Hunting games on Xbox One bring the thrill of the outdoors to your living room. These games let players track and hunt virtual animals without leaving home.
Many hunting games offer realistic graphics, authentic weapons, and diverse environments that range from North American forests to African savannas.
When choosing a hunting game, pay attention to realism, variety of animals, weapon selection, and game modes. Some games focus on simulation with realistic ballistics and animal behavior, while others take a more arcade-style approach.
The best hunting games balance challenge with fun and offer enough content to keep you coming back.
We spent hours tracking, shooting, and exploring the best hunting games available on Xbox One to help you find the perfect digital hunting experience. Our top pick, theHunter: Call of the Wild, offers stunning visuals and the most authentic hunting experience on the console.
AI: Hunter Call of the Wild
Wow, this game completely changed our view of hunting simulations! TheHunter: Call of the Wild offers breathtaking environments that had us stopping just to watch the sunrise.
The animals move and react just like real wildlife – they’ll catch your scent if you’re upwind, hear you if you’re too noisy, and bolt at the slightest mistake.
We found ourselves truly immersed in massive open worlds spanning over 50 square miles of diverse terrain. From the Pacific Northwest to the plains of Africa, each reserve feels alive with its own ecosystem.
The game rewards patience and skill rather than just running around shooting everything in sight.
Pro Tip: Use the in-game binoculars to spot animals from afar and plan your approach carefully. Moving slowly and staying downwind makes a huge difference!
The weapon selection is impressive and authentic. Each gun has different ballistics, and you’ll need to place your shots carefully for ethical harvests. The sound design deserves special mention too – the crack of a rifle echoing through a valley feels incredibly realistic.
There’s multiplayer support for up to 8 hunters, making this a great choice for hunting with friends. We particularly enjoyed working together to track down elusive trophies.
The DLC packs add new animals, weapons, and hunting reserves that extend gameplay for many more hours.
Big Game Hunter
Cabela’s Big Game Hunter is a more accessible option that doesn’t sacrifice excitement. This series has been around for years, and while it’s less simulation-focused than theHunter, it delivers fast-paced hunting action that’s easy to pick up and play.
We appreciate how Cabela’s balances arcade elements with hunting mechanics. The game features quick hunts that don’t require the patience of more realistic simulators.
You’ll track animals through various North American locations, with guided missions that keep the action moving.
The shooting mechanics are simplified but satisfying. There’s a decent variety of weapons to unlock, and the game’s “hunter sense” feature helps beginners track animals more easily.
We found this perfect for casual gaming sessions when we didn’t have time for a more involved hunt.
| Game | Realism Level | Best For |
| theHunter: Call of the Wild | High | Simulation fans |
| Cabela’s Big Game Hunter | Medium | Casual players |
| Hunting Simulator 2 | High | Gear enthusiasts |
Hunting Simulator 2
Hunting Simulator 2 strikes a nice balance between arcade and simulation. We were impressed by the licensed gear from real brands like Browning and Winchester, which adds authenticity to the experience.
The game features diverse hunting grounds in Texas, Colorado, and Europe with appropriate wildlife for each region.
The dog companion system is a standout feature. Your canine partner helps track wounded animals and flush out birds, adding a layer of strategy to hunts.
We found training and working with the dogs to be almost as rewarding as the hunting itself.
Controls are intuitive, though the shooting mechanics demand more skill than arcade-style hunting games. Wind direction, distance, and shot placement all matter.
The game’s progression system keeps things interesting as you unlock new areas and equipment.
Deer Hunter Reloaded
For a more budget-friendly option, Deer Hunter Reloaded delivers straightforward hunting fun. This game focuses primarily on deer hunting (as the name suggests) but includes other species like bears and boars across various North American environments.
The graphics aren’t as impressive as other titles on our list, but the core hunting gameplay is solid. We enjoyed the quick-hunt mode when we only had time for a short gaming session.
The weapon customization is surprisingly deep for a budget title, letting you upgrade and modify your firearms.
Missions provide structure and goals beyond simply hunting, though we found some of them repetitive after extended play. Despite its limitations, Deer Hunter Reloaded remains a decent entry point for those curious about hunting games without wanting to invest in pricier options.
Bass Pro Shops: The Hunt
This collaboration between Xbox and outdoor retailer Bass Pro Shops delivers a hunting experience focused on North American game. We found the variety of hunts engaging, from whitetail deer to wild turkey and even dangerous predators like mountain lions.
The tournament mode adds a competitive element that’s missing from many hunting games. You can compete against AI opponents or friends to bag the biggest trophies, adding replay value beyond the standard campaign.
The game includes a shooting gallery mode that’s perfect for quick play sessions or improving your aim. While the graphics show the game’s age, the hunting mechanics remain enjoyable.
The Hunt balances accessibility with enough depth to keep experienced players engaged.
In
Contents
Best Hunting Games for Xbox One
We’ve carefully researched and selected the top hunting games available on Xbox One for all skill levels. These games offer realistic hunting experiences with detailed graphics, immersive environments, and authentic hunting mechanics.
From tracking deer through dense forests to hunting exotic animals on safari, our picks will satisfy both casual players and serious hunting enthusiasts.
Way of the Hunter
Way of the Hunter delivers an immersive and realistic hunting experience with stunning open worlds that make it one of the best hunting games available on Xbox.
Pros
- Gorgeous environments spanning both USA and Europe
- Flexible gameplay with story mode or free hunting
- Cooperative multiplayer option for hunting with friends
Cons
- Steeper learning curve than some hunting games
- Some players report compatibility issues with certain Xbox models
- Limited weapon variety compared to competitors
I spent hours tracking deer through misty forests in Way of the Hunter, and the attention to detail blew me away. The game puts you in charge of a hunting lodge with vast territories to explore.
The environments are breathtaking – from dense woods to open plains, each area feels alive with wildlife behaving naturally.
What makes this game stand out is the balance between simulation and accessibility. We found the hunting mechanics challenging but rewarding.
Tracking animals requires patience and skill, with the game rewarding ethical hunting practices. Wind direction, scent, and noise all factor into your success, creating a genuine hunting experience.
The story mode gives purpose to your hunts, though you can ignore it completely if you prefer free roaming. We especially enjoyed the cooperative multiplayer, taking turns spotting and shooting with friends.
The satisfying crack of a well-aimed rifle shot never gets old in this game.
Vehicle movement could be smoother, but it doesn’t detract from the overall experience. The graphics truly shine on the Xbox Series X, with realistic animal movements and detailed environments.
Weather effects add another layer of challenge and immersion to each hunt.
Hunting Simulator 2
Hunting Simulator 2 offers Xbox One players the most realistic hunting experience with stunning environments, companion hunting dogs, and licensed gear from top brands.
Pros
- Realistic animal AI with 36 different species to hunt
- Helpful hunting dog companion that responds to commands
- Fully licensed gear from real hunting brands
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Need to purchase licenses for each animal type
- Can feel repetitive after extended play
We spent hours tracking animals through the gorgeous landscapes of Hunting Simulator 2, and the attention to detail really impressed us. The environments feel alive with realistic animal behaviors that create a genuine hunting challenge.
We found ourselves carefully planning each hunt, considering wind direction and using proper camouflage just like in real life.
The hunting dog companion is a game-changer. We could command our four-legged friend to track scents, freeze in place, or follow closely.
This added a new layer of strategy to our hunts that made the experience feel more authentic. The dogs respond naturally to commands and truly help locate animals that might otherwise remain hidden.
Equipment selection in this game is outstanding. We tried many of the 65 licensed weapons, and each one handles differently with realistic ballistics.
The shooting range let us practice before heading out, which helped us get comfortable with different firearms. Earning money from successful hunts to buy new gear gave us something to work toward.
The three hunting styles offer nice variety. We particularly enjoyed stand hunting for its tense waiting periods followed by moments of excitement when animals appeared.
Traditional tracking hunts required more movement but rewarded patience, while waterfowl hunting provided a completely different experience.
Hunting Tip: Use your binoculars often to spot animals from a distance, and always check the wind direction before approaching!
We did find the initial learning curve somewhat steep. Our first few hunts ended with animals running away before we could get close enough for a shot.
The need to purchase separate licenses for different animals wasn’t mentioned clearly, which surprised us when we started playing.
theHunter: Call of the Wild
TheHunter: Call of the Wild stands out as the most realistic hunting simulator available on Xbox One with its vast open world and lifelike animal behaviors.
Pros
- Stunning 50-square-mile world with diverse landscapes
- Realistic animal behavior and environmental systems
- Gradual learning curve with guided missions
Cons
- Takes time to master tracking and hunting skills
- Some occasional bugs with animal movement
- Can feel slow-paced for action game fans
We spent hours trekking through the forests and plains of this impressive hunting simulator. The attention to detail blew us away – from the way wind carries your scent to animals to how your footsteps cause noise that can alert nearby prey.
The environments feel alive with birds chirping, insects buzzing, and weather that changes throughout your hunt.
Unlike arcade-style hunting games, patience is key here. We tracked a whitetail deer for nearly 20 minutes, carefully watching wind direction and staying low in the brush. The payoff when we finally lined up the perfect shot was incredibly satisfying.
The ballistics system makes each weapon feel distinct, and you really need to aim properly considering distance and animal vital zones.
The game offers a nice balance between guided missions and free exploration. Starting with simple tracking tasks helps new players learn the basics before tackling more challenging hunts.
We found the progression system rewarding as we unlocked better equipment and skills. While there’s a learning curve, the immersion is worth it if you enjoy realistic outdoor simulations.
Some technical issues occasionally broke our immersion. We encountered a few instances where wounded animals stopped leaving blood trails unexpectedly.
The pace might feel too slow for gamers used to action titles, but for those wanting a genuine hunting experience, this is as close as it gets without putting on real hunting gear.
AI animals behave remarkably like their real-world counterparts. Deer flee when startled, predators stalk their prey, and each species has distinct patterns.
We found ourselves learning actual hunting techniques that mirror real outdoor skills. This isn’t just a game – it’s a detailed hunting simulator that rewards patience and strategy.
Hunting Simulator
Hunting Simulator delivers an authentic hunting experience with diverse environments, realistic animal behaviors, and a wide range of licensed weapons that make it worth buying for Xbox One hunting game enthusiasts.
Pros
- Realistic animal behaviors across 37 different species
- Beautiful environments spanning North America and Europe
- Includes official Winchester and Browning licensed weapons
Cons
- Some tracking missions have frustrating boundaries
- Animal sizes could use more variety beyond weight differences
- Learning curve might be steep for beginners
We tried this hunting game last weekend and were impressed by the attention to detail. The weather changes feel natural, and animals react to sounds and smells just like they would in real life. When we spotted a deer downwind, it quickly bolted before we could line up a shot.
The game lets you explore 12 different hunting areas based on real locations. We spent hours in the Colorado mountains tracking elk through forests and clearings.
The drone feature is super helpful for scouting ahead without spooking animals – a clever addition we haven’t seen in other hunting games.
Weapon selection is a standout feature. We tested several of the 17 firearms, including some slick Winchester rifles. Each gun handles differently, and you need to consider factors like wind and distance before taking your shot.
The shooting range helped us practice before heading into the field.
Playing with friends makes the experience even better. We teamed up with two buddies online to hunt waterfowl, coordinating our shots and sharing tips.
The multiplayer works smoothly, though finding the perfect hunting spot together takes some practice.
For parents looking at this game for younger hunters, it’s worth noting that it teaches proper hunting ethics and techniques. We appreciated how it emphasizes patience, proper shot placement, and using the right caliber for different animals.
It’s a great way to learn hunting basics without leaving home.
Cabela’s African Adventure
This arcade-style hunting game offers exciting Big 5 animal encounters despite its mediocre graphics and simplistic gameplay mechanics.
Pros
- Huge hunting areas to explore freely
- Vehicle access anywhere in the game world
- Thrilling encounters with African wildlife herds
Cons
- Not a realistic hunting simulation
- Subpar graphics quality
- Limited storyline depth
We spent several hours roaming the vast African wilderness in Cabela’s African Adventure, and it definitely offers a different kind of hunting experience. The game world is impressive – about five times larger than previous Cabela titles. This gives you plenty of room to track down the iconic Big 5 African animals: rhinos, lions, leopards, buffalo, and elephants.
Getting around is pretty fun since you can hop in and out of your vehicle whenever you want. We found this feature particularly useful when spotting animals from a distance and then sneaking up on foot for the perfect shot.
The animal encounters can be quite exciting, especially when facing charging buffalo herds or groups of predators.
The game features two main modes. Safari mode lets you freely explore the five different biomes, while the Shooting Galleries offer more arcade-style action. Don’t expect a realistic hunting simulator though – this is definitely more of an action game with hunting elements. Think of it as a hunting-themed adventure rather than a true hunting sim.
Graphics aren’t the game’s strong point. Even for a 2015 release, the visuals feel dated and lack polish. The animal animations are decent enough, but the environments could use more detail.
Despite these flaws, we still enjoyed the boss-style encounters with the Big 5 animals, which provide some memorable gaming moments.
For Xbox One owners looking for hunting games, Cabela’s African Adventure offers casual fun that’s easy to pick up and play. It’s not perfect, but if you’re after some quick hunting action rather than a deep simulation, it might be worth checking out, especially if found at a discount.
Buying Guide
Finding the best hunting game for Xbox One depends on what you like. We’ve put together some tips to help you choose.
Game Type
Hunting games come in different styles. Some focus on realistic hunting, while others add adventure elements.
Consider what hunting experience you want – realistic simulation or arcade-style fun.
Graphics and Realism
Good hunting games should have detailed environments and animals. Look for games with high-quality graphics that make forests, plains, and mountains feel real.
Weather effects and day/night cycles can make hunting more challenging and interesting.
Animal Variety
The best hunting games offer many different animals to hunt. This keeps the game interesting for longer.
| Feature | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
| Animal Behavior | Makes hunting realistic | Animals that react to sound, scent, and movement |
| Weapons | Affects gameplay style | Good variety with realistic handling |
| Map Size | Exploration options | Large, diverse hunting areas |
Controls and Playability
We think good controls make or break a hunting game. Look for games with smooth aiming and movement.
Games with tutorial modes help new players learn how to track, shoot, and harvest animals properly.
Value for Money
Consider games with DLC (downloadable content) that adds new areas, animals, or weapons. This can extend your playing time.
Online reviews and ratings from other hunters can help you find games that are worth your money.