Hunting Simulator 3 Pre-Order Guide: Editions and Pricing

Hunting Simulator 3 is scheduled to launch worldwide on October 29, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Developed by Nacon Studio Ghent and published by Nacon, this Unreal Engine 5 hunting simulation introduces dynamic wildlife ecosystems across Colorado and Texas, deep gear customization, and companion dog mechanics.

Pre-orders are currently live on console storefronts and official retail channels. However, PC players on Steam operate under a distinct release model where the pre-order bonus is provided as a free post-launch reward instead of a traditional advance purchase.

Pre-Order Editions and Pricing Comparison

Hunting Simulator 3 comes in two primary versions: the Standard Edition and the Apex Predator Edition (Deluxe). Console players can pre-order both physically and digitally, while digital upgrade options allow players to add Deluxe content later.

Console editions cost $49.99 for the Standard Edition and $64.99 for the Apex Predator Edition in North America. Upgrading from the Standard Edition to the Apex Predator pack costs an extra $14.99 / €14.99.

Pre-Order Bonus and Account Rewards

Players who reserve their copy or meet promotional requirements unlock exclusive gear and companion options.

The Classic American Hunter Pack

The standard pre-order bonus bundle is the Classic American Hunter Pack. It includes three specific items:

1. Winchester Model 1892 Short Rifle: A classic lever-action hunting rifle.
2. American Foxhound: A distinct hunting dog breed equipped with an enhanced sense of smell tailored for scent-tracking trails.
3. Ligne Verney-Carron Woolchap Hat: A vintage outdoor cap available in three selectable color variants.

The PC Launch Window Exception

Official developer replies on the Steam community forums confirm that Steam does not host advance pre-orders for Hunting Simulator 3. To compensate PC players:

• The Classic American Hunter Pack will be available completely free on Steam for the first two weeks following the October 29, 2026 launch.
• Players who buy the game during this two-week window can claim the pack at no added cost.
• After the two-week launch period expires, the pack will transition into a paid standalone DLC priced at $4.99 / €4.99 across all platforms.

MyNacon Account Creation Reward

Outside of retailer-specific packages, players who register an account on the official MyNacon portal unlock an exclusive yellow-coated Labrador retriever companion to use in their kennel alongside other base-game breeds.

Apex Predator Edition Content Breakdown

The Apex Predator Edition serves as the deluxe tier for Hunting Simulator 3, bundling tools aimed at small game, predator hunting, and long-range scouting.

Exclusive Weapons and Hunting Accessories

• Remington Model 783: A dedicated bolt-action rifle tuned for taking down large game such as elk, deer, and bighorn sheep.
• Remington Model 870 SPS Super Magnum Turkey/Predator: A versatile shotgun designed specifically for upland bird hunts, waterfowl, and small predators.
• Bushnell Fusion 12x50 Rangefinding Binoculars: Premium optics featuring an integrated laser rangefinder that measures distance to targets directly through the viewing lens.
• Primos "Turkey Bombshell" Caller: A specialty call tuned to attract wild turkeys across dense vegetation.

Companion Protection and Mobility

• Polaris RANGER EV Off-Road Vehicle: An all-terrain electric UTV featuring quiet motor operation and an exclusive "Pursuit Camo" exterior pattern.
• Browning Dog Protect Pro Vest: A high-visibility orange protective vest designed to safeguard your dog from hazardous brush and animal attacks.
• Rex Specs Protective Goggles V2: Smoke-tinted eye protection goggles designed to protect hunting dogs from facial injury, thick brush, and defensive birds.

Hunting Lodge Customization

• Royal Theme Preset: A luxury interior styling set with distinct furniture, wall designs, and fittings covering the eight primary rooms of your lodge.
• 20+ Additional Taxidermy Poses: Expanded mounting stances for displaying harvested animals in full-body mounts and staged multi-animal dioramas.

Core Features Confirmed for Hunting Simulator 3

Hunting Simulator 3 expands significantly on previous franchise entries through redesigned tracking, licensed brand partnerships, and ecological simulation.

Two Open-World Territories

The game features two distinct 100-square-kilometer reserves:

• Colorado: Alpine mountains, dense pine forests, rocky ridges, and snow-dusted elevations housing Rocky Mountain elk, cougars, black bears, bighorn sheep, and wolves.
• Texas: Arid open plains, desert plateaus, and scrub brush populated by white-tailed deer, collared peccary (javelina), wild hogs, pronghorn, Rio Grande turkeys, and exotic ranch imports like the scimitar oryx.

Across both regions, the game hosts over 35 distinct animal species, divided into 19 species in Colorado and 18 in Texas.

The SimFauna Ecosystem

Unlike static spawn systems, the proprietary SimFauna engine manages animal lifecycles dynamically:

• Animals age naturally from young to mature stages over time.
• Individual specimens possess unique DNA scores affecting horn and antler configurations.
• Herd culling impacts future populations: removing low-scoring or sick animals encourages healthier genetics, stronger pack leaders, and rare color morphs (such as melanistic grey wolves and albino bears).
• Dynamic food, rest, and water need zones dictate daily animal movements across the map.

Hunting Dogs and Command Mechanics

Hunting Simulator 3 introduces deep canine integration:

• Dogs gain field experience over time, expanding their senses and tracking efficiency.
• A radial command wheel allows hunters to order companions to follow blood trails, track ground scent, heel, sit, or retrieve harvested waterfowl and small game from water and thickets.
• While the base game includes one core retriever breed at launch, future breeds with specialized behaviors will arrive via free post-launch updates.

Weapons, Ballistics, and the Shooting Range

The game features nearly 75 weapons and equipment options officially licensed from manufacturers including Beretta, Winchester, Remington, Browning, Verney-Carron, Merkel, and Bear Archery.

Select rifles support multi-caliber modularity, allowing hunters to adapt a single firearm frame across calibers like .223, .243, .270, .308 Win, .30-06, and .300 Win Mag. Players can practice bullet drop and wind compensation at an in-depth training facility featuring:

• Long-range rifle lanes exceeding 600 to 1,000 yards with live hit-analysis monitors.
• Moving animal targets simulating field running patterns.
• An archery practice range.
• A clay-pigeon (skeet) shooting pavilion tied to competitive Steam and console leaderboards.

Ethical Harvesting and Game Warden Difficulties

Players manage tags and hunting licenses purchased through game reserves or accept timed contracts from the local town Butcher. Butcher objectives require hunters to harvest designated species while damaging less than specified meat percentages (e.g., maintaining 60% or 70% usable meat).

To balance accessibility and realism, three distinct difficulty presets are available:

• Scout: Casual hunting with visible trail icons, aiming reticles, dead animal map markers, and detailed track inspections (identifying age, species, and direction).
• Ranger: Balanced simulation providing partial tracking assists while encouraging patient observation.
• Forest Warden: Hardcore simulation that turns off map markers, animal highlights, and interface track notifications, leaving players only physical tracks and directional sign.

PC System Requirements

Nacon has published official PC specifications on the Steam store page:

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Hunting Simulator 3 release?

Hunting Simulator 3 launches on October 29, 2026, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Can I pre-order Hunting Simulator 3 on Steam?

No. Nacon Ghent confirmed there is no advance pre-order program on Steam. Instead, the Classic American Hunter pre-order pack will be free to claim for all Steam buyers during the first two weeks following release.

What is included in the pre-order bonus pack?

The Classic American Hunter Pack contains the Winchester Model 1892 Short Rifle lever-action firearm, the American Foxhound scent-tracking dog breed, and three color styles of the Verney-Carron Woolchap hat.

Can I upgrade to the Apex Predator Edition later?

Yes. Both digital storefronts and official retail platforms support an Apex Predator Pack upgrade priced at $14.99 / €14.99 for owners of the Standard Edition.

What vehicles are in the game?

The game features licensed utility and off-road vehicles from Ford (including the Ford F-150 Raptor), Polaris (such as the electric Ranger EV), and Kawasaki.

Does Hunting Simulator 3 have multiplayer?

The official Steam feature list designates the launch release as single-player with online Steam Leaderboards for the clay pigeon shooting and firing range challenges.