theHunter: Call of the Wild Duck and Cover Pack expands the core hunting simulation experience with dedicated tools for waterfowl. This add-on introduces Mallard ducks to the Layton Lake District reserve and equips players with a new semi-automatic shotgun, specialized ammunition, decoys, and a portable blind designed for lakeside setups. The pack integrates directly into the existing open-world reserves, allowing hunters to pursue these birds alongside other species using realistic tracking and approach methods.
Gameplay
Core gameplay centers on realistic hunting mechanics in expansive reserves. Players track animals through signs such as tracks, droppings, and calls, then stalk within effective range before taking a shot. The new Nordin 20SA shotgun features autoloading action and a three-shell capacity, making it suitable for repeated shots during waterfowl encounters. It handles the new 20GA Steel Birdshot ammunition, which meets non-toxic requirements for bird hunting while remaining compatible with earlier 20-gauge loads for small to medium game.
Decoys play a central role in attracting Mallards. Full-body Drake and Hen models create the appearance of a safe feeding area, encouraging ducks to land nearby. The waterfowl blind deploys along the lakeshore to improve concealment without restricting movement or aiming. These additions shift focus toward patient observation and precise positioning near water, complementing the simulation's emphasis on equipment choice and environmental awareness.
Game Modes
The base experience supports both single-player campaigns and online multiplayer sessions with up to eight participants. In single-player, hunters complete missions and explore reserves at their own pace, using the new pack items to target ducks during free-roam sessions. Multiplayer allows groups to coordinate strategies across the same reserves, sharing decoy placements and blind positions while competing for harvests or working together on larger outings.
No separate dedicated modes exist beyond these frameworks. The pack's features function within the standard reserve exploration loop, where players select loadouts and locations before heading out to hunt.
Equipment and Reserve Integration
The Nordin 20SA appears in three color options Serviceman, Clandestine, and Artisan for visual customization. All previously available 20-gauge ammunition works with the weapon, expanding options for mixed hunts. Mallard activity concentrates around lakes in the Layton Lake District, where decoys and the blind prove most effective when placed near confirmed need zones.
These tools encourage repeated visits to water-adjacent areas and reward careful setup over rushed approaches. The simulation maintains its focus on ethical, regulation-compliant hunting through the lead-free steel birdshot design.
Is It Worth Playing?
This pack suits players who already enjoy theHunter: Call of the Wild's deliberate pacing and attention to realistic details. It adds meaningful variety for those interested in waterfowl without altering the fundamental tracking and harvesting systems. The new shotgun and supporting gear provide immediate utility in the Layton Lake District while remaining functional across other reserves for smaller game.
Reception among existing players highlights the decoys and blind as practical additions that increase duck encounters when used correctly. The content requires the base game and appeals most to hunters seeking specialized equipment for a new species rather than broad changes to progression or reserves. Those who prefer fast action or simplified mechanics may find the overall simulation too methodical, while dedicated fans gain targeted tools that fit seamlessly into established routines.
