- Experimental branch: a beta channel where Way of the Hunter 2 tests updates before the live build.
- Current version: 0.5.0 brings a massive ammo overhaul, UI color coding, and dozens of bug fixes.
- How to join: back up your save, then follow the instructions in the official Discord's announcements channel.
- Safe swapping: you can switch back to the live branch at any time to keep playing your normal game.
- Console note: the full release arrives September 20, 2026, so experimental access is PC-only for now.
What Is the Experimental Branch?
The Way of the Hunter 2 experimental branch is essentially the game's beta server. Developers push upcoming updates here first so players can hunt, break things, and report bugs before the changes reach the live build that most players use. Update 0.4.1 landed on the live branch (mostly placeholder artwork replacements), while the far bigger 0.5.0 dropped on experimental — and it is expected to roll out to live shortly.
Video Highlights:
- Full breakdown of live update 0.4.1 and experimental update 0.5.0
- Step-by-step instructions for joining the experimental branch via Discord
- Preview of the huge ammo update, including 300 Win Mag-class ammunition and new arrows and bolts
- A first five-star Cape buffalo hunt using the Primos See 'N Safari Elite
Here is how the two branches compare right now:
| Branch | Current Version | Focus | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live | 0.4.1 | Placeholder artwork replacements | Low, stable |
| Experimental | 0.5.0 | Ammo overhaul, UI/UX, bug fixes | Medium, beta quality |
Testing experimental builds is the best way to preview upcoming weapons and ammo — datamined-style hints like 300-class ammunition and new bow arrows appear on experimental first, giving you a head start on planning your loadout.
How to Join: Step-by-Step Setup
Joining takes only a few minutes, but one safety step matters more than everything else: protecting your save data.
Back Up Your Live Save
Locate your Way of the Hunter 2 save files and copy them somewhere safe, such as your desktop. This is mandatory before touching any beta build — experimental versions can corrupt or alter saves.
Join the Official Discord
Open the official Way of the Hunter 2 Discord server through the Discord website or app. This is where all branch instructions and announcements are posted.
Read the Announcements Channel
Go to the announcements section. The pinned post explains exactly how to opt into the experimental branch — follow it exactly and you cannot get it wrong.
Download and Test 0.5.0
Let the experimental build download, then jump in. Try the new ammo system, test your gear, and note anything that feels broken.
Report Bugs and Swap Back Anytime
Share bugs you find so they get fixed before the live release. When you want your normal game back, simply switch to the live branch — your backed-up save keeps you covered.
Beta builds are for finding bugs, which means you will find them. A missing backup can cost you an entire hunting career's progress. Copy your save before every experimental session.
Update 0.5.0: Full Change Breakdown
Version 0.5.0 is one of the biggest patches yet, headlined by a complete ammunition overhaul. Here is everything it fixes and adds, sorted by category.
| Category | Change | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Animals | Fixed yellow-billed duck missing intestines (drawn as stomachs) in harvest screen | Fix |
| Animals | Fixed yellow-billed ducks flying directly into rocky cliffs | Fix |
| Gear | Fixed carried-over weapons showing zero damage/energy | Fix |
| Gear | Fixed old-save weapons unable to reload once out of ammo | Fix |
| Gear | Fixed storage not auto-refilling free ammo on open | Fix |
| Gear | Fixed weapons auto-unloading during the tutorial | Fix |
| Gear | Fixed decoys being duplicated endlessly | Fix |
| Gear | Fixed free ammo for the Jack bear hunter requiring a higher level than the rifle | Fix |
| UI/UX | Added ammo/weapon compatibility color coding (red = mismatch, green = match) | New |
| UI/UX | Equipment details now shown in the radio menu | New |
| UI/UX | Ammo type indicator added to the HUD | New |
| UI/UX | Loaded ammo preselected automatically when radio menu opens | New |
| UI/UX | Fixed incorrect 20-gauge buckshot values in the encyclopedia | Fix |
| Other | Fixed multiplayer clients unable to use "track blood" with dogs | Fix |
| Other | Fixed night performance drops at the hunt headquarters lodge | Fix |
| Other | Fixed scenery turning blue at a river spot in New Lorenzo | Fix |
| Other | Fixed tree branches clipping through a bridge | Fix |
The ammunition rework is described as a game-changer: many new ammo types are already in the build, including 300-class rounds (hinting at an upcoming rifle) and a large batch of new arrows and bolts for bow hunters.
Live Branch 0.4.1 vs Experimental 0.5.0
If you are deciding which branch to play today, weigh stability against early access:
Stay on Live (0.4.1)
- Stable and bug-light
- Placeholder artworks now replaced
- Best for progression hunts
- Save compatibility guaranteed
Go Experimental (0.5.0)
- Ammo overhaul preview
- New color-coded inventory UI
- Sneak peek at future weapons
- Report bugs, shape the game
Wait for Full Release
- Console launch: September 20, 2026
- All 0.5.0 changes merged
- Fresh start option (reset to level zero)
- No beta risk at all
Community estimates put the 0.5.0 content on live roughly a week after the experimental drop, but this is not guaranteed — treat it as a window, not a promise.
Experimental Branch Readiness Checklist
Before and after every experimental session, run through this list:
Before You Hunt on 0.5.0:
- Back up live save files to a safe location
- Join the official Way of the Hunter 2 Discord
- Follow the announcements-channel opt-in instructions
- Test the new ammo color-coding system
- Report any bugs you find to help the live release
FAQ
Q: What is the Way of the Hunter 2 experimental branch?
It is the game's beta channel. Developers release upcoming updates like 0.5.0 there first so players can test changes, find bugs, and preview new features such as the ammo overhaul before they reach the live build.
Q: How do I join the experimental branch?
Back up your live save first, then join the official Way of the Hunter 2 Discord and check the announcements channel. It contains step-by-step opt-in instructions that are simple to follow, and you can swap back to live at any time.
Q: Can I lose my save data on the experimental branch?
It is a real risk with any beta build. Always copy your save files to a safe location such as your desktop before switching branches, and keep that backup until you return to the live version.
Q: What is the biggest change in update 0.5.0?
The ammunition overhaul. It adds many new ammo types, including 300-class rounds that hint at an upcoming rifle, plus numerous new arrows and bolts. The update also adds ammo/weapon color coding in the UI and fixes a long list of gear, animal, and performance bugs.