Hunting games let you enjoy outdoor adventures from the comfort of your couch. They range from realistic simulations to more arcade-style experiences, each offering different levels of challenge and immersion. If you own a PS5 and love hunting games, you’ll find several excellent options that take advantage of the console’s powerful hardware to deliver stunning visuals and realistic gameplay.
Some hunting games focus on the thrill of the chase, while others highlight conservation and wildlife management. The best ones combine beautiful environments with realistic animal behavior, creating an experience that feels both fun and authentic. Graphics quality, gameplay mechanics, and level of realism are key factors that separate the top hunting games from the rest.
1. theHunter: Call of the Wild
theHunter: Call of the Wild stands out as one of the best hunting games available on PS5. This game brings a realistic hunting experience with stunning graphics and immersive gameplay.
The game offers players a chance to explore vast, beautiful open worlds. These environments are filled with different animal species and varying terrains that make each hunting trip unique.
What makes this game special is its attention to detail. Players need to track animals, watch wind direction, and use the right calls to lure their prey. It’s not just about shooting – it’s about the entire hunting process.
The PS5 version takes advantage of the console’s power. The graphics are sharper, load times are shorter, and the overall experience feels smoother than on older consoles.
theHunter: Call of the Wild is regularly updated in collaboration with its community. This means new content, features, and improvements keep coming, giving the game a long life span.
For those who enjoy a methodical approach to hunting, this game delivers. It rewards patience and strategy rather than fast-paced action. Many players appreciate this slow and methodical approach to hunting.
The game includes various weapons, equipment, and hunting techniques. Players can use different rifles, bows, or even cameras to capture the perfect wildlife shot.
When compared to other hunting games, theHunter is often praised for its realism. While some games take a more arcade-style approach, theHunter focuses on creating a true-to-life experience.
The sound design deserves special mention. From animal calls to the crunch of leaves under your feet, every sound matters and adds to the immersion.
For PS5 owners looking for a hunting game, theHunter: Call of the Wild offers the most complete package. It balances accessibility with depth, making it suitable for both newcomers and experienced virtual hunters.
2. Way of the Hunter
Way of the Hunter offers PS5 players a more realistic hunting experience compared to other games in the genre. This game focuses on simulation rather than arcade-style gameplay.
The game features two massive maps covering about 55 square miles – one in the United States and another in Europe. Each area has its own distinct environments and wildlife to explore.
Players looking for depth will appreciate the slower paced and more complex gameplay that Way of the Hunter provides. It’s less about quick action and more about patience and strategy.
One unique aspect is the game’s focus on ethical hunting and sustainability. Players must consider their impact on animal populations. The game even includes a system for selling animal by-products after a successful hunt.
The weapons in Way of the Hunter are detailed and highly realistic. This adds to the immersive experience as players need to choose the right tool for each hunting situation.
Unlike some hunting games, Way of the Hunter includes a story to tie everything together. This gives players direction if they want it, though they can also just explore freely.
Animal behavior in the game mimics real life. Animals react to sounds, smells, and movement in believable ways, making each hunt feel genuine and challenging.
The PS5 version takes advantage of the console’s power with beautiful graphics and detailed natural environments. The animals look realistic and move naturally through their habitats.
For players who want a hunting game with more depth, Way of the Hunter hits the mark. It balances accessibility with simulation elements that more serious hunting enthusiasts will appreciate.
3. Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 offers one of the best hunting experiences created by Rockstar Games. While not exclusively a hunting game, its hunting mechanics are so detailed and immersive that many players spend countless hours just tracking and hunting animals.
The game features over 200 species of animals, birds, and fish. Each species behaves realistically – deer will bolt at the sound of a twig snapping, while predators might stalk the player if they’re carrying fresh meat.
Hunting in RDR2 requires skill and patience. Players need to track animals by following trails, use the right weapons for clean kills, and properly skin their prey. Using the wrong caliber gun can damage the pelt quality.
The PS5 version benefits from improved loading times and stable frame rates, making the hunting experience even smoother. The enhanced graphics make spotting animal trails and distant prey easier than ever.
Weather affects animal behavior too. Certain species only appear during specific times or weather conditions. This attention to detail adds another layer of realism to the hunting experience.
Players can craft clothing, satchels, and camp upgrades from animal parts. The game also features hunting challenges that push players to track down rare specimens like perfect panther pelts or legendary animals.
The 4K visuals on PS5 truly showcase the stunning environments where players hunt. From snowy mountains to swampy bayous, each ecosystem contains unique wildlife to discover.
What makes RDR2’s hunting special is how it fits into the game’s broader systems. Hunting provides food for the camp, materials for crafting, and items to sell for income. It feels purposeful rather than just a side activity.
Players who love hunting often cite RDR2 as a top hunting game despite it being an action-adventure title at its core. The hunting mechanics are so well implemented that they rival dedicated hunting simulators.
The detailed animations add to the immersion. From the way Arthur carefully skins a deer to how he carries smaller animals on his horse, every aspect feels authentic and thoughtfully designed.
4. Hunting Simulator 2
Hunting Simulator 2 offers a more realistic approach to hunting games on PS5. The game features 33 animal species with realistic behaviors that you can track in natural environments.
One of the game’s strengths is its slow-paced and relaxing gameplay with occasional moments of excitement when you spot your target. This makes it perfect for players who enjoy a more authentic hunting experience.
The PS5 version improves upon the PS4 release with better visuals and performance. Some players note that while it’s similar to the previous version, the experience feels more polished on the newer console.
Equipment selection is a key part of the experience. Players can choose from more than 65 licensed weapons and 60+ pieces of equipment to customize their hunting setup. This variety adds depth to the gameplay as you select the right tools for different hunting situations.
The game puts emphasis on tracking techniques. You’ll need patience and skill to follow animal trails and set up the perfect shot. This makes each successful hunt feel like a real achievement.
Unlike some other hunting games, Hunting Simulator 2 focuses more on realism than arcade-style gameplay. If you prefer games that value slower pace and complexity, this title might suit your taste better than faster-paced alternatives.
The environments in the game are detailed and varied. From forests to mountains, each location has its own feel and wildlife to hunt. This variety keeps the experience fresh as you explore new areas.
A unique feature is the inclusion of a canine companion. Your dog helps track animals and retrieve game, adding both practical help and a touch of companionship to the hunting experience.
5. Cabela’s North American Adventures
Cabela’s North American Adventures offers PlayStation gamers a different kind of hunting experience. This game stands out by focusing on arcade-style gameplay that’s more action-packed than simulation-based.
One of the game’s notable features is the TOP SHOT hunting peripheral, which adds a hands-on dimension to the gaming experience. This controller makes aiming and shooting feel more like actual hunting.
The game takes players across various North American landscapes to track and hunt different animal species. Each environment presents unique challenges and requires different hunting strategies.
Multiplayer options make Cabela’s North American Adventures more social. The head-to-head multiplayer lets friends compete against each other to see who has the better hunting skills.
While not as graphically advanced as newer titles, this game focuses on fun rather than strict realism. It’s a good pick for casual players who enjoy hunting without wanting to learn complex mechanics.
The gameplay is designed to be accessible. Players can jump in quickly without spending hours learning detailed animal behaviors or ballistics.
For PlayStation gamers who prefer faster-paced hunting action over the slower, more methodical approach of simulation games, Cabela’s North American Adventures hits the mark. It emphasizes entertainment over strict hunting authenticity.
Some players looking for a more realistic experience might find this game too arcadey. However, those wanting to enjoy hunting without the steep learning curve will appreciate its straightforward approach.
6. Horizon Forbidden West
While not a traditional hunting game, Horizon Forbidden West offers one of the most exciting hunting experiences on PS5. Players take on the role of Aloy, who must track and hunt robotic creatures in a post-apocalyptic world.
The hunting mechanics in this game are deep and satisfying. You’ll use various weapons like bows, traps, and slingshots to take down mechanical beasts. Each robot has unique weak points and behaviors that require different hunting strategies.
What makes Horizon stand out is its gorgeous visuals and gargantuan scope. The PS5 version shows off stunning landscapes and incredibly detailed creature designs that make the hunting experience feel alive.
The game builds on the foundation of the first title with deeper gameplay systems. You’ll need to craft ammunition, set traps, and use the environment to your advantage when hunting larger machines.
Weapon choice matters greatly in Horizon. The game features multiple bow types for different hunting situations, from quick-firing hunter bows to powerful sharpshot bows that deal massive damage to specific parts.
The stealth system adds another layer to the hunting experience. You can hide in tall grass, create distractions, and plan ambushes for the most dangerous prey.
Resource gathering is tied directly to hunting. Taking down machines yields valuable parts used for crafting better equipment, creating a rewarding loop that encourages more hunting.
Horizon’s world is filled with side activities and challenges that test your hunting skills. Time trials, hunting grounds, and special machine variants offer plenty of content for hunting enthusiasts.
The narrative context gives purpose to your hunts beyond simple sport. Aloy’s journey to save her world makes each encounter with these mechanical beasts meaningful.
7. Far Cry 6
Far Cry 6 offers an exciting hunting experience as part of its open-world gameplay. Set on the fictional Caribbean island of Yara, players can track and hunt various wildlife while exploring the tropical landscape.
The game features a variety of animals to hunt, including both regular and legendary creatures. One notable legendary animal is the Sanguinario, which provides a challenging hunting experience for players looking to test their skills.
Hunting in Far Cry 6 serves a practical purpose beyond just sport. Animals provide resources that players can use for crafting and upgrades. These materials are valuable for improving your gear and surviving in the harsh world of Yara.
The hunting system in Far Cry 6 builds on mechanics from previous games in the series. While it might not focus on hunting as heavily as Far Cry Primal, it still offers a robust experience for PS5 players who enjoy tracking and hunting virtual wildlife.
Yara’s diverse environments provide different hunting grounds for various animal species. The game includes specific hunting spots for each animal type, adding an element of exploration to the hunting experience.
The PS5 version takes advantage of the console’s power to create stunning visuals and immersive environments. This makes tracking animals through jungles, mountains, and beaches more engaging than ever.
Unlike dedicated hunting simulators, Far Cry 6 blends hunting with action-adventure gameplay. This makes it a good option for players who want hunting as part of a larger gaming experience rather than the sole focus.
Compared to other Far Cry games, hunting in Far Cry 6 maintains the series tradition while adding new elements. Some fans note that while Far Cry 6 offers solid hunting gameplay, Far Cry 5 and New Dawn placed a stronger emphasis on hunting mechanics.
The hunting system complements the main storyline, giving players something enjoyable to do between missions. It’s a nice break from the intense revolutionary combat that forms the core of the game’s narrative.
8. Metro Exodus
Metro Exodus is a standout hunting game on PS5 that takes players through post-apocalyptic Russia. Unlike traditional hunting games, you’re not just tracking deer or bears – you’re surviving against mutated creatures and hostile humans.
The PS5 version comes with improved graphics and performance. The enhanced textures and ray-tracing effects make the wasteland environments look stunning and realistic.
Players can explore vast open-world areas while scavenging for resources and hunting various mutants. The game mixes stealth, survival, and shooting mechanics in a way that feels tense and rewarding.
The weapons system is detailed, with customizable guns that get dirty and need maintenance. This adds another layer of realism to the hunting experience.
Each environment offers different hunting challenges. From the frozen winter landscapes to murky swamps, players must adapt their hunting tactics to survive.
Metro Exodus also features a moral choice system that affects the story outcome. How you interact with human survivors and whether you choose stealth or aggression impacts your game experience.
The PS5 version runs at 4K resolution with 60fps, making tracking and shooting much smoother than previous console versions. The haptic feedback from the DualSense controller adds immersion when firing weapons.
Some players have noted that Metro Exodus is visually impressive but challenging to play, with a steep learning curve. The survival elements can be tough for newcomers to the series.
The game’s day-night cycle and dynamic weather affect hunting conditions. Nighttime brings out different creatures, adding variety to the hunting experience.
The PS5 version loads much faster than previous versions. This detailed remaster takes full advantage of the console’s capabilities, making it feel like a next-generation hunting experience.
9. Days Gone
Days Gone offers a unique hunting experience within its post-apocalyptic open world. While not a dedicated hunting game, it features wildlife hunting as part of its survival mechanics.
Players can hunt deer and other animals throughout the game’s Oregon wilderness. The hunting mechanics are fairly straightforward compared to specialized hunting games, but they add depth to the survival aspects.
In Days Gone, hunting serves a practical purpose. Animals provide meat and resources that help protagonist Deacon St. John survive in the harsh world.
Finding deer requires exploration as they appear randomly throughout the environment. Some players report seeing them infrequently after the tutorial hunting mission, making each encounter valuable.
The game offers different approaches to hunting. You can take down deer using your sidearm while riding your motorcycle, which proves efficient for hunting multiple animals quickly.
Days Gone’s hunting visuals shine on PS5. The game runs at 4K resolution with 60 FPS, making wildlife tracking and shooting more immersive with enhanced details and smooth performance.
The hunting experience feels natural within the game world. It’s integrated into specific missions, like the tutorial where Copeland takes Deacon hunting, teaching players the basics of tracking and hunting deer.
For those seeking a casual hunting experience within a rich narrative game, Days Gone delivers. The hunting isn’t as complex as dedicated hunting simulators, but it complements the survival gameplay nicely.
Players interested in a beautiful open world with hunting elements will enjoy Days Gone on PS5. The enhanced visuals make spotting animals easier and create a more immersive forest environment for hunting.
Unlike dedicated hunting games, Days Gone’s hunting mechanics focus on accessibility rather than simulation. This makes hunting enjoyable without requiring deep knowledge of hunting techniques or equipment.
10. Ghost of Tsushima
While not a traditional hunting game, Ghost of Tsushima offers unique hunting mechanics that deserve recognition on this list. Players can track and hunt various animals across the open world of feudal Japan.
The game features both predatory animals like bears and boars, as well as peaceful creatures such as foxes and birds. Hunting serves a practical purpose – animal hides and supplies are crucial for upgrading your equipment.
Ghost of Tsushima shines with its adaptive landscape and organic approach to combat, letting players mix different skills and tactics. This flexibility extends to hunting, where you can use stealth, bow shots, or direct confrontation.
For players looking to maximize their hunting efficiency, several locations offer unlimited predator hides. These farming spots are particularly helpful when upgrading your gear.
The hunting experience feels immersive thanks to the game’s stunning visuals and attention to environmental details. Animals behave realistically, fleeing when they sense danger or attacking when threatened.
Available on both PS4 and PS5, the game runs beautifully on Sony’s latest console. The enhanced graphics make tracking animals through forests and grasslands even more satisfying.
Players can also discover methods to farm unlimited supplies in Act 1, which works on the PC version too. These techniques help players gather resources without excessive grinding.
The hunting mechanics might feel simpler compared to dedicated hunting simulators, but they fit perfectly within the game’s overall design. They add another layer to Ghost of Tsushima’s already rich gameplay.
Gameplay Mechanics
Hunting games on PS5 offer advanced gameplay systems that blend realism with accessibility. The best titles balance authentic hunting mechanics with engaging gameplay loops that keep players coming back.
Realism and Immersion
The top PS5 hunting games feature incredibly detailed gameplay mechanics that simulate real hunting. Way of the Hunter stands out with its authentic weapon ballistics and hunting systems. Players must consider wind direction, scent trails, and animal behavior patterns when stalking prey.
Most games include:
- Tracking systems that require following animal prints and droppings
- Realistic bullet physics accounting for gravity drop and wind resistance
- Time-of-day effects that influence animal activity patterns
theHunter: Call of the Wild offers some of the most true-to-life hunting mechanics. The game requires patience and strategy, making each successful hunt feel rewarding.
Multiplayer Options
Modern hunting games on PS5 provide robust multiplayer features that let friends hunt together. Games like Call of the Wild support cooperative play where players can form hunting parties to track and take down animals as a team.
Multiplayer modes typically include:
- Co-op campaigns where friends progress through hunting reserves together
- Competitive challenges to see who can bag the biggest trophy animal
- Shared lodges for displaying hunting trophies and achievements
These social features add longevity to hunting games by transforming them from solitary experiences into social activities. Voice chat integration on PS5 enhances the experience, allowing hunters to coordinate strategies in real-time while stalking prey across vast wilderness areas.
Graphics and Design
The PS5’s powerful hardware enables hunting games to showcase impressive visual fidelity and detailed environments. Game developers have leveraged this technology to create immersive outdoor experiences that bring players closer to nature.
Visual Quality
Hunting games on PS5 offer remarkable graphical improvements over previous console generations. Way of the Hunter features stunning visuals with realistic animal models and lifelike animations. The fur textures on animals show individual hairs moving with the wind, while lighting effects create accurate shadows as the sun moves across the sky.
Hunting Simulator 3 utilizes Unreal Engine 5 to deliver “breathtaking, realistic open worlds” with enhanced graphics. This technology allows for photorealistic rendering of animals, vegetation, and weather effects.
Games like Call of the Wild offer vibrant color palettes that change with seasons and time of day. Players can observe the morning mist rising off lakes or witness dramatic sunset lighting through tree branches.
Most PS5 hunting titles support 4K resolution at 60fps, providing smooth gameplay without sacrificing visual quality.
Environmental Details
The environments in PS5 hunting games are meticulously crafted with attention to small details. Hunting Simulator 2 features “beautiful hunting environments” where each leaf and blade of grass is rendered individually.
Weather systems add another layer of realism. Rain creates puddles that reflect surroundings, while snow accumulates on surfaces and affects animal behavior. Wind dynamics influence how scents travel, impacting hunting strategies.
Sound design complements visual elements, with ambient audio like distant bird calls, rustling leaves, and water sounds positioned correctly in 3D space. The PS5’s 3D audio capabilities make these details more immersive than ever.
Environmental interactions show impressive detail—footprints appear in mud, vegetation bends when walked through, and animals leave tracks based on terrain type. These small touches create a convincing world that responds to player actions.
Different biomes feature unique flora and fauna with specific characteristics that hunters must learn to navigate successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hunting games offer PS5 players a mix of realistic wildlife tracking, shooting mechanics, and immersive environments. Here are answers to common questions about the best hunting experiences available.
What are the top-rated hunting games available for the PS5 right now?
theHunter: Call of the Wild stands as the highest-rated hunting game on PS5. Many players consider it the gold standard with its detailed environments and realistic animal behavior.
Way of the Hunter earns praise for its impressive realism, though some find this level of detail overwhelming.
Red Dead Redemption 2, while not strictly a hunting game, offers fantastic hunting mechanics within its open world.
Which PS5 hunting games offer the best multiplayer experience?
theHunter: Call of the Wild provides strong multiplayer options where friends can track and hunt together across vast maps. Players can share tactics and coordinate hunts.
Way of the Hunter includes cooperative gameplay that lets buddies explore hunting grounds together.
Red Dead Redemption 2’s online mode also features hunting activities that players can enjoy with friends.
Can you recommend any hunting games for PS5 that come with gun controller support?
Currently, no major PS5 hunting games offer dedicated gun controller support out of the box. Most rely on standard DualSense controller input.
The DualSense itself enhances immersion with adaptive triggers that simulate tension when drawing a bow or firing a rifle.
Some third-party controller options exist, but none have full official support from the major hunting game developers.
What are the latest hunting games released for PS5 in the last year?
Recent updates to Way of the Hunter have kept it fresh with new maps and gameplay features.
Hunting Simulator 2 received its PS5 version with improved graphics and additional licensed equipment.
Several indie hunting games have also appeared on the PlayStation Store, though they don’t match the production quality of mainstream titles.
Are there any hunting games on PS5 that fans consider to have the most realistic gameplay?
Way of the Hunter is often cited as having the most realistic approach to hunting simulation. Its attention to ballistics, animal behavior, and tracking creates a genuine hunting experience.
theHunter: Call of the Wild balances realism with accessibility, making it popular with both hardcore and casual hunting fans.
Hunting Simulator 2 features over 65 licensed weapons and realistic animal AI that responds naturally to the hunter’s presence.
How does ‘Hunt: Showdown’ compare to other hunting games on PS5 in terms of quality?
Hunt: Showdown differs from traditional hunting games by blending PvP combat with monster hunting in a horror-western setting.
Its graphics and audio design are excellent, creating a tense atmosphere that traditional hunting games don’t aim for.
While it features hunting elements, it’s more of a competitive shooter than a pure hunting simulation like theHunter or Way of the Hunter.
