Call of the Wild: The Angler™ Reviews

Early access quality, and no future updates

First off, I want everyone to know that at present, this game is in maintenance mode. That being said, I truly have been enjoying this game. I bought this game with all DLC during the 2025 summer sale for about $30. You might think that's expensive for a game in maintenance mode, but the amount of content it offers, in my opinion, is worth it. I tried other fishing games before buying this one, and the experience was in some ways better and in some ways much worse. I would advise to try Fishing Planet first as it's F2P, but not really, but if you like FP I feel you would like The Angler as well at a fraction of the overall cost.

Call of the Wild: The Angler™ is an ambitious attempt to blend the serene pastime of fishing with the immersive, open-world exploration style familiar to fans of hunting sims. Developed by Expansive Worlds, known for their work on theHunter: Call of the Wild, this fishing-focused counterpart aims to deliver both a relaxing and rewarding angling experience set against the backdrop of sprawling natural environments. It’s a game that tries to be both a detailed fishing simulator and a wide-open outdoor adventure, and while it achieves a lot in terms of atmosphere and scale, it occasionally struggles to find perfect balance between realism and accessibility. At its core, The Angler is a fishing game that invites you to explore large, beautifully rendered environments—from tranquil mountain lakes to winding rivers and scenic woodland trails. You can hike, drive, or even take boats across the map to find the best fishing spots, giving the game an exploration angle that feels almost as important as the fishing itself. This sense of freedom and immersion is one of the game’s greatest strengths. Unlike many static fishing games, The Angler encourages movement, discovery, and experimentation, which makes the act of fishing feel like part of a broader outdoor experience rather than a confined minigame. The actual fishing mechanics are a mix of simulation and accessibility. Casting, reeling, and battling fish all require timing and technique, but they’re not overly complicated, making the game approachable to newcomers without alienating more seasoned anglers. Rods, reels, and bait types are customizable and cater to different fish species, giving the game a satisfying layer of depth. Catching a rare or particularly large fish after stalking the right location or experimenting with bait feels genuinely rewarding. That said, the physics and fish behavior sometimes feel inconsistent, with odd moments where fish animation or line tension doesn’t behave quite as expected. These hiccups can pull you out of the immersion, though they are more technical annoyances than game-breaking flaws. One of the more notable aspects of Call of the Wild: The Angler is its multiplayer functionality. You can fish alongside friends or strangers in a shared world, which adds a social element that few fishing games offer. Cooperative play doesn’t fundamentally change the core mechanics, but it allows for casual, relaxing sessions where you can chat, explore, and compete to catch the biggest fish. The game supports drop-in/drop-out play, and the world feels alive when others are around, especially when you all stumble upon a hot fishing spot or rare species. Visually, the game shines with lush natural environments and dynamic lighting that shifts with the time of day. Watching the sun rise over a misty lake or paddling through calm waters at sunset creates a sense of peace and immersion that’s hard to match. The sound design further enhances this atmosphere, with ambient bird calls, gentle wind, and splashing water pulling you deeper into the experience. The game truly captures the meditative quality of being outdoors, and it’s easy to lose hours simply wandering and casting lines—even without a clear objective. That said, the game launched with a few technical shortcomings. Early versions of The Angler were criticized for bugs, performance issues, and limited content variety. While the developers have since released several updates and patches to improve stability and add features, some of those initial rough edges still linger. The user interface, while functional, can feel clunky at times, especially when managing gear or tracking objectives. Additionally, progression can feel slow or unbalanced in spots, particularly when it comes to unlocking new gear or traveling long distances without fast travel conveniences. In conclusion, Call of the Wild: The Angler™ delivers a unique and surprisingly expansive fishing experience that combines thoughtful mechanics with a stunning open world. It offers both the depth of a fishing simulator and the beauty of an outdoor adventure game, making it a great option for those seeking a more relaxed and scenic gaming experience. While it’s not without its flaws—particularly in technical areas—the overall package is compelling and continues to improve with developer support. For players who enjoy tranquil exploration and the satisfaction of landing the perfect catch, The Angler provides a satisfying and memorable digital escape into the wild. Rating: 7/10