In theHunter: Call of the Wild, precision is paramount. Understanding how your weapon works is crucial for a successful hunt. One of the foundational mechanics to grasp is zeroing. Zeroing refers to the distance at which your weapon is calibrated to shoot accurately, hitting exactly where you aim. By default, most weapons in the game are set to a medium zero distance. For instance, the starting rifle, the Ranger .243, is typically zeroed for 164 yards (150 meters). This means if your target is 164 yards away, aiming directly at it should result in a hit very close to your point of aim.
Adjusting Your Weapon Zeroing
To truly customize your shots, you’ll need the “Zeroing” perk, found in the rifles perk tree. Once unlocked, this perk allows you to adjust the zero distance of your weapons. By pressing the F key, you can cycle through the available zero distances for your current firearm.
For example, with level 1 of the Zeroing perk, the Ranger .243’s zero distance can be toggled between 82 and 164 yards (75 or 150 meters). Level 2 of the perk expands this further, adding a 328-yard (300-meter) option. Keep in mind that zero distances are weapon-specific. The Variant .22LR, for example, has zero distances of 54, 109, and 164 yards (50, 100, and 150 meters). Before heading out on a hunt, familiarize yourself with the zero distances for each weapon in your arsenal to ensure accurate shots.
Compensating for Distance in Hunting
Rarely will animals conveniently position themselves at your exact zero distance. This is where understanding distance compensation becomes vital. As your target moves further away from your zeroed distance, bullet drop becomes a significant factor. To counteract this, you’ll need to aim slightly above your intended point of impact. The greater the distance, the more you’ll need to elevate your aim. Remember that different weapon types have varying degrees of bullet drop. Handguns and bows, for example, experience more pronounced bullet drop over distance compared to rifles.
Conversely, if the animal is closer than your zero distance, your bullet will impact higher than your point of aim. In these scenarios, you should aim slightly lower than your desired impact point.
While distance compensation is less critical at close ranges due to larger target profiles, mastering it at longer distances can be the difference between a clean lung shot and a less ethical spine shot, or even a miss.
Determining Animal Distance Without a Rangefinder
Later in theHunter: Call of the Wild, you’ll gain access to rangefinders and binoculars with integrated rangefinders, simplifying distance measurement. However, in the early game, you’ll need to employ a clever in-game trick. First, spot the animal you intend to hunt. Then, open your map. You’ll notice a marker indicating the animal’s location.
Click on this animal marker to place a waypoint directly on top of it. Exit the map, and you’ll now have a precise distance reading to the animal displayed on your HUD.
Bow Hunting: Aiming and Wind Compensation
For hunters who prefer the silent approach of bow hunting, aiming mechanics differ slightly. When using pin sights on a bow, remember that your actual point of aim is positioned above the top pin of your sight.
Furthermore, wind direction plays a crucial role in archery. Pay close attention to the wind direction indicator on your HUD. If the wind is blowing from the east, for example, you’ll need to aim slightly to the left to allow the wind to push your arrow towards your target.
The degree of wind compensation needed depends on both the wind strength and the distance to your target. Closer shots require less windage adjustment.
Steadying Your Aim for Precision Shots
Initially, when you aim down your weapon’s sights, you’ll notice significant weapon sway, making precise shots challenging. To steady your aim, hold down the Shift key to hold your breath. This action dramatically reduces weapon sway, allowing for much more accurate shot placement. However, breath-holding is limited, indicated by the heart icon on your HUD. When this icon begins to turn red, it signals that you are about to run out of breath.
Running for extended periods can also deplete your breath. Attempting to aim while out of breath will result in exaggerated weapon sway, and you’ll need to wait a short period before you can hold your breath again.
To improve breath-holding duration and reduce weapon sway, consider unlocking the “Breath Control” and “Steady Hands” perks in the rifles perk tree.
For shotgun users, the “Recoil Control” perk in the shotguns perk tree can be beneficial for faster follow-up shots, especially when dealing with multiple targets or needing quick corrections.
Leading Moving Targets
When hunting moving animals, you must “lead” your shot. This means aiming slightly ahead of the animal’s current position so that it moves into the path of your projectile.
The amount of lead required depends on the animal’s speed, distance, and the weapon you are using. Faster projectiles, like rifle bullets, require less lead than slower projectiles from handguns. Mastering leading shots is largely a matter of practice and developing an intuitive feel for target movement and projectile speed.
Practice Makes Perfect: Utilizing Shooting Ranges
theHunter: Call of the Wild offers dedicated shooting ranges to hone your aiming skills. The Hirschfelden map features a range near the initial spawn point. Ammo is unlimited at these ranges, allowing you to experiment with different weapons without resource concerns. Fast travel is also available to the range once discovered.
Parque Fernando also includes a shooting range, specializing in handgun and bow practice. While not marked on the map, it’s situated close to the main outpost and also provides infinite ammo.
For shotgun enthusiasts, Salzwiesen Park offers a clay shooting range located just outside the main outpost. This range is ideal for practicing shotgun skills and even hosting multiplayer competitions.
By understanding weapon zeroing, mastering distance compensation, and utilizing the available practice ranges, you’ll significantly enhance your hunting proficiency in theHunter: Call of the Wild. Consistent practice and attention to these aiming mechanics will lead to more ethical hunts and greater success in the field.
