Hello, Anglers! 

It’s o-fish-al! Call of the Wild: The Angler, the all-new open world fishing game from the creators of theHunter: Call of the Wild, is out now on the Epic Games Store! Before you dive into your first fishing expedition, here's five things that we suggest you do on your first visit to Golden Ridge Reserve.
 

Explore the open world
Golden Ridge Reserve is home to magnificent fishing spots and stunning locations. The map itself spans across an impressive 25 square miles (64 square kilometers) – fully explorable by boat, off-road vehicle, or on foot. It’s up to you if you want to ride the open waters with friends, fish in one the gorgeous lakes on your own, or simply discover the great outdoors at your own pace. Golden Ridge Reserve is full of surprises and activities, so make sure to explore every nook and cranny! And if you’re brave enough, there’s even a ghost town that you can visit. But, anglers beware…

Catch your first fish
Now that you’ve explored the open world, it’s high-time to start fishing. For starters, a good idea is to purchase some redworms; they’ll provide a greater chance of attracting more fish than the bread you start with. It’s also useful to know that the fish battles in Call of the Wild: The Angler are based on tension, which is usually determined by factors such as a fish's pull, the strength of your line, and the drag setting on your reel. 

Additionally, each fish is defined by their species and rank. It’s easier (and more likely) that you’ll catch a Bronze fish than a Diamond one. Statistics like weight and stamina, as well as a fish’s individual traits and behavior, all play a role in the battle. If it sounds daunting, don’t worry! You’ll learn more about all this in the game’s opening tutorial. 

Complete activities to level up and earn credits
Completing various activities, such as catching a fish, completing a mission objective, discovering a new location, and mastering a piece of gear, rewards experience points. These points are used to level up your character, which in turn rewards you with credits. Credits are spent at the shop to buy new pieces of gear, consumable baits, and vehicle liveries. Anything bought can be sold back at a percentage of the original cost, so no biggie if you bought something erroneously!

Try different rods and bait
To become a master angler, experimenting with your fishing gear and learning what works best is key. Firstly, each fish species and size will require the appropriate bait and hook size. You’ll also need to be able to reach the desired distance and depth to catch the fish. Your rod’s casting distance, its line size, and the bait’s presentation (whether it floats or sinks) are also factors to keep in mind when you’re out fishing. Be sure to play around and find a style that fits you!

Meet the Warden and Shopkeeper
Throughout your travels in Golden Ridge Reserve, you’ll frequently meet with Clayton Johonson, the reserve’s Warden, and Sophia Taylor, owner of Taylor’s Tackles. For Clayton, the reserve isn’t just a pretty place to wind down at – it’s an important part of his identity. Clayton is responsible for safeguarding the reserve’s striking environments, and if you’re charming enough, he might just let you help him with some of his exploration tasks. 

Character Concept Art: Warden Clayton Johnson
 

Sophia, on the other hand, is the cheerful owner of Taylor Tackle’s – Golden Ridge Reserve’s premiere fishing shop. She’s an expert angler, and can provide you with both the tools and knowledge to make your first fishing expedition a success. You’ll find Sophia in her shop at the central reserve outpost. 

Character Concept Art: Shopkeeper Sophia Taylor
 

Call of the Wild: The Angler is available now on the Epic Games Store. Join our community on Discord and follow us on Twitter at @COTWTheAngler.