Way of the Hunter 2 leaves Early Access and launches in full today, September 29, 2026. Version 1.0 launches on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on September 29, 2026.

Release & Timing

1. When exactly does the full version, Version 1.0, release?
   
   Way of the Hunter 2 launches in full on September 29, 2026 on PC (Steam, GOG), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
   

2. How long did Early Access last?
   
   Early Access ran from March 26, 2026 to September 29, 2026, approximately six months as originally planned.
   

3. Will my Early Access save carry over to Version 1.0?
   
   Our goal is to preserve player progress through the transition to Version 1.0, and the chances of requiring a progress reset continue to decrease as we get closer to launch. We can't 100% promise it, but that's our goal, and we're doing what we can to meet it.
   

4. What happens after Version 1.0? Is support ending?
   
   No. Version 1.0 is a major milestone for Way of the Hunter 2, but it is definitely not the end of development. After launching, we’ll continue fixing issues, refining systems based on player feedback, and supporting the game with both free updates and premium DLC content. Development will naturally be particularly active around the 1.0 launch period. Over the longer term, updates will move to a more sustainable cadence as development shifts toward larger features, improvements, and additional content. We plan to support the game for years to come.
   

5. Is there a roadmap for future content? 
   
   Yes. Our updated roadmap, The Road Ahead, is live here. It covers what's planned for free updates, DLCs, and multiplayer after launch. That includes new trophy variations and a new hunt rating system, more gear and controller improvements, a female character and advanced dog training, paid DLCs with new gear and hunting regions, and future multiplayer improvements such as text chat, password-protected sessions, and support for more players. Plans can evolve, and we'll keep you posted as each feature gets closer to release.

Editions, Pre-Orders & Pricing

Here’s the current platform breakdown:

1. What's the difference between Standard, Deluxe, and the Season Pass?
   
   Availability and bonuses currently differ slightly by platform.
   
   On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, the game can be purchased with the Heirloom Pack included as a pre-order bonus with both Standard and Deluxe Editions. PC works differently. There is currently no separate pre-order storefront on PC, so the Heirloom Pack, Season One Season Pass, and Deluxe Edition cannot yet be purchased or previewed there. These products will become available for PC players when Version 1.0 launches on September 29, 2026.
   

2. What is the Season One Season Pass?
   
   The Season One Season Pass is included in the Deluxe Edition and will also be available separately. It is comprised of 8 DLCs planned for release during the first year after the launch of the game. The exact order of these DLCs is still being finalized. We're not revealing the individual DLCs just yet. We'll share more details about each piece of content as its release gets closer.
   

3. Will PC Early Access owners receive the Heirloom Pack for free?
   
   Yes. If you join Way of the Hunter 2 on Steam Early Access, or already own it, you'll receive the Heirloom Pack at no additional cost when Version 1.0 launches on September 29, 2026. It's our way of saying thank you for your support through Early Access. The same applies to pre-ordering on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S. The Heirloom Pack includes a masterfully engraved .243 Win rifle, a matching scope, a modern .270 Win rifle, and a majestic bronze elk statue for your lodge.
   

4. How much does the game cost?
   
   Way of the Hunter 2 is currently available in Early Access on PC for €34.99 / $34.99. This price will increase once the full Version 1.0 releases on September 29, 2026. On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, the Standard Edition is available for pre-order at €39.99 / $39.99, while the Deluxe Edition is €59.99 / $59.99.
   

5. I own the original Way of the Hunter. Do I get a discount?
   
   Owners of the original Way of the Hunter automatically receive the Night Hunting Pack for free on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox. They also get a 13% bundle discount, available on all platforms.
   

6. Will physical copies be available?
   
   Will physical copies be available? Yes. Physical editions are planned for both PC and consoles and are currently in production. We'll share more details soon.
   

7. Does buying the game on Steam count as a pre-order on console, or vice versa?
   
   No. PC, PlayStation, and Xbox are separate platforms and separate purchases. Purchasing the game on one platform does not grant ownership or pre-order bonuses on another.

Early Access & General Questions

1. Why Early Access?
   
   We launched Way of the Hunter 2 in Early Access so players could help shape the game while its systems were still actively being developed. Community feedback is especially valuable at this stage. Once core systems are finalized, making meaningful changes becomes much more difficult. While the game is already fully playable and includes a substantial amount of content, we’re still working on additional features, balancing, improvements, and several updates planned before Version 1.0.
   
   Early Access helped us get closer to our ultimate goal: creating the best hunting game we can. We encourage players to share feedback through our official channels even beyond the launch of 1.0, including Discord, Steam Forum, Reddit, or via THQN Redmine, in case you encounter any bugs and issues. You can also learn more about why we chose Early Access in our developer diary, Why Early Access.
   

2. Will there be microtransactions or other monetization features?
   
   There are no microtransactions planned. We plan to support Way of the Hunter 2 over the long term with additional content, including premium DLC, following a similar overall approach to the first game.
   

3. Does the game support Steam Deck?
   
   The game can technically be launched and played on Steam Deck, but Steam Deck is not officially planned to be supported at this time. Running the game via Steam Deck may require manual configuration or workarounds that have not been thoroughly tested by us. Performance and gameplay are not optimized for Steam Deck, so players may encounter issues that would not normally occur on a PC meeting the minimum system requirements.

Multiplayer

1. Does Way of the Hunter 2 have Multiplayer?
   
   Yes. Multiplayer was added during one of the latest Early Access updates and is being further developed as we speak. The current version offers a first simple mode that supports a two-player free-play co-op experience. Looking ahead, we're planning further multiplayer improvements, including text chat, password-protected sessions, support for more than two players, and co-op expeditions. Larger features like a shared Persistent World across sessions are also on our roadmap, though these are among the more technically demanding features, so they'll need more development time to get right.
   

2. Will Multiplayer worlds be persistent?
   
   Your progress within a single-player or multiplayer session is saved and persists as you'd expect. However, single-player and Multiplayer currently use separate worlds and animal populations, meaning changes made in one mode do not carry over into the other, and multiplayer sessions aren't yet shared or synced across different play sessions with other players. A more fully shared Persistent World for multiplayer is planned for a future update, as mentioned above.
   

3. Will the game support cross-play between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox?
   
   Not in version 1.0. We know it's a popular request, and we're looking into it, but before we can promise anything, we need to confirm we can meet all the technical and other requirements involved from every platform holder. We plan to look into it in the foreseeable future.
   

4. Will I be able to play offline on consoles?
   
   Yes, offline play is supported on consoles (without Multiplayer, naturally).

Technical Questions

1. Which engine does the game use?
   
   Way of the Hunter 2 uses Unreal Engine 5.7.
   

2. How does Unreal Engine 5 improve the game visually?
   
   Unreal Engine 5 gives us access to technologies such as Nanite and Lumen.

   1. Nanite allows us to use highly detailed geometry, particularly for environmental elements such as foliage and trees, helping us create richer and more realistic environments.

   2. Lumen handles dynamic global illumination, improving the way natural light behaves throughout the world - from bright daytime conditions to sunrises, sunsets, and changing light across the landscape.

   Together, these systems help us create a more detailed, dynamic, and visually convincing hunting environment.

3. Does the game support DLSS, FSR, Frame Generation, or resolution scaling?
   
   Yes. The game supports DLSS 4.5 and FSR 4, along with resolution scaling and multiple quality presets. Frame Generation is also available.
   

4. Can motion blur, film grain, and similar settings be disabled?
   
   We don't currently have specific graphics customization additions planned. If there's something specific you'd like to see, please let us know, we're happy to look into concrete requests.
   

5. Are controls customizable?
   
   Yes. Keyboard and mouse controls can be customized. Controller layouts are not customizable.
   

6. Does the game support ultrawide monitors?
   
   Yes. Ultrawide monitors are supported.
   

7. Can HUD elements be disabled?
   
   A number of HUD settings are already customizable. Players can adjust the crosshair and Hunter Assist, including toggling individual information or disabling Hunter Assist entirely. We plan to continue refining HUD customization based on development priorities and player feedback.
   

8. Is the game playable offline?
   
   Yes, Way of the Hunter 2 is playable offline as well.
   

9. Are mods planned or supported?
   
   No. Mod support is not planned at this time.
   

10. Will accessibility options be included?
    
    Not fully at 1.0, but we're continuing to work on this. Broader accessibility options are still in development and will roll out in future updates, based on player feedback and needs. One accessibility-focused addition that is available at 1.0: a high-contrast setting for animal signs and tracks, for players who found them difficult to spot. You can find it in the settings menu. We know accessibility matters to a meaningful part of our community, and we'll keep expanding these options as development continues.
    

11. Will PS5 Pro-specific enhancements (performance/visual modes) be supported?
    
    Yes.
    

12. Will achievements be included?
    
    Yes, achievements will be included, including a Platinum Trophy on PS5.
    

13. Are you experiencing weird issues like incorrect resolution options, UI scaling/number glitches, or graphical problems? Have you previously played or had the Way of the Hunter 2 Demo installed?
    
    If you experience weird issues with incorrect resolution options, different kinds of number or scaling issues or graphical particles on the screen, this is likely caused by old Demo config files carrying over. To fix it, please close the game, press Windows key + R, paste %LocalAppData%\WOTH2\Saved, and delete the folder called "Config" only (not your save files). New config files will generate automatically on the next launch, and the issue should be resolved.
    
    If you're still experiencing problems after this, please report it via our bug database: https://bugreporting.thqnordic.com/#/projects/184/way-of-the-hunter-2-community/add-issue
    

14. What are the final hardware requirements?
    
    Minimum:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system

• OS: Windows 11

• Processor: Ryzen 5 3600X / Core i5-9600K

• Memory: 16 GB RAM

• Graphics: GeForce RTX 2060 / Radeon RX 5600 XT

• DirectX: Version 11

• Storage: 30 GB available space

Recommended:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system

• OS: Windows 11

• Processor: Ryzen 5 7600X / Core i5-14600K

• Memory: 16 GB RAM

• Graphics: GeForce RTX 4060 Ti / Radeon RX 7600 XT

• DirectX: Version 12

• Storage: 30 GB available space

Performance optimization remains an ongoing process as we approach Version 1.0, so these requirements may still be adjusted if necessary.

Gameplay & Systems

1. Will caller mechanics and animal behavior be improved?
   
   Yes. Caller mechanics and animal behavior remain an ongoing focus throughout Early Access. We've already introduced several improvements during the EA period, including significant fixes to caller behavior and tweaks to duck AI in Update 0.4.0. Having focused first on general bird behavior (visible in the duck improvements), we're now moving on to improving turkey behavior and model polishing as well. We'll continue monitoring how these systems perform in practice, listening to player feedback, and making further adjustments where needed as development continues.
   

2. How does the trophy and antler generation system work?
   
   The trophy generation system is significantly more advanced than in the original Way of the Hunter.

   1. In the first game, trophies were largely built from preset variations.

   2. In Way of the Hunter 2, trophies are procedurally generated, allowing for much greater variation and more unique results between individual animals.

   The system will continue to evolve beyond Version 1.0. We plan to expand its variety over time, including additional non-typical trophies and further refinements. You can learn more in our dedicated developer diary: Trophy & antler generation system | NRG Dev Diaries.
   

3. Will non-typical trophies be expanded to more species?
   
   Yes. The trophy system is designed to continue evolving both before and after Version 1.0. Non-typical Mule deer trophies are currently being added to the game, we're still polishing this, but it's already in progress. Additional species will follow over time. We're also working on superior and mythical trophies, adding even more variety on top of non-typical trophies. More details on these will follow as they get closer to release.
   

4. Will there be a new way to rate or measure my hunts?
   
   Yes. We're working on a reworked hunt rating system, giving you a new way to measure your hunts beyond trophy size alone. More details will follow as it gets closer to release.
   

5. Do animals create tracks dynamically, or do they follow fixed paths?
   
   Tracks are dynamically created between need zones. Spooked animals can also generate temporary dynamic tracks as they move across the map, giving players additional opportunities to follow their movement.
   

6. Will herd management and tracking animal systems be expanded?
   
   Yes, we want to support herd management as much as possible. Several improvements have already been reworked, and we'll continue developing these systems based on player feedback.
   

7. Will there be additional weapons and equipment?
   
   Yes. We plan to keep expanding the selection of weapons, attachments, and equipment both before and after Version 1.0. We've already introduced additions such as suppressors, thermal and night vision optics, new rifles, and shotguns, also from real-world brand partners, including CVA and Bergara most recently. We're actively working on more real-world gear brand partnerships, these typically take a year or more from first contact to reveal, so we're always working further ahead than what's publicly announced. Other planned additions include muzzleloaders and muzzle brakes, along with a bow silencer and stabilizer for archery players. We're also planning improvements to controller feedback, including better vibrations, haptics, and adaptive trigger support, alongside further weapons and equipment prioritized according to our development plans and community feedback.
   

8. Will ballistics, damage, and wound effects become more realistic, or receive further tuning before 1.0
   
   We consider ballistics and damage close to finished, but it's quite possible we'll make additional small balance adjustments to organ damage, flesh damage, and meat degradation by shot, how far animals run after being shot, how much blood they leave, and similar details are also subject to further tweaks over time.
   

9. Will there be hardcore or customizable difficulty settings?
   
   Difficulty is close to finished with the three existing levels. Going forward, we plan to rebalance these existing difficulties based on feedback, but we most likely won't be adding new difficulty presets unless there's clear demand from players.
   

10. Will there be character customization?
    
    Yes. Character customization and clothing options are planned for after the release (post-launch update). We're working on the option to select a female hunter, with additional customization options planned further down the line. We also plan to offer multiple characters to choose from, and we would like to revisit the character model to improve it.
    

11. Will customization affect gameplay?
    
    Functional equipment, such as suppressors, can directly affect gameplay. Cosmetic customization is not currently expected to provide gameplay advantages.
    

12. What can the dog companion do?
    
    Your dog can search for animal signs, help locate active life zones, and track wounded animals by following blood trails. The dog improves through bonding and use, becoming more obedient and reliable over time. Players can also name their dog and develop its skills. Advanced dog training, giving you more ways to develop and work with your hunting companion, is planned for a post-launch update, alongside a dedicated dog-focused DLC further down the line. Additional dog breeds aren't part of the 1.0 version. We plan to expand breed options over time, though it's currently not a priority.
    

13. Will predators become more dangerous, and will animals feel less passive?
    
    Yes. Predator behavior (including charging/aggressive reactions) is currently a work in progress and has so far been implemented for three species, Southern Lion, Common Hippopotamus, and Cape African Buffalo. We plan to expand this kind of behavior, and the possibility of random attacks, to more species.

14. Will the world feel more dynamic and immersive over time?
    
    Yes, this is one of our priorities. We're planning for environments and weather to have a greater effect on how well animals can see and hear you, which should make the world feel more dynamic. We also hope to add more varied ambient, non-huntable wildlife to the world over time, along with other immersive touches. One such dynamic environmental change is arriving very soon, so keep an eye out.
    

15. How many maps are in the base game?
    
    There are three maps in the base game:

    1. New Laurentia, 100 km² (38 sq mi)

    2. Kilimaya Reserve, 100 km² (38 sq mi)

    3. Hearth & Hunt Headquarters, 16 km² (6 sq mi)
       

    The Headquarters features an expandable lodge where you can display your best trophies from across the reserves, while also offering additional hunting opportunities of its own.

16. Is the game open world or story-driven?
    
    It offers both. Way of the Hunter 2 combines open-world free hunting with structured missions and objectives. The focus remains firmly on hunting and exploration, with lighter story elements providing additional context and atmosphere. You can meet NPCs across the world and take on objectives connected to their individual stories. There are also references to the original Way of the Hunter and plenty of easter eggs to discover, we won't spoil those for you, though.
    

17. How many animal species are available?
    
    Version 1.0 ships with 28 species across Laurentia and the Kilimaya Reserve.
    

    Laurentia: 
    American wolverine, Grizzly bear, Dall sheep, Eastern wild turkey, Northwestern grey wolf, Mallard, Western moose, White-tailed ptarmigan, Rocky Mountain elk, Rocky Mountain mule deer, Snowshoe hare, Northern white-tailed deer, Wood bison, Rocky Mountain pronghorn, and Central European wild boar.
    
    Kilimaya Reserve: 
    Greater kudu, Blue wildebeest, Nile crocodile, Spotted hyena, Blesbok, Cape mountain zebra, Common hippopotamus, Cape honey badger, Southern lion, South African ostrich, Cape buffalo, Southern yellow-billed duck, and Southern common warthog. The remaining two species stay under wraps for now, but are planned in the regular post-launch updates. As Jozef, our marketing manager, put it on our recent dev stream, even his mom never spoiled the Christmas presents before the holidays.

18. Are new maps and environments planned for the future?
    
    Yes. Way of the Hunter 2 is designed for long-term support, and new maps and environments are planned regularly, roughly every year. In the first year after release, we're planning 2 new maps, and our goal is to continue at a similar pace beyond that. In the future, we'd like to cover as many biomes as possible. A very much requested addition among the community, a European reserve, for example, is definitely one of the planned regions for the future, we'd like to eventually cover all major hunting regions, but it won't be among the next two upcoming maps. We'll share more detail on future maps as part of our Season Pass information after launch.
    
    Creating a new reserve is a substantial project that can take more than a year of development, from research and planning through production, testing, and polishing. Learn more about this process in our Dev Diary - From Research to Reserve: How We Create the Worlds of Way of the Hunter 2.
    

19. What's the status of the Ammo Change system?
    
    Ammo Change was first tested on the Experimental Branch as part of Update 0.5.0, where players could purchase, equip, and switch between different types of ammunition for each caliber they carry, mechanically similar to how ammo worked in the original Way of the Hunter. Based on player feedback from that testing period, it's now been officially added to the game, one of the last major features introduced during Early Access.

HOW TO USE AMMO LOADOUTS:

1. Access the Shop from the laptop in your lodge or from the vicinity menu. Buy the ammo you want to bring with you. Note that:

   1. You can carry 2 sets of ammo if you have no backpack, 4 with the default backpack, and 6 with the big backpack.

   2. Each weapon has one ammo type that is default and free. Alternate ammo types are paid.

   3. Double-check that you are bringing ammo compatible with the weapons you want to bring!

2. Access the storage and select the rifles/shotguns you want to bring with you. (Bows and arrows do not yet have alternate ammo--these will be add after full release).

3. Add your ammo to your ammo slots. You can fill multiple slots with the same ammo type.

4. Equip the ammo to your rifles.

• Get Way of the Hunter 2 on Steam: https://thqn.net/WOTH2-Steam

• Get Way of the Hunter 2 on Xbox Series X|S: https://thqn.net/woth2-xbox

• Get Way of the Hunter 2 on PlayStation®5: https://thqn.net/woth2-psn

Way of the Hunter 2 is being developed by Nine Rocks Games and published by THQ Nordic. The game is available now for PC, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. The SRP of the Standard Edition is €39.99 / $39.99 / £34.99 / AU$54.95 / ¥5,170. The SRP of the Deluxe Edition, which includes the game and the Season One Season Pass, is €59.99 / $59.99 / £49.99 / AU$99.95 / ¥7,590.

More info:

• FAQ for Way of the Hunter 2

• Dev Diary - Why Early Access?
  

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