While the game offers a "Free Hunt" mode for pure exploration, the "Story Mode" provides a structured narrative that blends family legacy with environmental mystery. The Call Home
The story of follows River Knox , a young man who returns to his family’s roots in the Nez Perce Valley to take over his grandfather’s hunting lodge.
: Most veteran players on Reddit suggest playing at least 30-40 minutes of the story first to unlock essential mechanics like taxidermy and fast travel. Way of the Hunter Free
To save the ranch, River must fulfill contracts for government-inspected meat and clear out pests like badgers that are damaging the property. He uses to track blood trails and understand animal behavior, eventually upgrading his gear from a basic scope to high-end rifles like those found at the official game store . Free Hunt vs. Story
If you prefer a story-free experience, you can jump into . While the game offers a "Free Hunt" mode
River's journey begins when he receives word that his grandfather is hospitalized and can no longer maintain the . Arriving at the quiet cabin, River finds a spare key and an old rifle waiting for him. His grandfather, speaking through phone calls, guides him on the ethics of the land: hunting is not about the kill, but about herd management and providing ethically sourced meat. Uncovering the Mystery
: Rumors surface about a disease affecting the local deer population, making their meat unsafe for consumption. To save the ranch, River must fulfill contracts
: River learns of a rival who has been setting cruel, unethical traps across the territory, threatening the balance of the ecosystem.