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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWay of the Hunter 2 is the strongest current pick for PS5 players who want a wildlife-hunting simulation: it launched for PS5 on September 29, 2026, with two reserves and two-player co-op. If you prefer an established game, consider Way of the Hunter; for broader reserve-based play or dog-assisted hunting, look at the PS4 editions of theHunter: Call of the Wild and Hunting Simulator 2, which are playable on PS5 with platform caveats.
This guide focuses on hunting wildlife; fantasy monster-hunting games are a different kind of hunt.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Way of the Hunter - Wild Expeditions - PlayStation 5 | $27.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Way of the Hunter - Hunting Season One - PlayStation 5 | $35.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Hunting Simulator 2 (PS5) | $26.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
BIG BUCK HUNTER: ULTIMATE TROPHY – DELUXE EDITION | $25.40 | Buy on Amazon |
Which hunting game should you choose on PS5?
| Game | PS5 edition status | What stands out | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Way of the Hunter 2 | Native PS5 release | Two named reserves, two-player co-op, tracking dog, thermal night vision | Players looking for the newest wildlife-hunting sim |
| Way of the Hunter | Official PS5 listing | Realistic-ballistics design emphasis, story campaign, economy and co-op | Players who want an established simulation-led campaign |
| theHunter: Call of the Wild | US Store listing identifies the game as PS4; a 2026 third-party roundup says it runs on PS5 | Reserve-based content and optional online play for up to eight players | Players interested in a broad, established reserve-based option |
| Hunting Simulator 2 | US Store lists the PS4 edition and says it can be downloaded and played on PS5 | Hunting dogs, three environments, and a large equipment selection | Players who want dog-assisted hunting and gear variety |
This is a practical recommendation based on current availability and official feature descriptions, not an objective rating or a claim based on comparative playtesting. Store editions and compatibility can vary by region, so check your local PlayStation Store before buying.
What is the most realistic hunting game on PS5?
Way of the Hunter is the clearest choice if realistic simulation is your priority: its official PlayStation materials specifically highlight realistic ballistics, alongside licensed firearms and equipment. That is a documented design focus, not evidence that it is objectively the most realistic game or the best fit for every player. PlayStation’s Way of the Hunter page describes its features and campaign.
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#1 Best Overall
- 6 large hunting grounds: New Zealand, Scandinavia, Pacific Northwest, Transylvania, Alaska and Africa
- 57 different animal species
- Great selection of Rifles, Crossbows, Shotguns and Bows
- Get around in a sturdy off-road car or an agile UTV
- Game modes: Free Hunt, Story and Co-op multiplayer
Way of the Hunter 2 is the newer alternative. THQ Nordic says it launched for PS5 on September 29, 2026, and describes hunting in North American New Laurentia and the African Kilimaya Reserve. Its announced features include big and small game, a tracking dog that detects animal signs and follows blood trails, thermal night vision, and two-player co-op. THQ Nordic’s launch announcement has the release details.
How do the games differ?
Way of the Hunter 2: newest native PS5 option
Choose it if you want a new PS5 release with two distinct hunting grounds and a companion dog built around tracking. The launch announcement identifies two-player co-op and gear from named real-world brands. THQ Nordic also listed a US standard-edition suggested retail price of $39.99 at launch; that is a dated launch MSRP, not a statement of today’s price. A physical PS5 edition is listed by the publisher at its official game page.
Rank #2
- 4 large hunting grounds: Pacific Northwest, Transylvania, Alaska and Africa
- 45 different animal species
- Great selection of Rifles, Crossbows, Shotguns and Bows
- Get around in a sturdy off-road car or an agile UTV
- Game modes: Free Hunt, Story and Co-op multiplayer
Way of the Hunter: campaign, ballistics and co-op
The original Way of the Hunter combines its simulation-led hunting with a story about a family hunting business and an in-game economy. Its official materials also describe co-op and licensed firearms and equipment. See the PlayStation game page and official Way of the Hunter site for the game’s feature details.
theHunter: Call of the Wild: check the PS4 edition carefully
The cited US PlayStation Store listing identifies theHunter: Call of the Wild as a PS4 game, with one-player play, optional online play and a selection of separately sold reserve and equipment add-ons. A 2026 third-party roundup says it runs on PS5, but that does not change the Store’s PS4 edition label. Treat it as the PS4 edition playable on PS5, not as a native PS5 release, and confirm compatibility in your region before purchase. The Store listing also says online play supports up to eight players and requires PlayStation Plus for online multiplayer. Check the US PlayStation Store listing.
Rank #3
- Explore the plains of Colorado, the Texan desert and the forests of Europe in vast open worlds.
- track down 33 animal species in their natural environment by using the best hunting techniques.
- hunt animals with realistic behaviours and advanced artificial intelligence.
- use your hunting Dog to track your Prey. Labrador Retriever, German shorthaired pointer and Beagle, each Dog has its specific hunting attributes.
- kit yourself out with over 160 weapons, accessories and clothing items from the best brands, including Browning, winchester, bushnell, kryptek and verney-carron
Hunting Simulator 2: dogs and a wide gear selection
The US Store describes hunts in Colorado, a Texan desert and European forests, with 33 animal species and three dog breeds. It lists over 160 weapons, accessories and clothing items; these counts come from the PlayStation Store product description, whose publication year is not stated. The same listing identifies the game as PS4 and explicitly says it can be downloaded and played on a PS5 console. Check the US PlayStation Store listing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is the difference between theHunter: Call of the Wild and Way of the Hunter?
Way of the Hunter foregrounds realistic ballistics, a story campaign and an in-game economy in its official feature description. theHunter: Call of the Wild is presented in the cited US Store listing as a reserve-based PS4 game with optional online play and paid add-ons for maps and equipment. The key practical difference for a PS5 buyer is also platform labeling: Way of the Hunter has an official PS5 page, while the US Store identifies Call of the Wild as PS4. The available listings do not establish a fair comparison of total content, play time or value.
Rank #4
- TWO EXCLUSIVE, FAN-FAVORITE ANIMAL ADVENTURES: The Mythical “Buckzilla”, The Infamous Headshots-Only “Zombie Deer”, Plus 3 Additional Dangerous Trophies (Night Bear, Raptodon, and Werechimp) and 4 Small-Game Critters (Craggler, Gigantipede, Monsquito, and Rock Rat).
- EMBARK ON 2 EXTRA HUNTING EXPERIENCES FEATURING: 6 imaginative treks that push your skills to the limit, 30 heart-pounding hunting sites, each packed with thrills, 6 fun-filled bonus games that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
- PLUS ALL THE STANDARD EDITION CONTENT, WHICH INCLUDES: 3X THE CONTENT OF ANY PREVIOUS BIG BUCK HUNTER CONSOLE OFFERING!
- EXPANDED ADVENTURES & BONUS GAMES: Dive into 9 animal adventures spanning stunning environments around the world, Explore 27 unique treks that will take you to 135 diverse hunting sites, Face off in 27 exciting bonus games, like Pappy’s Moonshine Factory!
- ICONIC TROPHY ANIMALS & CRITTERS: Hunt an array of trophy animals, including Grizzly Bears, Mountain Lions, Black Panthers, Cheetahs, and more, Score extra points by targeting over 48 small-game critters like Rabbits, Coyotes, and even Crocodiles!
How to choose the right PS5 edition
- Want a native PS5 release? Start with Way of the Hunter 2; Way of the Hunter also has an official PS5 game page.
- Want wildlife tracking with a dog? Way of the Hunter 2 describes a dog that detects signs and follows blood trails; Hunting Simulator 2 features hunting dogs and lists three breeds.
- Want co-op? The Way of the Hunter materials list co-op, and Way of the Hunter 2 specifies two-player co-op. The US Call of the Wild listing says online play supports up to eight players and requires PlayStation Plus.
- Want lots of optional content? The Call of the Wild Store page lists paid reserve and equipment add-ons. Check the local listing for what is included in the base game and what costs extra.
- Comparing prices? Prices, promotions and add-on availability are regional and can change. Check your local PlayStation Store for the current edition and price rather than relying on launch MSRP or an old offer.
Does “hunting” mean wildlife or monsters?
These recommendations cover hunting animals in simulated outdoor environments. Fantasy action games built around fighting monsters may also use the word “hunting,” but they emphasize combat rather than wildlife behavior, tracking and firearms; they are a separate genre and are not included in this comparison.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
