Hunting Simulator 3: Demo, Pre-Order Bonuses and Launch Details

The wait for Hunting Simulator 3 is nearly over, but there are two reasons not to wait until release day. Nacon has confirmed that the Steam demo remains available until the full game launches, following an extension to its original Steam Next Fest availability. Meanwhile, players who pre-order can still claim the Classic American Hunter bonus pack, with an additional yellow Labrador available through a MyNacon account.

Beyond these limited-time opportunities, the new entry promises a more dynamic hunting experience, powered by Unreal Engine 5 and built around SimFauna, a living ecosystem in which wildlife responds to the player's actions. Two expansive hunting grounds, licensed equipment and canine companions round out the package.

Release Date and Platforms (Confirmed)

Hunting Simulator 3 launches on Wednesday, October 29, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Developed around Unreal Engine 5, the game aims to deliver a more immersive hunting simulation with detailed environments, realistic wildlife behaviour and a broad selection of licensed equipment.

The franchise has more than 15 years of history, and Nacon's latest press materials put its cumulative audience at over two million players, updating the previously reported one-million-player figure.

For players planning their gaming week, check this week's releases for more upcoming launches.

Play the Demo Before Launch

The most immediate reason to check out Hunting Simulator 3 is its still-available Steam demo. Originally offered during Steam Next Fest, the trial has been extended until the full game launches on October 29, according to Nacon's announcement on the official Steam community page.

The demo provides a limited but useful introduction to the game's main systems. Players can explore the starting headquarters and shooting range, then head into a restricted area of Colorado for the first mission, "A Matter of Rabbits." The trial includes three licensed animal species, a choice between a Retriever and a Hound, and a Polaris UTV for getting around the hunting grounds.

However, there is one important limitation: demo progress does not carry over to the full game. Treat the trial as an opportunity to test the mechanics, explore the available environment and decide whether the complete experience is worth purchasing. The deadline matters, too. The demo is scheduled to remain playable only until launch, so players interested in trying it should do so before October 29.

Pre-Order Bonuses Still Claimable

Pre-orders opened on September 17, alongside the release of the Gameplay Overview Trailer. As of October 27, the announced pre-order extras are still available as an incentive for players who want additional equipment and a canine companion from the outset.

The Classic American Hunter Pack contains three items:

• Winchester Model 1892 Short Rifle: a classic firearm for the game's hunting arsenal.

• American Foxhound: an additional dog breed.

• Verney-Carron Woolchap hat: a distinctive clothing accessory.

Players can also obtain a yellow Labrador as a bonus by using a MyNacon account.

These extras are separate from the core game content, making them particularly relevant to players who already intend to buy Hunting Simulator 3. The bonuses are tied to the pre-order offer, so anyone seeking them should check the official terms and complete the qualifying steps before launch, as they may not be available later.

Editions and Price

Hunting Simulator 3 is offered in Standard and Apex Predator editions, with the latter serving as the deluxe option for players looking for a larger selection of equipment and customization extras.

The Standard Edition includes the base game. Nacon's official store lists the console Standard Edition at $49.99. Prices and availability may differ by platform, region and storefront, so players should check their local official store before purchasing.

The Apex Predator Edition adds a collection of licensed weapons, accessories, transport and lodge customization content.

Its additional equipment includes:

• Remington firearms: the Model 870 SPS SM and Model 783.

• Dog accessories: the Browning Pro Vest and Rex Specs V2.

• Hunting accessories: a Primos call and Bushnell Fusion binoculars.

• Transport: the Polaris RANGER EV UTV.

• Lodge customization: more than 20 taxidermy poses and a Royal theme.

These extras make the deluxe edition the optimal package for players who want additional equipment and presentation options. The Standard Edition, meanwhile, offers the main hunting experience without the expanded bonus collection.

SimFauna: The Living Ecosystem

Hunting Simulator 3 stands out because of its SimFauna system, which is designed to make wildlife feel like part of a changing ecosystem rather than a collection of static targets. Thanks to the system, animals react to their surroundings and the player's behavior. Such an approach gives hunting sessions a greater sense of continuity, with wildlife populations and encounters changing instead of following an identical script every time. SimFauna is also a key part of the game's replayability: even when returning to familiar territory, players can encounter different situations as the simulated ecosystem develops differently each time.

6. The Hunting Grounds and the Arsenal

At launch, Hunting Simulator 3 will feature two large hunting environments: Colorado and Texas, each covering approximately 100 km². Together, they provide around 200 km² of hunting grounds to explore. A combination of large maps, a substantial licensed arsenal and a changing wildlife ecosystem shapes the experience and supports different approaches to exploration and hunting across the two regions.

The game also features 35 animal species and approximately 75 licensed weapons and pieces of equipment, with recognized brands like Remington, Beretta, Winchester and Browning. The licensed vehicle selection includes five vehicles associated with Ford, Kawasaki and Polaris.

Vehicles play an important role in the game as transport is an important part of navigating the expansive environments. Meanwhile, the wide selection of weapons and gear gives players options for preparing adequately for different hunting situations.

Hunting dogs are another central element of the experience, as having a companion you can trust makes hunting much more enjoyable. At launch, Hunting Simulator 3 will only feaure one breed. However, additional breeds will be introduced for free via post-launch updates. 

7. Buy Hunting Simulator 3

With launch just two days away, players have a short window to try the demo and claim the announced pre-order extras. The demo ends with the full release on October 29, while the pre-order bonuses should be secured before the offer expires. Players who decide the game is thir cup of tea should consider which edition is the best for them and compare the best prices for Hunting Simulator 3 with our comparator.