­­­theHunter: Call of the Wild – 7 tips to master desert hunting in Rancho del Arroyo

Howdy hunters!

Autumn is right around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited to finally welcome PlayStation fans to Rancho del Arroyo, the brand-new desert reserve for the immersive hunting game theHunter: Call of the Wild. Inspired by the grandiose Sonoran Desert in Northern Mexico, this stunning reserve includes five unique new animal species to hunt, harsh biomes to explore, and a thrilling storyline that involves uncovering a century-old family mystery.

But whether you’re an expert hunter ready to embark on your next adventure, or a newcomer heading into the vast desert for the first time, knowledge is power. Here are seven tips and tricks that will take your hunting experience to the next level!

1. Leverage your surroundings

When you move around in the open areas of the desert, animals are more likely to spot you. Trees, rocks, and foliage make for great hiding spots, so use them to your advantage! What’s more, simple things like standing still, crouching, or laying down can reduce the risk of being seen. If you’re unsure about your visibility, you can check the visibility meter in the lower right corner for more details.

2. Learn about Flushing

With the release of Rancho del Arroyo, we’re introducing an exciting new animal behavior called Flushing. By pushing pheasants into open areas, or towards a fellow hunter or Bloodhound, bird hunting enthusiasts can strategically move them out of their hiding spots and cause them to fly away, opening up for the perfect shot!

3. Move silently

If you can hear an animal, chances are they can also hear you. Shooting, running, driving or moving through dense foliage all make noise, which can alert animals and scare them off. Therefore, move silently when you approach an animal. Additionally, weather conditions such as rainfall and wind actually hide noise.

Also, players can unlock specific skills that further reduce noise in certain situations, like moving through larger vegetation. If you’re curious about how much noise you’re making, take a look at the speaker icon in the lower right corner.

Always check the sound and visibility meter for valuable intel!

4. Explore the desert to unlock Outposts

As you explore Rancho del Arroyo, you will come across Outposts scattered throughout its open world. After visiting and claiming an Outpost, you can use it as a hub for fast traveling, resting, changing the in-game time, purchasing weapons and equipment, and more. Outposts are often located in areas with spectacular views and gorgeous nature, so make sure to explore every nook and cranny before you wander off in search of new adventures.

5. Never trust a cactus

They can sting you!

The true apex predator of the desert.

6. Use lures and decoys to attract animals

Despite your best efforts to sound like a Rio Grande Turkey, you’re probably going to need some extra help to actually communicate with one. By using a caller — a small device that mimics animal sounds — you can lure animals to your position. You can also place decoys in and around an area, which can trick animals into thinking it’s safe to go there. Lures are accessible via the Weapon Cache.

Example of Desert Fauna

7. Research Need Zones

Need Zones are areas in a reserve that animals visit to eat, drink or rest. By knowing about Need Zones, you can gather valuable intel on animal behavior and movement, such as drinking times for specific species. To reveal a Need Zone on your map, either spot an animal or investigate tracks within the zone.

We hope that these tips and tricks prove to be useful in your next hunt! Rancho del Arroyo releases August 31 on PS4 and is also playable on PS5 via backwards compatibility.

Thanks, and happy hunting!

* This article was originally published here