Call of the Wild: The Angler Review: Is It Worth Playing?

What is Call of the Wild: The Angler?

Call of the Wild: The Angler is a first-person, open-world fishing simulator developed by Expansive Worlds, the studio behind the hunting game theHunter: Call of the Wild. Released in 2022 on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, it transplants that franchise's core philosophy—slow-paced, atmospheric immersion in natural environments—from the rifle scope to the fishing rod.

The premise is straightforward: you are an angler dropped into vast, fictionalised nature reserves with the goal of catching fish. There is no overarching narrative or urgent quest. The game is a contemplative sandbox where the journey and quiet moments of anticipation are the primary rewards.

It is a game about patience, observation, and the personal satisfaction of outwitting a virtual fish after a tense battle.

Bottom line: A peaceful, atmospheric fishing simulator that rewards patience and observation over action and narrative.

Gameplay

Playing Call of the Wild: The Angler is a deliberate and often meditative experience. The core loop involves exploring a large map—on foot, in a vehicle, or via fast-travel points—locating bodies of water, and attempting to catch the species that reside there.

The mechanics are accessible on the surface: you choose a rod, reel, line, and lure or bait, cast your line, and wait. The depth comes from the simulation elements. Different fish species have specific preferences for time of day, weather, depth, and bait. You must consult the in-game guidebook and map hotspots to be successful.

The fishing mini-game

The act of fishing is a multi-stage mini-game. A bite is indicated by controller vibration or line movement, followed by a prompt to set the hook. Once hooked, you must manage line tension via a visual indicator, reeling in when the fish is tired and letting out line when it fights.

It is a satisfying, tactile system that requires constant attention, especially for larger, rarer fish that can fight for several minutes. The learning curve is gentle for casual fishing but steepens considerably for legendary catches, requiring research and careful gear selection.

Progression and structure

The game features a progression system where you earn cash and experience to buy better equipment. Challenges and missions provide direction. The gameplay excels in creating moments of genuine tension and triumph, but it can feel repetitive if the slow, methodical pace is not to your taste.

Who is Call of the Wild: The Angler for?

This game is aimed at players seeking a relaxing, immersive simulation rather than an arcade-style action game. It is ideal for solo players who enjoy getting lost in a beautiful world at their own pace, perhaps with a podcast or music in the background.

The game supports cooperative multiplayer for up to 12 players, allowing friends to fish together, share vehicles, and compare catches. This adds a pleasant social layer but is not essential to the experience.

Good fit for:

• Fans of Expansive Worlds' previous work: It shares the same engine, structure, and reverence for nature as theHunter: Call of the Wild.
• Players of slow-paced simulators: Those who enjoy Euro Truck Simulator 2 or Microsoft Flight Simulator will find joy in the process itself.
• Those seeking to unwind: If twenty minutes stalking a single fish sounds like a perfect way to relax, this is your game.

Not for:

• Action seekers: Those who demand constant action or fast-paced progression will be disappointed.
• Narrative-driven players: There is no strong story or guided quest line.
• Impatient gamers: If the idea of a slow, methodical hunt sounds like a chore, look elsewhere.

Graphics and performance

Visually, Call of the Wild: The Angler is a direct descendant of its hunting sibling, and that is largely a good thing. The game's greatest strength is its environmental art. The reserves—such as the rocky lakes of Golden Ridge or the pine-fringed waters of Trollsporet—are stunningly rendered with excellent draw distances, dynamic weather, and a full day-night cycle.

Water effects are particularly noteworthy, with convincing reflections and surface ripples. The fish models are detailed and look impressive when finally landed.

Technical limitations

The graphical presentation is not without quirks. The engine can render vegetation and certain textures with a slightly flat or dated look up close. Animal life beyond fish is sparse and can feel like set dressing.

On PC, performance is generally solid on mid-range hardware but can be demanding at higher settings, particularly in heavily forested areas or during certain weather effects. We encountered occasional frame rate dips and minor pop-in while using vehicles. On consoles, the game targets a stable 30 frames per second with platform-specific resolution priorities.

It is not the most technically polished game, but the overall atmosphere and scale are compelling enough to overlook most imperfections.

Value for money

The game operates on a base-game plus DLC model. The initial purchase grants access to substantial content: two large reserves, a wide array of fish species, and dozens of hours of gameplay. The progression system and missions provide a clear, if slow-burning, sense of advancement.

However, much like theHunter, a significant portion of content—namely, additional scenic reserves—is locked behind paid DLC. This can feel restrictive, as the new maps often contain unique and desirable fish species.

The value proposition depends on your engagement. If you find the core loop hypnotic and satisfying, the base game offers excellent value as a digital fishing retreat. If you crave variety and new challenges, the full experience requires further investment.

Potential buyers should be aware of the DLC structure and consider trying the base game thoroughly before committing to further purchases.

Verdict

Call of the Wild: The Angler is a highly competent and often beautiful fishing simulator that understands its audience perfectly. It trades flashy action for atmospheric immersion, offering a genuinely tranquil and sometimes thrilling virtual fishing experience.

Its strengths lie in its stunning open worlds, a satisfying and deep fishing mechanic, and a wonderfully relaxed pace.

Recommendation: Wholeheartedly recommended for players seeking a game to decompress with, fans of slow-paced simulators, and anyone who enjoys the quiet contemplation of fishing.

We recommend it to: Players looking for a game to decompress with, fans of slow-paced simulators, and anyone who has enjoyed the quiet contemplation of fishing, real or virtual.

We do not recommend it to: Players who require constant stimuli, immediate rewards, or a guided narrative. Its deliberate speed, repetitive core loop, and DLC-heavy model will be significant barriers for some.

In the end, Call of the Wild: The Angler does exactly what it sets out to do. It is a peaceful, thoughtful, and occasionally exciting simulation that provides a compelling digital alternative to a day by the water. For the right angler, it is a catch worth making.