How do you find animals here?

[The nubinator]

Is it like a gimmick like it seems to be in the predecessor "The Hunter" using that Hunter Buddy - tablet thing or do you actually look on the ground for clues and stuff?

[BJWyler]

Yes, you need to walk around and look for tracks, need zones, and the animals. If you are running, you will never see ant animal. When you hear a call, you crouch walk and belly crawl towards it. Find a spot where you are hidden (the sight circle turns into a line), and use a caller to bring the animal in.

Make sure you are using the appropriate class of ammo for the animal you are going to shoot.

[The nubinator]

So how do you find tracks? like is it hard? What kind of tracks do you look for ? Does the game indicate them for you or is it done manually?


Does the grass get "trampled" and then tracks are stuck in the graphics for like 30 min? 1 hour? when ever the animal passes?

[BJWyler]

If you have all settings at default, just walk around the map and you'll see them. Typically, about a minute or two after loading into a map, the game warden for that reserve will highlight the nearest track for you.

[The nubinator]

So its more a gimmick like a "quest marker" in normal games, rather than any real kind of tracking/requiring inate knowledge?


Im mostly looking for a game/hunting sim to learn a little bit about hunting before I decide whether or not to actually hunt. So I want as few crutches as possible if you have something like that to recommend it would be awesome

[James]

You can play COTW in many ways. All from chasing HUD/POI elements (essentially glowing arrows) pointing you in the right direction to the more realistic looking for clues (droppings, depressed grass, footprints) and listening for animal movements sounds and calls.

It's a big world so one might need a few visual clues in the beginning, but the fun starts when you turn all the visual aids off and learn about various animal behavior. Perhaps rely on the dog to help you out a little...

There are plenty of missions if you need guidance or a "purpose", but one can also just hunt (set your own goals etc.).

[The nubinator]

Cool James, thanks. Do you hunt for real? How would yould you then compare the experience to the game?

[Geronimo]

Originally posted by The nubinator:

So its more a gimmick like a "quest marker" in normal games, rather than any real kind of tracking/requiring inate knowledge?


Im mostly looking for a game/hunting sim to learn a little bit about hunting before I decide whether or not to actually hunt. So I want as few crutches as possible if you have something like that to recommend it would be awesome

Obviously this OP is just here to suggest the game is an arcade.

[The nubinator]

Originally posted by Geronimo:

Originally posted by The nubinator:

So its more a gimmick like a "quest marker" in normal games, rather than any real kind of tracking/requiring inate knowledge?


Im mostly looking for a game/hunting sim to learn a little bit about hunting before I decide whether or not to actually hunt. So I want as few crutches as possible if you have something like that to recommend it would be awesome

Obviously this OP is just here to suggest the game is an arcade.

Ohhh I guess someones bubble just burst.

[Sigmund]

There are several ways to find animals.

1. You can roam around until you visually see them. (or hear them) Even with a loud ATV.

They will flee if they hear too much noise. But you can give chase and hunt some as they flee as well. for example Boars.

This is also highly dependant on map, on some maps it's very difficulty, because they get spooked a lot. On other map there's an abundance of animals, and less vegetated/obstructred terrain that makes it easier to spot them without being noticed.

Once you know the maps better you will understand that animals prefer certain parts of the map.
For example animals usually really like the water areas. (lakes, ponds etc)

Sometimes there's huge herds with like 20 animals ,sometimes higher in South Africa.

2. You can follow them by following their tracks.

Once you find Feeding Area/Resting Area, you can come back to it later and there's a chance they will be there.

As you play you will find many feeding/resting zones, making it easier to find specific species of animals that you want to hunt.

Game requires some patience, some of the initial guns are very weak, so there's a lot of progression ,as well as skills that help your hunt. But once you figured it out it's easier.

There's a certain element of unpredictability that makes the game fun.
Also getting a kill is satisfying.

[James]

Originally posted by The nubinator:

Cool James, thanks. Do you hunt for real? How would yould you then compare the experience to the game?

No, I do not hunt for real (only handle guns in self defense). I've been on a few hunts with others, but I shoot only with my camera :)

I'd say COTW can be a good hunting experience if you invest in a realistic play-style. Obviously, there are elements in the game that are far from reality, but with a bit of imagination, the excellent Apex Open World engine really delivers beautiful and unique gaming sessions. On every hunt you set out on, there is always something unexpected to be expected!

[BJWyler]

Originally posted by The nubinator:

So its more a gimmick like a "quest marker" in normal games, rather than any real kind of tracking/requiring inate knowledge?


Im mostly looking for a game/hunting sim to learn a little bit about hunting before I decide whether or not to actually hunt. So I want as few crutches as possible if you have something like that to recommend it would be awesome

With all the UI elements on, yes. But you can turn everything off to get a more simulated experience. However, the game still tends towards the casual arcadey side as compared to Classic.

[Buckshot]

There is quite a bit involved in this game if you want to be successful at hunting. You have to think about wind direction and if you are standing upwind or downwind from an animal you are tracking. You need to consider the ground you are walking on, as some things like rocks make more noise when you walk on them rather than grass. Running makes a lot of noise and you may not spot any animals that way. Walking is also noisy but you at least have a chance to come across wildlife. Moving while crouched you have a good chance of coming across wildlife because its quieter. The prone position (crawling on your belly) is the quietest way to move about but it is much slower and your vision is pretty limited. There are plenly of obstacles that can also help or hinder you. Hide behind big rocks or trees and crawling on your belly is a good way to get close to an animal. You gotta be smart and stealhy. Warning: This game can get very addictive so be prepared for losing real life sleep and such, if you are into this type of game.