Hunting Simulator 3 arrives on Xbox Series X on October 29, 2026. Developed by Nacon Studio Ghent and published by Nacon, this open-world simulation puts hunters across two vast American wilderness regions with a canine companion, officially licensed firearms, and the proprietary SimFauna ecosystem. Both physical disc editions and digital downloads are available for pre-order starting at $49.99.
Xbox Series X Technical Features and Performance
The official Microsoft Store listing confirms specific enhancements designed to leverage current-generation console hardware. Players on Xbox Series X can expect higher visual fidelity and spatial tracking tools built to assist long-range stalking.
- Target Framerate: 60 fps+ performance
- Visual Enhancements: Ray Tracing support and HDR10 implementation
- Audio Support: Spatial Sound integration for environmental cues and tracking animal calls
- Platform Features: Xbox achievements, Xbox cloud saves, and full optimization for Xbox Series X|S
- ESRB Rating: Teen (T) for Blood and Violence; PEGI 16
Editions and Pricing Comparison
Players can choose between two retail and digital tiers on Xbox Series X. Physical copies are stocked at major retailers including GameStop and Walmart, while digital editions can be purchased directly from the Xbox Store.
| Edition | Price (USD) | Content Included |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | $49.99 | Full base game, access to pre-order bonuses when reserved before launch |
| Apex Predator Edition | $64.99 | Full base game, Classic American Hunter Pack, Apex Predator Pack |
Pre-Order and Account Bonuses
Reserving either edition on Xbox Series X grants the Classic American Hunter Pack bonus content. This pre-order DLC includes:
- Winchester Model 1892 Short Rifle
- American Foxhound companion breed
- Ligne Verney-Carron Woolchap Hat (featuring three color variations)
Players who create an account on MyNacon will also receive an additional yellow-coated Labrador retriever companion in-game.
Apex Predator Edition Contents
Upgrading to the $64.99 Apex Predator Edition provides expanded equipment sets and lodge decorations, including:
- Two Remington firearms: Model 783 and Model 870 SPS Super Magnum Turkey Predator
- Dog Accessories: Rex Specs Goggles For Dog V2 and Browning Dog Protect Pro Vest Orange
- Hunting Tools: Primos Hunting Turkey Bombshell Caller and Bushnell Fusion 12x50 Rangefinding Binoculars
- Vehicle: Polaris Ranger EV in Pursuit Camo
- Customization: Additional trophy poses and the Royal hunting lodge customization set
Game World, Wildlife, and Core Mechanics
Hunting Simulator 3 features two massive open-world environments set in Colorado and Texas. Each map covers 100 square kilometers, offering diverse biomes ranging from rugged mountain peaks to untamed outback plains. Over 35 animal species inhabit these territories, with trailer and dev diary materials highlighting white-tailed deer, bison herds, bighorn sheep, cougars, black bears, and rabbits.
The SimFauna Behavior System
Animal interactions are governed by an internal dynamic framework named SimFauna. Under this mechanic, wildlife exhibits reactive behaviors rather than purely scripted movement:
- Environmental Awareness: Animals actively detect and react to player presence, scent, and disturbance.
- Natural Life Cycles: Individual game animals age over time, with their physical appearances and coat textures shifting as they mature.
- Reproduction and Population: Animals can reproduce within their regional ecosystems to maintain population balance.
- Realistic Movement: Predator-prey dynamics, such as cougars stalking small game, occur naturally in the wild.
Hunting Dogs and Tracking
Hunters are accompanied in the field by a canine partner. The dog uses its senses to spot tracks, follow scent trails, locate wounded prey, and retrieve harvested small game. Commands are issued in real time through an on-screen radial command wheel. As your companion joins more expeditions, its skills improve to handle tougher tracking scenarios.
Weapons, Vehicles, and the Lodge
To navigate 100-square-kilometer terrains, players can travel on foot or drive four all-terrain vehicles, including the quiet, electric Polaris Ranger EV. The weapon arsenal features authentic ballistics and licensed brands such as Winchester, Beretta, Browning, Remington, and Bear Archery across bolt-action rifles, repeaters, shotguns, bows, and crossbows.
Between excursions, players return to a customizable hunting cabin. The lodge allows you to display harvested trophies, buy or tune equipment, run target practice on a dedicated shooting range, or compete on leaderboards through timed clay-pigeon shooting challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Hunting Simulator 3 release on Xbox Series X?
Hunting Simulator 3 officially launches on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Does Hunting Simulator 3 have a physical disc version on Xbox Series X?
Yes. Physical editions are available for pre-order at $49.99 through retailers such as GameStop and Walmart alongside digital copies on the Xbox Store.
Does the Xbox Series X version support multiplayer?
The official Xbox store product capabilities list the game as single-player. While promotional news and video discussions have referenced co-op design goals, current platform capability tags specify single-player architecture on Xbox Series X|S.
What are the map sizes in Hunting Simulator 3?
The game features two distinct open-world regions—Colorado and Texas—spanning 100 square kilometers each.
