New "Mating zone"

[iron flower]

The game could introduce new need zones for certain animals like deer, sheep, goats and certain game birds where they fight or display mating behavior. This could add new interesting behaviours and increase realism. I would propose on zone a day for example in the morning on a small meadow or in an open area.

[jagged silo]

Yes, totally support this if it's possible

[iron flower]

This could be introduced together with
https://discord.com/channels/393040947006406657/1310661055986532446 and https://discord.com/channels/393040947006406657/1346521274461196358

[iron flower]

I think fighting might be a bit hard for certain species but some more mating calls and animations like this could totally work

[desert island]

This is so cool! I can’t believe we don’t have this yet.

[iron flower]

Some animals already perform mating dances sometimes, turkeys (usually when attracted by decoys), capercaillie and also black grouse and animals do mating calls all the time, many multimounts depict mating behaviors so this would fit right in!

They also did that in the hunter classic

Clip by @chilly trail

[solid jay]

This is an interesting idea but I don't know why we need another type of zone .????

.... The already existing Rest Zones can be used for displaying of mating behaviors

Maps are already cluttered enough without another zone type ....

[iron flower]

This would replace certain resting zones juts like 2 hours, there would be no different if that was a rest zone or a mating zone/ lekk it's the same amount of zones

[chilly trail]

In COTW, the wild turkey performs mating behavior and responds to my diaphragm call by fanning its tail.

[iron flower]

yeah I noticed that as mentioned above, I rly like that detail

[iron flower]

Imagine walking on to a meadow and seeing this

[desert island]

Let’s say you’re field hunting on Mississippi. You hear the sound of antlers scraping against each other. You peep through the trees and see Turkeys strutting early morning with a herd of Whitetail. Two of the bucks are fighting while the others are grazing. How cool would this be if it was in the game? This is like one of the only things I would still want to see.

[iron flower]

Yeah that's what I imagines

[iron flower]

Yeah this would increase immersion so much

[iron flower]

Bump

[chilly trail]

In the mating area, males and females of some species come together, even though they usually stay apart outside that area. For example, in white-tailed deer, big bucks aren’t with the does all day. In fact, they usually sleep alone. Other species, like rabbits, don’t have designated mating areas.

[iron flower]

Capercaillie really is a good example for this, in my experience males stay alone while females stay alone or in small groups but I don't see them to often, they come together at leks, im searching for one tomorrow

[karmic mortar]

I think the idea is great, not because it is something completely different than normal rest / feed zones but just because it adds variety to the behaviour. maybe the bucks could split up from the does and fight separately, while does rest nearby?

[iron flower]

Yeah!

[vivid elk]

I think there should be a percentage chance for this to happen if you call in two bucks/bulls. Basically they would go aggressive on each other.

[desert island]

Maybe when the animals are fighting, instead of it being Aggressive, it could be its own term called fighting.

[iron flower]

Yeah

[iron flower]

The size and power they give of

[lean plover]

ive had that happen in rdr2 and that feeling is so good and beautiful thats why i want this in cotw

[iron flower]

I've never played rdr2 but this needs to happen

[lean plover]

i've heard some people that work on cotw worked on rdr2

[iron flower]

Black grouse lekking might just be one of the most beautiful natural spectacles!

[lean plover]

the bird on the left reminds me of this

[iron flower]

Lol

[iron flower]

Bumping this above all the fuzion bumps lol

[strong vault]

I'd like EW to go back to 1 reserve a year & refocus on game behavior as well as our equipment. I love new maps but I'd rather animals get TLC & bring them more to life. I often see this with G1 species reworks. The Fox is alot more natural however I'd like more hunting behaviors for predators & breeding behaviors with Birds & Prey.

[jagged silo]

it's a real challenge to try to keep all of your posts from getting buried lol

[iron flower]

Lol

[iron flower]

I don't want them to go back to 1 reserve a yearly but I think they could maybe do an easier one (like salz was) sometimes and focus on other stuff as well

[strong vault]

I feel the same way I like having new game & places to explore but I feel 85% of their time is focused on just that. I wouldn't mind it if existing content was getting reworked every year but its every other year we see changes. More often than not lately its G1 Species that seem to be their rework focus & I'd like to see that expanded to non G1 species.

[iron flower]

Yeah that's true, maybe one big focus map like ec, revontuli and Nepal with crazy new content and maybe onebmap with less programming like NEM and salz were with some backfills, reworks or a dog for example, some new content. Imo we have enough weapons don't need even more then 2 weapon packs

[strong vault]

See thats where I differ. I'm fine with more calibers/weapon types & gear being added yearly. Its a hunting game so I expect more. Any hunting title should have 3 focus points: •Locations •Huntable Game •Equipment. From my experience since launch NEM, EC, Nepal they finally have Locations down, however really lack in Game Models/behavior & Equipment depth.

[iron flower]

The big locations missing is the Arctic. Arabia, most of Africa, Mongolia, central Asia, Hawaii and Japan are also completely unexplored

[strong vault]

If EW gives me Wyoming with true "US Western Upland Birds, Furbearers, Med-Lrg Game", Candian Artic, & Africa 2.0 with Hyenas & Plains Game I'm set. Any other locations are here & there for me personally though I'm not opposed to them either except Pakistan & any other Middle Eastern locations I really have no desire to see.

[iron flower]

Why that, they have truly spectacular beutiful landscapes and species, just some species of goat/sheep from the top of my head

[strong vault]

Its personal & I'm not a fan of the landscape. However I wouldn't be opposed to the species being added in another imported reserve like PF.

[iron flower]

🤨
Your opinion I guess

[strong vault]

Its a topic I dont feel needs to be discussed in a game thread thats all. So to keep it simple its just a location I have no desire to play. However if others choose to they should if it releases.

But again I'm not opposed to any location be released, for me personally I want Wyoming to make up for SRP 10x fold, Africa 2.0 to make up for Savanna, & the Canadian Artic 1. All snow & 2. New Predator Species

Related to the thread topic, more than anything I want Elk & Coyotes to get reworked.

[iron flower]

Me 2. I want a lot of animals to get reworked

Rocky mountain elk
Roosevelt elk
Blacktail deer
Coyote
Eurasian lynx
Harlequin duck
White tailed jackrabbit
Mountain goat
Bighorn sheep
Grey wolf
Roe deer
Iberian wolf
Ibex
Mouflon

And a bunch mor

[strong vault]

😅 I have a list as well but to start with my top 5 are Elk, Coyote, Wolves, Reindeer, & Caribou in that order. Though its worth noting EW needs to retexture 80% of game. I really dont like how the furs look like bare skin.

[iron flower]

Oh yeah reindeer, not 80% more like anything pre revontuli

[strong vault]

I noticed you listed Lynx I'm curious to hear your pov.

[iron flower]

Bobcat look great lynx dont, you can see the difference clearly, quality kinda bad but trust me on this

[solid jay]

I too would like to see more animal updates and less maps but this is the problem problem for EW .... Maps are how they make the most money .... It's there revenue stream .....

I would gladly pay a monthly subscription fee of 4.00 to 5.00 $US if it would mean getting some updates that were'nt just DLC related ....

[strong vault]

#1316561266223087676 message <- Fair point. I love lynx & I hunt them often in-game & my complaint is behavior & population. Model wise they look way better than before however I cant agree enough the 4 are quite different for sure.

[strong vault]

I would love to see 1 map, 1 gear pk, 1 or 2 wpn pks with animal updates to bring more life to the game.

[iron flower]

Not that much he'll nah

[strong vault]

I also wouldn't be opposed to a new 4th release with the 3 base releases, just not the same routine releases if that makes sense?!

[iron flower]

What do you mena 4th release, we have 4 releases a year. 2 maps 2 weapon packs and often a dog

[strong vault]

1 year -Map, Gear, Wpn- "(a vehicle, another lodge etc.)

[solid jay]

Ok 4.00 a month that's really on 6.00 more that what you spend on DLC's if you buy them all ....

[iron flower]

I dont, with dlcs I have the choice. I'm also against reducing maps more, but that's personal opinion

[solid jay]

2 maps at 12.00 per + 2 other DLC's and 9.00 per = 42.00 annual .....

Or 4.00 a month sub = 48.00 ... I would sub for that .... if they included some game improvement updates

[iron flower]

They already include game development updates, a bunch. putting it behind a subscription is a horrible thing for so many players. most people do not get all dlcs

[strong vault]

a Subscription would work more so if it was an update release title & applied to smaller dlcs. Same could be said for yearly season passes that usually cover maps & maybe gear. Theirs alot of ways they could've done releases. I personally would rather have a reserve themed bundle: (Location, Gear, Wpns, w/ a Lodge/Vehicle/Companion or all) followed with updates for both new & old content over a dlc pk here map there etc.

[solid jay]

Not going to be for all players .... they can still sell individual DLC's and offer subs as well .... But if I see they are not really adding any additional value over what you get from buying dlc's individually then I'll drop my sub ......

[iron flower]

Yes

[solid jay]

Maybe add a few extra incentives for those who sub .... like one additional nice weapon .... or a dog breed ... perhaps some clothing ... Or a multi mount .....

[strong vault]

I made a thread a long while bk about a sub & it bombed hard

[iron flower]

For good reason tbh

[solid jay]

Yeah I seem to remember that one .... I think you and I were the only ones discussing it ....

[solid jay]

Then I dont see thinks changing in regard to improving animal behavior, the game UI or any other non DLC related issues .... yeah they will fix bugs .... but dont expect much more than that .....

They will only do what players are willing to pay for .... no slight against EW thats just business and reality ...

[iron flower]

Things are changing all the time, it's not super slow but they keep adding free stuff. Like tahr on Nepal, there was a survey for new rares and antlers that are coming up. They asked about ui improvements which they will probably do.

[strong vault]

not really it makes sense to bring in revenue the issue is ppl are too focused on current uses for subscriptions. My issue with the community today is everyone talks about balance & it doesn't make sense in a hunting title. The truth is EW did an RPG format & became more of a trend after the 3rd year.

[iron flower]

Look at the tigers, look at the free changes to bird "ai" they did both with salz and rev

[solid jay]

If you're happy with the speed of what you call free updates that's fine but just keep in mind there is nothing for free .....

I just see many posts and some are my own posts ..... asking for new animal behaviors, New animals, back fills, ammunition over hauls, UI improvements and other changes that EW gets no revenue off of.

And I'm just saying they are only going to move at the speed of their cash flow ......

[solid jay]

Both Thar and tigers were released with the Nepal map .... That was a paid map dlc and they increase the cost from 10.00 to 12.00 $

[strong vault]

Yea but that list didn't include Elk was my issue. Roosevelt Elk is a base game animal & hasn't been touched in 8yrs. I believe Coyotes are also 8yrs as well is my issue. Tahr look great I love the fur models; pheasant & fox both got updated finally as well but the common factor is they got G1's 😮‍💨 . My issue lies with animal updates dont really occur unless EW releases G1's.

[solid jay]

The bird ai were bug fixes because the birds were landing on top of the humter instead of the decoys ..... but also release with a DLC map release

[iron flower]

I do not know how that is internationally but map prices have increased from 8 euro from 2017 to 12 euro in 2025 that's a 50% rise but there also has been 30% in inflation during that time. Also no that was not a what I menat I meant different behaviours in upland birds.

[strong vault]

The Fact Mule Deer was an option for more Racks easily has me suspect their getting a G1 same with Wolves with the Fur Votes.

[solid jay]

Inflation affects both the players as well as the game devs ..... they have employees to pay who are living in the same economy .....

[iron flower]

Yes that's a point why the prices rise

[strong vault]

I'll agree with that they needed an update but they still spook way too far away esp. Quail.

[iron flower]

Not in my experience. I don't know how you hunt but I hunt a lot of pheasant and black grouse and in areas with covers they usually only spook at 10m and almost always in shotgun range unless if I shoot from a far then they spook instantly

[solid jay]

Because to do the things they wat to do to keep the game going they have to have more money ..... not the least of which is adding more emplyees as well as paying the ones they have more to compensate for inflation ......

Just gets back to what I said ... they will focus more on those things that bring in revenue ... IE maps and guns ...... They will sprinkle in a few other things ..... but not at the rate we are asking them to .....

[strong vault]

I dont have issues with pheasant or grouse only with quail. They spook long before you get close. I have to crawl to get close enough after the update.

[iron flower]

I haven't hunted those In a while so idk

[strong vault]

Its annoying. Thats why I was hoping the pointer would hold the birds till you flush. I used to love hunting them on the winter release it was perfect. After they did the update it messed it all up.

[solid jay]

same ...... gotta Go

[hollow token]

Bump

[hollow token]

bump

[iron flower]

Bum0

[hollow token]

Bump

[iron flower]

Bump

[orchid quarry]

I can now only picture an area full of deer… uh…

🎶Ain’t goin’ down till the sun comes up🎶

I suppose males do fight each other during mating season

[iron flower]

Would be epic af

[slim jay]

i would love seing capercaillies or black grouse, or ibex and other stuff fight and mate

[slim jay]

Oh, it would be also nice, if the same female gets youngs after a bit time

[orchid quarry]

That would make shooting babies and pregnant animals possible, and I don’t think the game would add it for psychological reasons.

[slim jay]

Maybe, for shooting pregnant animals and babies, you just become very few money or you need to pay

[orchid quarry]

It doesn’t exist for mental reasons. I have a friend who quit hunting because he shot a pregnant animal. It won’t be as bad as real life, but the developers still have a realistic moral compass.

[slim jay]

mhm, shooting lions and tigers is very realistic

Maybe... They can make when you are gonna to shoot a pregnant or a baby, there stands like, you can t shoot pregnant and baby animals or something

[orchid quarry]

An invalid target popup could work. I imagine that could come with some minor herd complications but that is the best option if babies were added.

[slim jay]

Yeah

[iron flower]

For babys that could work, you would have multiple sizes for every animal and what if you shoot the mom

[slim jay]

When they are in a pack, everythings fine, but if not and you sho8t the mom, you are not very kind person

[solid jay]

Pregnant animals also implies have young animals in the game. And EW has already stated that young animals below class one would not be added .....

They could add young animals for atmospheric benefit but like the un-huntable birds on Hirsch but they would eat up resources on the client that would cause too much lag on some systems ....

Would you rather have more animals you can hunt just to look at animals below class 1?

[slim jay]

I didnt understand a word you said

[iron flower]

I agree with JJ, pregnancies and baby animals seem like a lot of work and resources, this threat is more about mating, lekking and rutting behavior then a WOTH² style aging system or pregnancies

[orchid quarry]

“Threat?” 😢

[white acorn]

Bump

[hollow token]

Bump

[hollow token]

Bump

[hollow token]

Bump

[desert island]

English isn’t everybody’s first language, so don’t make fun of how people type/speak.

[orchid quarry]

@iron flower what’s your first language

[iron flower]

German, why

[orchid quarry]

The previous message from the other guy. He said I was making fun of a non native English speaker, but I just thought it was a simple and funny in the situation misspelling

[iron flower]

Eh it's okay, do you speak 4 languages tho? 😎

[orchid quarry]

Hell no my brain is too lazy. I can work like a horse but you lose me when it comes to learning complex stuff. Respect to you though. What languages other than English and German

[iron flower]

Swedish and Norwegian, I'm on Italian rn, it's going horrobly

[orchid quarry]

Sweet list. I started learning Italian too but gave up for a while. I’ll probably get back in gear with it

[iron flower]

Honestly learning languages when you don't live where the language is spoken or get Constantly confronted with it is a Nightmare

[slim jay]

Funfact, i speak 3 languages

[iron flower]

Which ones

[slim jay]

1. German
2. English
3. French

[iron flower]

Also flüssig beim französisch?

[slim jay]

Naja, nur wortschatz und so, aber bei sprechen nicht so richtig

[iron flower]

Schwach, jk ist bei norwegisch auch so, bisschen gesprochen verstehe ich aber wenn ich dann reden muss 💀

[slim jay]

Ist für mich und niederländisch auch so, als deutscher ist niederländisch verstehen nicht so schwierig, aber alles andere ausser lesen kann ich nicht

[iron flower]

Ja fühl ich, aber zähl ich nicht aber Low key niederländisch lernen unötig aber auf meiner bucket list, wenn du schwedisch kannst ist norwegisch und dänisch auch Recht ez, will jetzt italienisch ballern

[slim jay]

Für mich wäre italienisch auch einfach zu lernen, es ist ziemlich ähnlich wie französisch

[iron flower]

Fair

[hardy fox]

wir durften in nem deutsch test niederländisch übersetzen 😂

[slim jay]

hä, also wie

[hardy fox]

hatten nen satz gegeben auf niederländisch, den sollten wir dan auf deutsch übersetzen, war aber halt ne zusatzaufgabe

[slim jay]

achso, aber die aufgabe macht doch dann gar kein sinn mehr

[hardy fox]

wieso nicht? war halt nen test über dialekte und sprachentwicklung und so

[slim jay]

ah

[stone kayak]

@dreamy geyser

[dreamy geyser]

"depicting mating behaviour" is kinda nuts

[stone kayak]

that means courting

[desert island]

Same here, Afrikaans, English and a bit of Xhosa

[slim jay]

i will take a guess, you are in africa?

[lean plover]

i understand afrikaans german and belgian because im dutch

[desert island]

Yep

[slim jay]

nice

[iron flower]

It's not about the animals rawdogging it but rather about courtship displays like fighting

[iron flower]

Bump

[hollow token]

Bump

[iron flower]

80 likes!

[hollow token]

Bump

[iron flower]

Bump

[iron flower]

Shake

[hollow token]

booty

[iron flower]

And

[hollow token]

shake booty, made sentence

[iron flower]

Sheesh 😩

[iron flower]

Just asked ai how many Es I should rite the word sheeesh with 😂

[hollow token]

aaaaaa

[hollow token]

Bumpo

[iron flower]

Bumpahh

[chilly trail]

What icon would you use for this mating area? Any suggestions? Heart icon?

[iron flower]

I think I'd use a deer fighting icon as the mating zones are mostly about mating behavior which would include fighting and strutting for most species who have mating zones

[chilly trail]

The icon is too small for the complexity of the drawing

[iron flower]

True a heart would may be work

What do y'all gals and guys think about actual mating in-game?

[hollow token]

I think yes, but not too realistic as some people will most certainly be making jokes out of it. With these jokes, they would most likely get out of hand and this feature would be removed.

[iron flower]

Did you... Did you just upvote 👆 your own post???

[hollow token]

Literally everyone does that bro 😭

[iron flower]

No I don't think so sis 😭

[deep hedge]

what about kids who play the game who's parents aren't comfortable with them seeing that, or ones that dont understand it quite yet. Even on YouTube you have to mark a video as educational for that to pass TOS, real or digital

[primal meadow]

i remember seeing Dall Sheep butting heads in Classic as well, which is pretty neat (even if the animations themselves aren't anything super impressive lol)

also lmao I didn't realize the thread started back in April lmao

[hollow token]

bump alert ‼️ 🚨

[lean plover]

si mi fri

[hollow token]

si mi ikog

[dry haven]

That’s a great idea

[oblique linden]

They should rework this and some other behaviors of the animals