Call of the Wild: The Angler - Norway Reserve delivers an open-world fishing simulation set in the Trollsporet Nature Reserve. Players explore the Norwegian countryside through its three distinct biomes while targeting new fish species and completing a range of activities. The experience emphasizes realistic angling mechanics alongside light exploration on foot, by bicycle, or by boat.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on casting lines in varied waters across Nøkkensjøen, Huldraskogen, and Fossegrimfjorden. Anglers pursue 13 new fish species, with Brown Trout, Zander, and Atlantic Salmon capable of reaching large sizes. Equipment selection, location choice, and timing influence success rates in line with standard simulation rules for the genre.
Beyond casting, the reserve supports travel between fishing spots and encourages discovery of scenic viewpoints and hidden areas. Crystal streams, thick forests, and mountain backdrops form the setting, with environmental details such as the midnight sun and Northern Lights available during appropriate in-game conditions. Daily and weekly challenges issued by warden Astrid and shopkeeper Torbjørn provide ongoing tasks that tie into the fishing loop.
Game Modes
No traditional competitive or versus modes exist. Instead, the reserve structures play around fishing challenges, geocache missions, scavenger hunts, and one narrative mission. These activities distribute across the biomes and incorporate collectibles that reward thorough exploration of the 52 square kilometers of terrain.
Multiplayer takes the form of free invites extended to friends who own the base game. Invited players join the host in the reserve without additional purchase requirements for this content. Solo play remains fully supported, with the same mission set available at any time.
Exploration and Activities
Sixty bespoke activities fill the reserve. Fishing challenges focus on specific species or conditions, while geocache missions and scavenger hunts direct players to marked or unmarked locations. The narrative mission weaves local folklore elements into the landscape, including references to Troll Rocks and figures from Norse tales. Collectibles scattered throughout reward repeated visits and off-path travel.
Travel options expand reach beyond immediate shorelines. Boats allow navigation of fjords and lakes, bicycles speed movement along paths, and walking permits access to higher elevations and smaller water bodies. These systems integrate directly with mission objectives rather than serving as separate systems.
Is It Worth Playing?
The Norway Reserve suits players who enjoy methodical fishing simulations paired with open-world discovery. Its strengths lie in the variety of fish targets, the integration of exploration with mission design, and the option to share the space with friends at no extra cost. Mixed player feedback on the Steam page highlights solid fishing mechanics and attractive scenery, though some note the price point relative to content volume.
Those seeking fast-paced action or complex progression trees may find the pace deliberate. The live-service approach continues through community input, yet no major seasonal content additions have appeared since the reserve launched. Availability remains tied to ownership of the base game, with the reserve functioning as an optional expansion that extends playtime for existing anglers.
