open-world regions are stunningly rendered and offer a diverse range of hunting opportunities, from dense forests to open plains.
• Challenging Animal AI: Animals react realistically to player actions, requiring patience, strategy, and skill to successfully track and harvest them. The learning curve is steep, but it’s worth the effort.
• Deep Weapon Customization: The wide variety of weapons and attachments allows for personalized loadouts tailored to specific hunting scenarios. Understanding ballistics is crucial for success.
• Engaging Single-Player Campaign: The narrative-driven campaign offers a compelling storyline focused on conservation and responsible hunting.
• Cooperative Multiplayer: Hunting with friends in the open world adds a new dimension to the experience, allowing players to share the thrill of the hunt and tackle challenging quests together.

Weaknesses:

• Technical Issues: While performance has improved, some minor bugs and glitches persist, which can occasionally disrupt the immersion.
• Steep Learning Curve: The game’s realism can be overwhelming for new players, requiring significant time and effort to master the mechanics. This isn’t an arcade shooter; patience is key.
• Grindy Progression System: The initial grind for experience points can feel slow and repetitive, especially for those eager to unlock new weapons and skills.

Target Gamer Profile

WAY OF THE HUNTER is perfect for simulation enthusiasts who value realism over arcade action. It’s ideal for gamers seeking a methodical and challenging hunting experience that demands patience, strategy, and a deep understanding of animal behavior. If you enjoy games like theHunter: Call of the Wild but prefer a more grounded and realistic approach, this is the game for you. This is a must-play for PS5 hunting game fans.

However, if you’re looking for a fast-paced, action-oriented hunting game with instant gratification, you should probably skip this title. The deliberate pace and challenging mechanics may frustrate players who prefer a more casual gaming experience.

Final Gaming Verdict

WAY OF THE HUNTER on the PS5 is a significant step forward for hunting simulations on consoles. Its unparalleled realism, vast and beautiful environments, and challenging animal AI create a genuinely immersive and rewarding hunting experience. While some minor technical issues and a steep learning curve may deter some players, the game’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.

Ultimately, WAY OF THE HUNTER offers a unique and compelling experience for gamers who appreciate the art of the hunt and value realism above all else. It’s a confident recommendation for those seeking the most authentic virtual hunting experience available on the PS5. I give it an 8.5/10. If you are a fan of simulation games that require patience and observation, this is the game for you. This title has carved out a place for itself amongst the giants of the genre and will certainly grow a loyal fanbase. Buy it, and happy hunting!

Price: $21.19
(as of Sep 10, 2025 11:11:38 UTC – Details)