Next Hunting Adventure: THQ Nordic Unveils New Open-World Hunting Simulator

THQ Nordic and Nine Rocks Games Reveal “Next Hunting Adventure”

Fans of realistic simulation games have something new to track. Following the critical success of Way of the Hunter, developer Nine Rocks Games and publisher THQ Nordic have officially announced their next major project, currently titled Next Hunting Adventure. This open-world hunting simulator aims to push the boundaries of realism, taking players to the breathtaking and mysterious wilderness of North America.

The announcement follows the final major update for Way of the Hunter, signaling a new chapter for the development team. While the current title reflects its status as the team’s next journey, the game is already making waves for its technical ambitions and commitment to authenticity.

Journey to New Laurentia

The game is set in a vast new territory known as New Laurentia, inspired by the Canadian wilderness. Players will navigate dense forests and expansive landscapes to track a variety of wildlife.

• Big Game: Moose, Elk, Bears, and Bison.
• Small Game: Rabbits, Turkeys, and various bird species.

The narrative introduces players to a cast of memorable NPCs, including a skilled dog trainer and a local warden. Together, you will uncover the mystery behind the unusual behavior of the local moose population, adding a layer of intrigue to the traditional hunting loop.

Key Gameplay Features

• Your Loyal Hunting Companion: For the first time, players can bring a Hunting Dog to assist in tracking. The dog can locate blood trails, search for animal signs, and track down wounded prey, improving its skills through exercise and training.
• Precision Shot Review: An improved bullet camera allows for a detailed breakdown of every shot, analyzing trajectory, speed, angle, and placement.
• The Hunting Lodge: Each map features its own unique Lodge. This serves as your base of operations where you can plan hunts, display trophies, and unlock powerful upgrades.
• Licensed Gear: Through partnerships with over 10 real-world brands, the game features authentic rifles, precision optics, and high-tech equipment like improved night vision.

Availability

Next Hunting Adventure is currently in development for PC via Steam. While a specific release date has not yet been confirmed, interested hunters can already add the game to their Steam Wishlist to stay updated on its progress.

Nine Rocks Games is clearly not interested in just making “Way of the Hunter 2.” By introducing a narrative mystery and the long-requested hunting dog mechanic, they are evolving the genre from a pure simulator into a more immersive adventure. The addition of New Laurentia as a setting provides a perfect, moody backdrop for those early morning stalks. If they can maintain the “Zen” feeling of their previous work while tightening the mechanics, this could easily become the gold standard for hunting sims.