- Way of the Hunter 2 Steam launched into Early Access on PC on March 26, 2026.
- PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are planned for September 29, 2026.
- Current content includes two large reserves, New Laurentia and Kilimaya, plus 20+ firearms.
- Review status: 1,500+ Steam reviews with a 73% positive rating at the time of writing.
- Best start: Follow the scout, track, wind-check, shoot, recover loop before chasing trophies.
Way of the Hunter 2 Steam Overview
Way of the Hunter 2 Steam is the primary PC platform for Nine Rocks Games' open-world hunting simulator, published by THQ Nordic. The game entered Early Access on March 26, 2026, and the console versions for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S are planned for September 29, 2026. On Steam, the game currently holds 1,500+ user reviews with roughly 73% rated positive.
The Early Access build already includes the two flagship hunting reserves, more than 20 firearms, bows and crossbows, thermal optics, the hunting dog companion, the Shot Review system, Lodge and Taxidermy displays, and the Herd Management loop.
Purchase only through the official Steam store page or the official website. Third-party key resellers are not affiliated with THQ Nordic and carry activation risks.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Nine Rocks Games |
| Publisher | THQ Nordic |
| Steam Release (Early Access) | March 26, 2026 |
| Console Release (Planned) | September 29, 2026 (PS5 / Xbox Series X |
| Steam Reviews | 1,500+ total, ~73% positive |
| Launch Reserves | New Laurentia, Kilimaya Reserve |
| Firearms | 20+ at Early Access launch |
Early Access Content: What You Get on Steam
Buying on Steam during Early Access gives access to a substantial hunting sandbox. The content pillars below define the current experience.
Two Large Reserves
- New Laurentia: mixed terrain, long sightlines
- Kilimaya Reserve: contrasting landscape
- More regions planned via roadmap
Deep Equipment Pool
- 20+ firearms, bows, crossbows
- Scopes, thermal optics, suppressors
- Calls, decoys, blinds, shooting sticks
Progression Systems
- Skill tree and perks
- Hunting dog bonding and training
- Herd Management for long-term ecology
Early Access means systems, reserves, and multiplayer features continue to expand through the official roadmap. Expect patch notes, balance changes, and new content rather than a finished 1.0 experience.
| System | Status in Early Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reserves | 2 available | Additional regions planned |
| Multiplayer | Two-player co-op | Expansion on the roadmap |
| Trophies | Core system live | Non-typical, superior, mythical variations planned |
| Dog Training | Core tracking live | Advanced training coming later |
| Ballistics | Realistic model live | Bullet-camera improvements ongoing |
Step-by-Step: Starting Your First Steam Hunt
Follow this sequence for a clean first hunt, whether you start in New Laurentia or Kilimaya.
Scout From a Vantage Point
Use binoculars from elevated terrain to scan open areas for animals, tracks, feeding zones, and water sources before committing to a route.
Follow Fresh Signs
Track prints and droppings methodically instead of running at the herd. Read the direction and concentration of signs to predict movement.
Check the Wind
Approach so your scent blows away from the animals. A direct upwind approach usually gets you detected before you see anything.
Identify the Target
Study the herd through binoculars or your scope. Confirm species, range, and angle, and pick a mature animal if you want a quality trophy.
Take the Shot and Recover
Match weapon and ammunition to the animal, settle into a stable position, aim for vitals, then follow blood trails with your dog to recover the harvest.
Clean vital-area shots shorten tracking distance, protect trophy quality, and keep herds healthy under the Herd Management system. Review every shot with the Shot Review bullet camera to improve.
Equipment Comparison for New Steam Players
Equipment choice should match the animal and terrain rather than a single tier ranking. Use this comparison to build your first loadouts.
| Category | Best For | Practical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Rifles | Large/medium game at range | Precise, controlled distance shots |
| Shotguns | Birds, small game, close range | Fast targets at short distances |
| Bows | Stealth hunting | Close approaches, minimal noise |
| Scopes | Target ID and aiming | Balanced magnification for typical ranges |
| Suppressors | Noise reduction | Keeps nearby herds calmer after firing |
| Binoculars | Scouting | Locating and judging herds safely |
| Hunting Dog | Recovery | Blood-trail tracking after the shot |
All-Rounder Starter Loadout
- Rifle + mid-tier scope
- Binoculars for glassing
- Dog for recovery support
Quiet Hunter Loadout
- Bow or suppressed rifle
- Calls and decoys
- Slow, wind-aware approaches
Ammunition is not interchangeable across all animals. Pair caliber and ammo type with your target's size to ensure clean penetration and a quick harvest.
Steam Progression Checklist
Work through these milestones during your first weeks on Steam.
First Hunts on Steam:
- Complete your first successful harvest and recovery
- Learn both New Laurentia and Kilimaya terrain
- Build bonding with your hunting dog
- Place your first trophy in the Master Lodge
- Start managing herd health in one region
Join the official Way of the Hunter Discord and r/WayOfTheHunter for patch discussion, co-op partners, and up-to-date reserve findings.
FAQ
Q: Is Way of the Hunter 2 available on Steam?
Yes. Way of the Hunter 2 entered Steam Early Access on March 26, 2026, developed by Nine Rocks Games and published by THQ Nordic. PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are planned for September 29, 2026.
Q: How are the Steam reviews?
At the time of writing, the game holds 1,500+ Steam reviews with roughly 73% rated positive, reflecting a generally favorable Early Access reception with ongoing improvements from patches.
Q: How many reserves and weapons are in the Early Access version?
The Early Access build includes two large hunting reserves, New Laurentia and Kilimaya Reserve, plus more than 20 firearms alongside bows, crossbows, thermal optics, and suppressors.
Q: Does Way of the Hunter 2 support multiplayer on Steam?
Yes, two-player co-op is supported. You can form a party, hunt together across reserves, and coordinate tracking, with further multiplayer expansions planned through the development roadmap.