How to Hunt

Master the art of hunting in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Learn to find hunting spots, acquire ranged weapons, utilize Mutt, and improve your skills for successful game acquisition.

The core concept of hunting involves finding game, sneaking up on them, and killing them for their resources. Early in the game, stealth and ranged weapon proficiency are low, making it challenging. Success requires improving skills like Sneak and Agility, acquiring better gear, and understanding hunting mechanics.

Finding Hunting Spots: Explore the map to discover hunting spots, which are marked automatically when you get close. These locations offer reliable game spawns, but animals may not appear during bad weather. While animals spawn all over, hunting spots are the best bet for a consistent supply of specific game types.

Finding Ranged Weapons: You'll need a ranged weapon to hunt effectively. Options include obtaining one from bandits, visiting the Huntsman's son Vitek west of Tachov for higher quality weapons, or buying a crossbow from the Carpenter in Troskowitz. The Dogwood Hunting Bow is powerful but requires high stats, while the Ash Hunting Bow is weaker but has lower requirements and is more expensive. Early crossbows, like the Old Field Crossbow, are effective for bringing down larger game with low stat requirements and are relatively cheap. Ensure you have decent quality arrows and bolts.

Utilizing Mutt: Once you have Mutt, level up his Houndmaster skill to Lv 6 to unlock the "Hunt!" and "Search!" perks. "Hunt!" allows Mutt to chase game, and "Search!" helps him locate downed prey. Ideally, you'll injure game with a ranged attack and then sic Mutt on them. Mutt can hunt independently but is less effective on larger game without assistance. Mutt's involvement helps build your bond and Houndmaster skill. Note that Mutt needs breaks after chasing game.

Hunting Walkthrough:

1. Preparation: Wear clothing with low Visibility and Noise stats, and ensure you are bathed to reduce detection.
2. Approach: Sneak up on animals slowly, approaching from their flank for a larger target. Maintain distance and move cautiously, especially with a low Stealth score. Moving near wild animals passively increases Stealth EXP.
3. Attack: Shoot the animal with your chosen ranged weapon.
4. Follow-up: If the animal is killed, butcher it for spoils. If wounded but not killed, immediately sic Mutt on it and give chase to locate it.
5. Butchering and Rewards: If successful, butcher the game and reward Mutt. If the attack misses, the animal is spooked, or Mutt fails to down the target, return to your starting position, stay hidden, and wait for the animal to return to its grazing spot.
6. Progression: Each successful hunt improves your skills and provides resources. Remember to feed and praise Mutt after each kill to maintain his obedience and level up Houndmaster.

Best Hunting Perks: The "Hunt!" and "Search!" perks from the Houndmaster skill are crucial for effective hunting with Mutt.