Choose Your Weapon Around the Hunt
Hunting Simulator 3 offers rifles, shotguns, bows and crossbows: shotguns suit small game and waterfowl, rifles suit larger game, and bows or crossbows require closer approaches. Named choices include the Model 572 Fieldmaster, Winchester Model 1892 Short Rifle and Remington Model 783; match your weapon's caliber to the target species and obtain the correct hunting license before harvesting.
Weapon Classes and Their Jobs
| Weapon Class | Suitable Hunts | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Rifles | Larger game such as Black Bears and Whitetail Deer; .243 Win or higher is the general recommendation for these hunts. | Check the recommended caliber icons for your target species. |
| Shotguns | Small game and waterfowl, including ducks and rabbits. | A suitable 12 or 20 gauge shotgun is the recommended starting choice. |
| Bows | A quiet approach to different kinds of game, with a closer stalk required. | Plan your approach around getting closer before taking the shot. |
| Crossbows | A quiet approach to different kinds of game, requiring closer shooting opportunities. | Choose this approach when you want to concentrate on careful stalking. |
Named Weapons and Collections
Credits buy weapons and equipment, and the Hunting Lodge is where you purchase or modify gear. Buying a weapon unlocks its supported calibers, which you can change at the weapon bench. Check those choices against your intended species before spending.
| Weapon or Collection | Role or Selection Advice | How to Get or Check It |
|---|---|---|
| Winchester Model 1892 Short Rifle | Choose its caliber to match your intended species. | Included in the Pre-Order Bonus. |
| Remington Model 783 | Rifle; select a suitable caliber for your target. | Listed in the Deluxe Edition contents. |
| Remington Model 870 SPS SM Turkey/Predator | Shotgun; match the gauge to your intended game. | Listed in the Deluxe Edition contents. |
| Beretta 500-Year Anniversary Collection | Weapon collection added for the full release. | Check the full game's weapon selection. |
Optics and Other Hunting Equipment
| Equipment | Use | How to Get or Check It |
|---|---|---|
| Scopes and other attachments | Purchased attachments are reusable across compatible weapons. | Purchase the attachment, then use it on compatible weapons. |
| Bushnell Fusion 12x50 Rangefinding Binoculars | Binoculars with a built-in rangefinder mode to measure target distance. | Listed in the Deluxe Edition contents. |
| Primos Hunting Turkey Bombshell Caller | Caller designed for turkey hunting. | Listed in the Deluxe Edition contents. |
| Rex Specs Goggles For Dog V2 | Protective dog goggles with a smoked visor. | Listed in the Deluxe Edition contents. |
| Browning Dog Protect Pro Vest Orange | Orange protective vest for your dog. | Listed in the Deluxe Edition contents. |
| Woolchap Hat, Ligne Verney Carron | Choose it to suit your hunter's appearance. | Included in the Pre-Order Bonus. |
| Hunter's GPS | Shows wind direction so you can plan your approach. | Check it before approaching your target. |
| Dog tracking GPS and collars | Dog equipment added for the full release. | Review your dog's gear before heading out. |
Prepare Your Weapon, Optics and Carried Gear
- Choose your target species and check its recommended caliber icons in the game menus. Use that recommendation to narrow your weapon choice.
- Purchase the correct hunting license at the computer in your Hunting Lodge before harvesting. Without the correct license, your trophy cannot be validated.
- Use the lodge's armory loadout bench for weapons and hunting items. If you need to purchase equipment, Credits are the currency used for weapons and gear.
- Select a supported caliber at the weapon bench. Buying the weapon unlocks all calibers that weapon supports, so check your existing choices before buying another firearm.
- Choose a compatible scope or other attachment you already own. Purchased attachments work across compatible weapons without needing another purchase for each firearm.
- Review your backpack, ammunition, optics and hunting items before leaving. Keep your carried gear focused on the species and approach you have planned.
- Take your setup to the Shooting Range at the Hunting Lodge and practice your aim before heading into the wilderness.
Scopes and Ammunition Questions
- Are first focal plane scopes coming?
- Yes. First focal plane scopes are planned for a future update.
- Were handguns and polymer-tipped bullets available at launch?
- No. Handguns and additional ammunition types such as polymer-tipped bullets were not available at launch.