The THQ Nordic & Nine Rocks teams are excited to announce that we’re bringing gaming’s most authentic hunting simulator – Way of the Hunter 2 – to Xbox Series X|S.

Over the past several years our teams have worked closely together with our active and dedicated community of simulation hunters to create the ultimate hunting game. We’ve asked questions through polls and surveys, we’ve introduced new weapons, gear, and equipment, and we’ve worked with a variety of brand partners to bring our players a world-class hunting experience.

So, what’s new in Way of the Hunter 2? The team at Nine Rocks made a conscious decision to move the game to Unreal Engine 5. It wasn’t easy – it was a huge strategic step, but we believe building the game in UE5 will allow it to be serviced at the highest possible quality for years to come. Using this engine allows the team to implement previously impossible improvements and ideas that the community’s been craving. Things like deeper systemic features, visual fidelity, world simulation improvements, and expanded gameplay possibilities are made possible with our new technical foundation.

Beyond engine improvements, we’re also bringing the most requested feature – an American foxhound hunting dog – to the table. Your new hunting companion is trained for blood tracking, even in dense terrain. Your pup knows basic commands, like sit, heel, and track, and the more time you spend bonding with it, the more obedient and better trained it becomes. We feel that the addition of a hunting dog will allow the player to track blood trails authentically and realistically, while mitigating tedious searches when the trail goes cold.

Additionally, we’ve added new hunting gear, to make your hunts even more efficient and effective. We’ve included backpacks to help expand your inventory on longer trips, calls, blinds, and decoys for duck hunting. We’ve also added a tent to facilitate fast travel, wait out harsh weather, or simply to set up camp for the night.

Let’s also take a moment to talk about your new hunting ground in New Laurentia, Canada. You’re joining a family-owned hunting reserve, Hearth and Hunt, where you’ll help restore the reserve to its former glory and turn it into the ultimate hunting getaway. In the initial phase of the game, you’ll meet four NPCs who will guide you and give you structured missions that will take you all over the map and push you to your limits. If you’d rather set out on your own to roam the vast Canadian forests and river valleys, you can also pass your time free hunting. You’ll have over 30 species to explore, including moose, elk, bears, bison, rabbits, and turkeys. You’ll also be equipped with every hunter’s dream lodge, where its vast halls are just waiting to be filled with trophies from your expeditions. Your lodge is perched in a beautiful river valley and comes equipped with a sturdy truck for traversing the vast areas of the map.

All of this and more is coming soon to Xbox Series X|S in Way of the Hunter 2. Wishlist Now!

Way of the Hunter 2

THQ Nordic

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Explore the vast outdoors of North America in this next level open world hunting game.

Feel the thrill of the hunt and keep an eye out for the wild and wonderous species that are roaming the Canadian wilderness. Hunt and display big game like Moose, Elk, Bears or Bison as well as, smaller animals like Rabbits, Turkeys and various other birds.

As the ultimate hunting simulator, Way of the Hunter 2’s goal is to become the most authentic and advanced virtual hunting experience. Building upon our previous experience, invaluable player feedback, and countless iterations this game will start as the foundation for many updates, expansions and a true long-term support.

With over 10 different real-world brand partners, from hunting rifle manufacturers to high-tech equipment and precision optics, our commitment to realistically simulating your favorite hunting gear guarantees ultimate in-game immersion.

As the new hunter in town, you are recruited to take on a series of unique challenges that span two breathtaking environments and introduce you to a cast of memorable NPCs. In New Laurentia, you’ll team up with a skilled dog trainer and assist the former warden as you uncover the mystery behind the unusual behavior of the local moose population.

Features:

Hunting Dog: Bring your loyal hunting companion to support you while you hunt and track game.. It can search for animal signs, locate blood trails, and track down wounded animals. Your dog will learn and improve with constant exercise and training.

Shot review: Our improved bullet camera lets you break down every shot with precision. Analyze trajectory, speed, angle, placement, and more — learn how to make the perfect shot, every time.

Hunting Lodge: Welcome to the Hunting Lodge — your ultimate hub for adventure. Plan your next hunt, showcase hard-earned trophies, and unlock powerful upgrades to build the hunting paradise of your dreams. Each map features its own Lodge, unique to that territory.

High Tech Equipment: High end gear will amplify your instincts — delivering the most immersive and realistic hunting experience with improved night vision and next level hunting reserve monitoring for managing your habitats.