In the world of hunting and simulation games, hitting your target isn’t just about pulling the trigger — it’s about knowing where to aim. Large game like elk, bison, or moose require more than a powerful rifle; they demand precision, patience, and a deep understanding of hitboxes and shot placement.
Whether you play TheHunter: Call of the Wild, Way of the Hunter, or Hunting Simulator 2, mastering the preferred rifle shot can be the difference between a perfect one-shot kill and a long, frustrating tracking session. Let’s break it down in detail.
Understanding Large Game in Games
In most realistic hunting or survival games, “large game” refers to animals like moose, elk, bison, or bears — creatures with massive health pools and thick hitboxes. Unlike smaller animals that go down easily with one shot, large game often need precise vital hits to ensure a clean and ethical takedown.
Different games simulate realism at varying levels.
- Some, like Call of the Wild, model organs and bone structure — meaning your bullet’s angle, speed, and expansion affect the kill.
- Others use a damage-based system, where the shot’s location simply multiplies your damage output.
Either way, the principle remains: the more accurate your shot placement, the quicker and cleaner your kill.
Why Shot Placement Matters in Games
You might think using the strongest rifle in your inventory guarantees success. But here’s the truth — even the most powerful weapon can fail if the shot isn’t placed correctly.
Games calculate damage using multipliers:
- Vital zone (heart/lungs) = maximum damage, instant or quick kill.
- Body shots = moderate damage, longer chases.
- Non-vital hits (legs, rear) = minimal impact, often lost trophies.
Good shot placement not only gives better rewards (like XP, trophy scores, or “Quick Kill Bonuses”) but also helps conserve ammo and prevents spooking other nearby animals — a key advantage in open-world hunting maps.
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Anatomy and Hitbox Overview
Understanding an animal’s anatomy — or its digital equivalent, the hitbox — is essential. Here’s how it typically breaks down:
- Heart/Lungs (Vital Zone): The sweet spot. A shot here usually results in a near-instant drop or a very short run.
- Shoulder/Body: Moderate damage; may slow the animal, but won’t take it down immediately.
- Head/Neck: High risk, high reward. Small target area, but lethal if hit precisely.
- Rear/Legs: Ineffective and considered “poor shots” in both realism and game ethics.
In TheHunter: Call of the Wild, you can visualize this hitbox in training mode or through the harvest screen after the shot to study your accuracy.
The Preferred Rifle Shot for Large Game
When it comes to large game, the heart-lung shot is widely regarded as the preferred and most effective shot type across nearly all hunting and shooting simulation games.
1. Heart-Lung (Broadside) Shot
- Where to Aim: Just behind the front shoulder, roughly mid-body height.
- Why It Works: It targets both lungs or the heart-lung combination, ensuring quick blood loss and maximum damage.
- In-Game Result: Quick, ethical takedown with full score bonuses.
- When to Use: When the animal is broadside (side view) and standing still — your best opportunity for precision.
2. Quartering-Away Shot
- Where to Aim: Behind the near-side shoulder, aiming toward the far-side lung.
- Why It Works: Offers a clear path through the vitals while avoiding thick shoulder bones.
- In-Game Result: High penetration, often cleaner than frontal shots.
- When to Use: When the animal is facing slightly away but not completely turned.
3. Head or Neck Shot
- Where to Aim: At the base of the skull or upper neck.
- Why It’s Risky: Tiny target; a slight miss could wound without killing.
- In-Game Result: Instant drop if perfect, but dangerous for beginners.
- When to Use: Only for close range or with high precision rifles.
4. Avoid These Shots
- Frontal/Tail Shots: Often blocked by bone or intestines; minimal effect.
- Running Shots: Low accuracy — wait for the animal to stop or slow.
In most games, you’ll also see shot placement feedback after the harvest, showing your bullet path. This helps you refine your aim over time.
Choosing the Right Rifle and Calibre
Your weapon choice is just as important as your aim. Using an underpowered rifle on large game may lead to poor penetration and lost trophies.
Here’s a quick guide for popular games:
| Game Animal | Recommended Rifle | Example Calibre |
|---|---|---|
| Deer | Tier 2–3 Rifle | .243, .270 |
| Elk | Tier 4 Rifle | .30-06, .300 Magnum |
| Moose | Tier 4–5 Rifle | .338, .45-70 |
| Bison/Bear | Heavy Rifle | .338 Magnum or .50 Cal |
Also, pay attention to ammo types:
- Soft Point – expands quickly, best for smaller animals.
- Polymer-Tip or Bonded – deeper penetration, ideal for big game.
Always check the game’s recommended weapon class for each animal before heading out — it affects your score and ethics rating.
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Aiming Tips for Precision
Even the best rifle won’t help if your aim is unstable. Try these tips in-game:
- Use Crouch or Prone Positions – reduces sway and increases stability.
- Hold Breath (Shift Key) – steady your aim just before shooting.
- Adjust for Distance – many games simulate bullet drop; aim slightly above the target for long-range shots.
- Use Rangefinders – helps identify the correct zeroing distance.
- Practice – spend time in the shooting range or test shots on smaller animals first.
Factors Affecting the Shot
Games add realism by including environmental effects. Keep these in mind:
- Wind: Pushes your bullet sideways — adjust aim slightly.
- Elevation: Shooting downhill or uphill changes impact point.
- Distance: Bullets lose velocity and drop at longer ranges.
- Animal Movement: Predict and aim slightly ahead if it’s walking.
Pro Tip: Many games allow you to customize your rifle zeroing distance (e.g., 100m, 150m, 300m). Match this to your hunting environment for consistent accuracy.
Tracking After the Shot
Even with a perfect hit, not every animal drops immediately. Knowing how to track your shot is vital.
- Observe the reaction: If the animal runs but stumbles, it’s likely a lung hit.
- Check blood color: Bright pink = lungs; dark red = body; green/brown = intestines.
- Follow the trail: Use in-game tracking mode to find blood splatters or footprints.
- Be patient: Give the animal a few minutes to collapse before following.
Following these steps ensures you recover your trophy ethically and maintain your in-game bonuses.
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Common Mistakes Players Make
- Firing before steadying your scope.
- Using small-calibre weapons on large animals.
- Aiming too far forward (hitting bone instead of vitals).
- Ignoring wind and distance adjustments.
- Shooting while the animal is running.
Avoiding these small errors will drastically improve your success rate in the field.
Pro Tips for Perfect Large Game Shots
- Equip high-zoom scopes for better visual clarity.
- Upgrade perks like steady aim or bullet penetration.
- Study animal patterns — many pause at predictable intervals.
- Watch replays to understand your shot placement and correction areas.
- Save loadouts for specific animal categories for efficiency.
Conclusion
In most hunting games, the heart-lung (broadside) shot stands out as the preferred rifle shot for large game. It offers the perfect balance between lethality, accuracy, and ethical gameplay. By mastering your aim, understanding your rifle’s power, and adjusting for game physics, you’ll transform every hunt into a smooth, skillful experience.
Remember — in hunting games, it’s not about the biggest gun. It’s about knowing where to aim and when to shoot. Perfect that, and every shot can be a trophy shot.