8 Best Hunting Games, Ranked

Key things

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

Few would expect that hunting and playing to transition between their audiences. The former is a slow, arduous trial requiring hours in the elements with little chance of reward. The latter is an inner fun with fast fun and constant fun. Obviously, each has a little more nuance, but the differences are still hard to ignore. Despite these differences, many game developers attempt to replicate the hunting experience.

That's why there are so many hunting titles. These usually design the entire game around the concept itself, but others simply make hunting fun in the middle of a larger adventure. At the same time, they can derive quality from how well they capture the true essence of hunting or how they elevate the formula with high-concept accessories. Be that as it may, these titles are worth watching.

Updated on November 10, 2024 by Hamza Haq: Hunting has been part of the human DNA for as long as the species has been alive, and games that scratch an ingrained itch will always have a market for them because they will continue to be made. The best hunting games tend to be realistic, like a simulation that allows the player to immerse themselves in the hunt. However, there is also a demand for hunting arcade games because sometimes you just need to point and shoot.

8 Horizon series

Future worlds, primitive hunts

You wouldn't expect a post-apocalyptic world plagued by robots to have hunting, but it's a regular part Horizon games–Zero Dawn and Forbidden West. In these titles, robots take the form of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. Humans have little more than bows and arrows, so fighting robots head-on is out of the question.

This is why Aloy – the protagonist of the series – has a wilderness background. Her training gives her a plethora of makeshift tools to outsmart these metal monsters. She could set up an electric rope trap to immobilize the target; she could use rapid-fire darts or plasma bombs to erode his armor; she can even attach binoculars to her bow to hone in on weak spots. She then harvests pieces of these machines to create new armor and weapons. It is a sustainable cycle of progression. The said cycle is the main draw of this world. That's good because that's what players will do most of the time. Hunting cyber dinosaurs to kill more cyber dinosaurs is infinitely more enticing than the obligatory base battles and human enemies.

7 Depth Hunter 2: Deep Dive

Dangers lurk underwater

• Platform: Microsoft Windows
• Release date: August 20, 2014
• Developer: Biart Company LLC

Most hunting games take place on land, but water has just as many types of wildlife. Hunter of the Deep 2 dives deep into that watery cornucopia. With their trusty spear, players hunt various fish and underwater mammals. They can also find buried treasure. However, accounting for these prices is not bad luck.

Hunter of the Deep 2 it comes with all the challenges inherent in these environments. Swimming offers a greater range of motion, but also means prey has more places to hide. Hunters must keep their eyes on the stalks and do so without neglecting their own survival. Watch out for sharks and other marine predators, but oxygen is just as important. Overlooking this crucial factor obviously leads to drowning and adds another factor to consider on any hunt.

Such factors bring a welcome novelty to the storied subgenre. Hunter of the deep sports the same care and attention as terrestrial tracking titles. It simply applies these qualities to a mysterious but exciting environment. Those bored of bagging land animals should jump (or sink) at the opportunity.

6 Red Dead Redemption 2

Embrace the frontier spirit

Among the most widespread activities of the Old West was hunting. Both Red Dead Redemption the games include it, but the sequel is infinitely more appealing in that regard. Players stalk the quarry using tracks, droppings, blood trails, and other signs. The weapon used to kill him – bow or pistol – determines the condition of the skin. Fans can then sell the parts or use them to make gear or clothing. In fact, it's the only way to unlock several iconic getups. So it encourages would-be cowboys to go after more challenging prey.

This comes in the form of legendary animals. As the name suggests, they are slightly taller than the regular versions. Examples include the massive albino alligator, the swift panther, or the monstrous bear. These are hard to track and even harder to kill.

This makes them a worthy target for anyone playing a ranger role. This system is all the more impressive because it is not the main focus RDR2. It's completely optional, but that doesn't mean it's an afterthought. These beasts are more formidable and elusive than any outlaw.

5 Far Cry Primal

Return to the Dawn of Humanity

For players who want to enjoy a hunting game but aren't sold on the idea of ​​a dedicated hunting simulator, Far Cry Primal is the answer. An action-adventure game in the famous Far Cry franchise, Far Cry Primal takes players back to prehistoric times when cavemen roamed the earth and humanity had to fend off beasts like Sabretooth tigers and mammoths with primitive weapons.

Hunting is mainly done using lures to lure animals towards a trap or enclosure where the player can then use their weapons to finish the job. Besides being able to hunt animals, it is also possible to tame animals such as sabertooth and use them as companions in battle or as horses to ride across the plains.

4 Monster Hunter series

Hunt for colossal beasts

Anyone could see this entry coming from a mile away. Monster Hunter he literally makes a name for himself killing animals. These animals are simply fantastic creatures of mythical proportions. The consistently creative designs are not only impressive to look at, but mix up the usual gameplay. Most monsters have an unusual appendage or behavior; hunters must adapt. This adaptability can also include persecution. In a welcome bit of authenticity, these animals don't want to fight to the death. They can retreat into their lairs, so players must remain alert in all directions. Whoever does this can expect a reward.

Every successful hunt brings valuable prizes. Monster parts fetch high prices at hunter posts. Alternatively, players can mold these components into new weapons and equipment. In return, they can chase down more formidable monsters. It's the same sustainability that inspired Horizon.

he said that Monster Hunter has wider appeal. It's not just because of the mechanics, but also the co-op ability. Defeating a colossal enemy with friends is undeniable.

3 Hunting simulator 2

Master the art of hunting

Hunting Simulator 2 is a simulation game that follows the life of a hunter who sets out to hunt game in the wild. Animals roam the open world map, but only professionals with the right tools for the job can hunt them.

In addition to all the mainstays of a modern hunting sim, such as a variety of different weapons and tools, the game also allows players to bring hunting dogs with them on their expeditions to bring back the game they have shot. Fast travel is allowed, but the travel points are far enough apart that hunting anything requires a deep trek into the forest. Hunting mechanics are based on realism; animals run if they hear footsteps, walking is slow and laborious, and all hunting requires patience and the ability to sit and wait for something to happen.

2 The path of the hunter

Watch 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

Way of the Hunter is a hunting sim that puts the player in the role of a brand new owner of a cabin in the middle of the woods surrounded by hunting animals. Think of it as a Stardew Valley start, but instead of a farm, the player takes on the job of a hunter.

Way of the Hunter features photorealistic graphics, realistic habitats with a wide variety of animals to hunt, a huge map to explore, and a variety of different weapons to choose from. Hunting is not as simple as point-and-shoot. Players must track the animals and follow them into their realm, but remain light-footed enough not to spook them, line up the perfect shot, and collect the trophy when all is said and done. It is a patient sport that requires a slow and methodical approach.

1 theHunter: Call of the Wild

The art of hunting to perfection

hunter it doesn't have the spectacle of previous entries, but it's easily the most authentic. It has all the mechanics that players expect. Vast sandbars create tempting hunting grounds. In addition, hunters have a lot of options in their arsenal: types of weapons, decoys, vehicles, tracking dogs and more. These aspects alone make the game formidable.

What helps hunter however, its mere detail stands out. Each animal has its own appearance and behavior, unique even to other members of its species. What's more, their senses are inherently more advanced than humans. As such, they can detect danger from miles away. If players are downwind or step on a twig, they will inadvertently trigger a fight or flight response. It is difficult and frustrating to say the least.

However, this is what makes the game so realistic. Hunters must observe conditions such as wind direction and noise when approaching the target. Forcing players to do the same means hunter it's all the more immersive. As far as sim hunting goes, it's not much better.