Ver 1.0: The Original.
Ver 1.1: Typo edit and some information added.
Ver 1.2: Typo edit.
Ver 1.3: Added new weapons and per area loadout suggestions.
Ver 1.4: Added the 3 rifles and 1 handgun loadout.
Ver 1.5: Added the advance loadout section.
Ver 1.6: Typo edit.
Ver 1.7: Added the advance survivor loadout.
Ver 1.8: Typo edit, fix some mistakes; added some pictures for reference; added basic loadout alternative.
Ver 1.9: Deleted the reference section since it's no longer accurate.
Ver 2.0: Added .270 option on several area loadouts, and also add a note on handgun and shotgun.
Ver 2.1: Added some pics for reference; Typo edits; Added some info on Colt.
Ver 2.2: Typo edit, added some information on weapons that you can buy using in-game money as other options.
Ver 2.3: Added the 4 rifles loadout; Typo edits; Added some info.
Ver 2.4: Change the category from basic and advance to basic, intermediate, expert; Typo edits; added the INTERMEDIATE LOADOUT - The Super Light Loadout - The I want to bring everything loadout; added the reference section.
Ver 2.5: Rewrite the Basic Loadout so it would be easier to understand.
Ver 2.6: Added the NO-DLC BASIC LOADOUT SUGGESTION
Ver 2.7: Revised the INTERMEDIATE LOADOUT - The Super Light Loadout - The I want to bring everything loadout
Ver 2.8: Added Silver Ridge Peaks loadout
Ver 2.9: Added Te Awaroa National Park loadout
Ver 3.0: Rework some part to make them clearer

This loadout mindset is:

• To be as newbie-friendly as possible while still able to kill all the animals with full integrity.
  
• Each loadout is designed to have a maximum weight of 20. However, if you choose to bring a heavier weapon or you also want to bring more equipment, these loadout suggestions will also flexible enough to cater to your need as long you bring a small backpack.
  
• You have at least all weapon DLC, it would be better if you have several reserves DLC. Although I have prepared the No-DLC Basic Loadout Suggestion. Without all the weapon DLC, your option will be quite limited. Albeit with the No-DLC Basic Loadout Suggestion, you will still able to kill every single animal with full integrity.
  
• You are able to bring a tent.

• The ability to kill all animals with full integrity.
  
• An "unlimited" carry weight. Need something? Just call the tent. You can even summon the ATV.
  
• Enough goods that you can bring everywhere, without worrying to go to the outpost every now and then.
  
• Enough ammo to keep you safe. For example: Using the Basic Loadout, you will have 19 bullets ready to fire at any time (10 from the .22, 5 from the .243 and 4 from the 300).

• Weapon packs 1 if you want to use the: Virant .22LR Semi-Automatic Rifle, Crosspoint CB-165, Houyi Recurve Bow.
  
• Weapon packs 2 if you want to use the: Grelck Drilling Gun, Solokhin MN1890, Mangiafico 410 / 45 Colt Revolver.
  
• Weapon packs 3 if you want to use the Vasquez Cyclone .45 Big Bore Air Rifle, Eckers .30-06 Bolt-Action Rifle, Andersson .22LR Semi-automatic Pistol.
  
• Smoking Barrels Weapon Pack if you want to use the: Hudzik .50 caplock, M1 iwaniec, Miller model 1891.
  
• High-Tech Hunting Pack if you want to use the range finder bow scope and the Koter CB-65 Bow
  
• Yukon Valley if you want to use the .300 Canning Magnum. To get this weapon you will also need to save 75.000 $ in-game money.
  
• Parque Fernando if you want to use the .338 championship for free (here is how you could get it: https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1596271417&fbclid=IwAR3jvdNHS3DqMY_vUGLIO0QjMPq1m8Vq9Ivvt7Qj4dcEUceWUcFeKMXEpPw) and the .44 gaucho magnum for free (you need to finish the main quest).
  
• Cuatro Colinas if you want to use the Mårtensson 6.5mm Bolt-Action Rifle. To get this weapon you will also need to save 10.000 $ in-game money.
  
• Te Awaroa National Park if you want to use the F.L. Sporter .303 for free you have to finish the main quest though. If you are not patient enough you can buy the Burnished and Polymer version for 40.000 $ in-game money.
  
• Tent
  
• Backpacks, if you want to bring heavier weapons or want to bring more equipment.

If you are confused about what DLC to buy, I have also created a guide for you:

https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2101695274

Weapon:
1. To kill class 1: Virant .22LR Semi-Automatic Rifle with .22 ammo or Andersson .22LR. Please be aware that the rifle weighs 2.5 kg compared to the Andersson which only weighs 1 kg. But the plus side is if you use an all rifle setup, you will only need to bring 1 scope (Ascent 1-4x24 Rifle Scope or Hyperion 4-8x42 Rifle Scope or Helios 4-8x32 Rifle Scope).

2. To kill class 2-6: .243 with polymer bullet or the .30-30 Whitlock Model 86 with soft point (note: this rifle have a shorter zeroing and you need to bring 1 more scope: Helios 4-8x32 Rifle Scope, and you need to buy it using in-game money) OR if there is no class 2 in that map: Solokhin MN1890 with Soft-Point bullet. The MN is to kill the class 3-7. If you have enough rifle score and in-game money you might want to consider the .223 Docent to kill class 2-4. You may ask, what's the point in using the .223 when you have the .243. Well, the .223 is super light (only 2.5 kg), this also means you will be able to bring more equipment if you choose to bring the .223 instead of the .243.

2.1 To kill class 4-8: This part of the guide is to explain if there is no class 9 in that area, and as another option for you. You could use the Eckers .30-06 or M1 Iwaniec both with polymer tip bullet or Hudzik .50 Caplock with the mini’e ball (please be aware: this weapon although very powerful, it is only accurate up to 150 m and even less using the round ball. It also have a very long reload time) or the Martensson 6.5 mm with polymer tip bullet, (Please be aware that while it's very accurate for long-range, it lacks the heavy punch that is needed to kill big animal such as moose)

If you have enough rifle score and in-game money you might want to consider the Martensson 6.5 mm. It's cheap, you only need 10.000 to buy this weapon, It's light (only 3kg), the most accurate long-range rifle with an effective range of 200 m and an accuracy of 70. However, it lacks the firepower to kill Class 8 right away. So it's better to use this weapon to kill class 4-7.

Another option is the .270 with polymer tip bullet. The .270 is more accurate than any class 4-8 weapon above, thus technically better in long-range (except with the Martensson 6.5 mm). The weapon price is also quite cheap but the weapon itself is still able to kill up to class 8)

Another option is the 7mm Regent Magnum with a polymer tip bullet, that cost 36.000 $. The 7mm although quite heavy (4.5 kg) and only has 1 (one) magazine size this weapon can kill from class 4-9 and with the fast reload perk it will become a force to be reckoned with.

3. To kill class 7-9: The "free" option would be the Grelck Drilling Rifle with 9.3x74R polymer. By using this weapon, you would be able to kill every single animal in the game with full integrity. However, it would be quite a hassle to change ammo every time you see an animal and since the ammo to kill class 1-7 is a shotgun slug, you need to be very near with the animal that you want to kill.

For a better option, you might want to do a small quest in Parque Fernando to get the .338 championship. Since the Grelck Drilling Rifle is a short-range rifle, and the .338 championship is a long-range rifle.

When you have enough rifle score and 75.000 $. It's advisable to get the .300 Canning Magnum. This is considered as "the best weapon" in the game. Extremely accurate for long-range, high firepower, and its the lightest weapon that can kill class 7-9 (only 4 kg).

Other things to bring:
4. Binoculars
5. Sight (if you use an all rifle setup, all you need to bring is only 1 (one) sights) unless you are using another setup
6. Ammo
7. Tent
8. Med pack
9. Lure
10. Scent eliminator

You could bring all of this equipment above or even more using the BASIC LOADOUT, but things will be different if you use the INTERMEDIATE LOADOUT or the EXPERT LOADOUTi or f you choose a heavier weapon.

In short,

Early setup: this is the "free" setup and you could directly use it ASAP, if you already bought the DLC needed.

1. Virant .22 LR express

2. Ranger .243

3. Grelck Drilling Rifle

"A bit of quest" setup

1. Virant .22 LR express

2. Ranger .243

3. .338 championship

"Enough money and Rifle Score" setup

1. Virant .22 LR express

2. Ranger .243

3. .300 Canning Magnum

4 rifles

• Virant .22LR
  
• .223 Docent
  
• 6.5 Mårtensson Rifle
  
• .300 Canning Magnum
  
• Scope
  
• Tent
  
• Bullets

Accuracy is the strong point of this loadout, as you can see the lowest accuracy of this loadout is: 70 by the 6.5 Mårtensson Rifle. Perfect if you want to kill from long range. This loadout is also useful if you want to kill every animal with more assurance.

Virant .22LR to kill class 1
.223 Docent to kill class 2 to 3
6.5 Mårtensson Rifle to kill class 4 to 6
.300 Canning Magnum to kill class 7 to 9

Please be aware that if you use this setup you will not be able to bring other than the 7 items mentioned above. So no lure, medkit, callers, etc. Unless you change the Virant .22LR with.22 LR Andersson (which also means you will need to bring handgun scope) or you bring the small backpack.

You will also need some rifle points and in-game money to buy the .223 Docent, 6.5 Mårtensson, and the .300 Canning Magnum.

While the load-out that I mentioned before will work everywhere in the game, you might want to try some other load-out suggestion in these areas:



Layton Lake
1. Virant .22 LR express.
2. Ranger .243 or the .30-30 Whitlock Model 86 or the .223 Docent.
3. Pick one of these weapons: Eckers .30-06, F.L. Sporter .303, M1 Iwaniec, 7mm Regent Magnum, .300 Canning Magnum, .338 Rangemaster, .338 Championship, Hudzik .50 Caplock, Martensson 6.5 mm, .270 Huntsman.



Hirschfelden
1. Virant .22 LR express.
2. Ranger .243 or the .30-30 Whitlock Model 86.
3. Pick one of these weapons: 7mm Regent Magnum, .300 Canning Magnum, .338 Rangemaster, .338 Championship.



Medved Taiga
1. Ranger .243 or the .30-30 Whitlock Model 86 or the .223 docent.
2. Pick one of these weapons: Eckers .30-06, F.L. Sporter .303, M1 Iwaniec, 7mm Regent Magnum, .300 Canning Magnum, .338 Rangemaster, .338 Championship, Hudzik .50 Caplock, Martensson 6.5 mm, .270 Huntsman.

You could add other equipment if you like, but this should be enough



Vorhunga Savanna
1. Virant .22 LR express.
2. Ranger .243 or the .30-30 Whitlock Model 86.
3. Pick one of these weapons: 7mm Regent Magnum, .300 Canning Magnum, .338 Rangemaster, .338 Championship.



Parque Fernando
1. Virant .22 LR express.
2. Ranger .243 or the Solokhin MN1890 or the .30-30 Whitlock Model 86.
3. Pick one of these weapons: 7mm Regent Magnum, .300 Canning Magnum, .338 Rangemaster, .338 Championship.



Yukon Valley
1. Virant .22 LR express.
2. Ranger .243 or the .30-30 Whitlock Model 86.
3. Pick one of these weapons: 7mm Regent Magnum, .300 Canning Magnum, .338 Rangemaster, .338 Championship.



Cuatro Colinas
1. Virant .22 LR express.
2. Ranger .243 or the Solokhin MN1890 or the .30-30 Whitlock Model 86
You could add another weapon if you like ( Eckers .30-06, F.L. Sporter .303, M1 Iwaniec, 7mm Regent Magnum, .300 Canning Magnum, .338 Rangemaster, .338 Championship, Hudzik .50 Caplock, Martensson 6.5 mm, .270 Huntsman), but this should be enough.



Silver Ridge Peaks
1. Virant .22 LR express.
2. Pick one of these weapons: Eckers .30-06, F.L. Sporter .303, M1 Iwaniec, 7mm Regent Magnum, Hudzik .50 Capslock, Martensson 6.5 mm, .270 Huntsman.
3. Pick one of these weapons: .300 Canning Magnum, .338 Rangemaster, .338 Championship.



Te Awaroa National Park
1. Virant .22 LR express.
2. Ranger .243 or the Solokhin MN1890 or the .30-30 Whitlock Model 86
You could add another weapon if you like ( Eckers .30-06, F.L. Sporter .303, M1 Iwaniec, 7mm Regent Magnum, .300 Canning Magnum, .338 Rangemaster, .338 Championship, Hudzik .50 Caplock, Martensson 6.5 mm, .270 Huntsman), but this should be enough.

Note: You could change the Virant .22 LR express with:



Andersson .22LR (Please be aware that this is a handgun, so it had a shorter range and you might need to bring another scope. The good thing is: It's super light (only 1 kg) so you could bring some extra equipment)

or with



Mangiafico 410/45 Colt (Please be aware that this is a handgun, so it had a shorter range and you might need to bring another scope. The good thing is: It's light (only 1.5 kg) so you could bring some extra equipment). With this weapon, you could actually kill class 1-5 with full integrity. So what's the catch? compared to Andersson .22LR or Virant .22 LR express, the Colt has a longer reload time, and it only has 6 magazine size.

or with



Any shotgun that weighs 3.5 Kg (Cacciatore 12G, Strecker SxS 20G, Miller 1891 Lever-action Shotgun, Nordin 20SA). With a shotgun, you will be able to kill more than just Class 1 with full integrity. However, if you choose to bring a shotgun you will only be able to bring fewer items, even fewer items if you decide to bring a shotgun scope. If you want to know more, head out to the Advance Loadout section.

If you choose to bring a shotgun. I would suggest if you go to Hirschfelden, Vorhunga Savanna, Parque Fernando, Yukon Valley, Silver Ridge Peaks to bring the Miller 1891 Lever-action Shotgun since there are Class 9 animals in that area.

For Cuatro Colinas: You can bring the Strecker SxS 20G, or the Miller 1891 Lever-action Shotgun, or the Nordin 20SA.

For Layton Lake and Medved Taiga: You can bring the Cacciatore 12G or the Miller 1891 Lever-action Shotgun.

I DO NOT recommend using these loadout if you are new to the game. The reason why I called this an intermediate loadout, is because you will need to learn another weapon namely the shotgun, and/or the handgun and/or the bow.

3 rifles and 1 handgun:

• .22 LR Andersson
  
• .243 Ranger
  
• M1 Iwaniec
  
• .300 Canning Magnum
  
• Scope
  
• Tent
  
• Bullets

This loadout is useful if you want to kill every animal with more assurance, using firepower as leverage. For example, You want to kill a Red Deer (class 6) while the .243 will kill the animal. You might get a higher chance of 1 shot kill if you use the M1 Iwaniec. The same goes if you want to kill a Moose (class 8). While the M1 Iwaniec will kill the animal, you might get a higher chance to kill it in 1 shot if you use the .300. Thus, you will use the loadout more or less like this:

.22 LR Andersson to kill class 1
.243 Ranger to kill class 2-5
M1 Iwaniec to kill class 4-7
.300 Canning Magnum to kill class 7-9

Please be aware that if you use this setup you will not be able to bring other than the 7 items mentioned above. So no lure, medkit, callers, etc not even the handgun scope. Unless you bring the small backpack.

You will also need some rifle points and in-game money to buy the .300 Canning Magnum.

2 rifle and 2 handguns:

• .45 Colt
  
• .44 Gaucho magnum
  
• M1 Iwaniec or the Eckers 30.06 or the 7mm Regent Magnum, Hudzik .50 Caplock, Martensson 6.5 mm, .270 Huntsman.
  
• .300 or the .338
  
• Scope
  
• Tent
  
• Bullets (including all .45 colt bullets)

This loadout is offering flexibility, along with really heavy punch for every animal you see while giving you enough room to bring something else, as long you choose the lighter option (M1 over the Eckers and .300 over the .338). You sometimes need to change the ammo (handgun) though.

2 rifle and 1 shotgun:

• Any shotgun that weighs 3.5 Kg: Cacciatore 12G (you need to have enough shotgun score and in-game money to unlock this weapon), Strecker SxS 20G, Miller 1891 Lever-action Shotgun, Nordin 20SA.
  
• .243
  
• .300 or the 338
  
• Scope
  
• Tent
  
• Bullets (including all shotgun bullets)

This loadout is offering you the best flexibility that you could wish for, along with heavy punch for every animal you see. Please be aware that if you use this setup you will not be able to bring other than the 7 items mentioned above. So, no lure, medkit, callers, etc. Unless you bring the small backpack.

Another note: You sometimes need to change the ammo (shotgun) though.

If you don't have or don't bring a tent and decide you want more assurance. Then the best option would be this:

• Cacciatore 12G to kill class 1-8.
  
• Ranger .243 to kill class 2-6
  
• .270 Huntsman to kill class 4-8 or the 7mm Regent Magnum to kill class 4-9.
  
• Rangemaster 338 to kill class 7-9

If you only have the tent DLC, and you just starting out, you might want to consider this loadout:

• Caversham Steward 12G to kill class 1-8 but the reason we use the shotgun, is to kill class 1.
  
• .223 Docent to kill class 2-4. But I will use it only to kill class 2-3.
  
• 7mm Regent Magnum to kill class 4-9.

And when you have enough shotgun score, rifle score and in-game money, this loadout:

• Cacciatore 12G to kill class 1-8.
  
• Ranger .243 to kill class 2-6
  
• Rangemaster 338 to kill class 7-9

Thus, the lightest option for the non-DLC loadout would be:

• Cacciatore 12G to kill class 1-8.
  
• .223 Docent to kill class 2-4.
  
• 7mm Regent Magnum to kill class 4-9.

You can switch the Ranger .243 with Whitlock Model 86 and 7mm Regent Magnum with Coachmate Lever .45-70, But please keep in mind that the Whitlock Model 86 and the Coachmate Lever .45-70 are both short-range rifles, although very strong in short range.

• Handgun is lighter than the shotgun.
  
• Handgun and any other weapons EXCEPT shotgun slug have a uniform zeroing range, no matter what bullet that you feed them. E.G The handgun zeroing is 25 m, 50 m, and 75 m.
  
• Shotgun slug actually has a LONGER ZEROING RANGE than birdshot and buckshot and even longer than a handgun, so this something you might consider. birdshot and buckshot have zeroing range of 25 m, 50 m, and 75 m. While slug has a zeroing range of 50 m, 100 m, and 150 m.
  
• When you shoot a shotgun, it creates a burst of fire. When you shoot another weapon, it just a 1 straight line. Thus, shotgun creates an AOE in front of you, and on a very rare occasion, you can hit more than 1 animal with the shotgun.
  
  An example of shotgun burst AOE
  
  
  
  An example of a handgun shot and other weapons shot
  
  
  
  
• That AOE is also the reason why the shotgun is technically better for self-defense, especially for a fast-running animal (boar, warthog, wolves)
  
• Handgun typically have higher penetration compared to the shotgun. Thus for self-defense on a slow-moving animal, the handgun technically performs better.
  
• Handgun also has a bigger magazine size. Keep in mind that this can be a weakness, because you will take a longer time to reload, and it could be dangerous in a self-defense situation.
  
• The reason why you might consider to bring a shotgun. Is because shotgun could help you kill multiple class animals with one weapon. Even the weakest shotgun could kill class 1-7 (20 G and 16 G) with full integrity.

Technically, you can bring only 1 (one) weapon to kill every single animal with full integrity. Grelck Drilling Rifle has every ammo that you need, plus its quite strong. Although you do need to go to the inventory menu now and then to change the ammo so it would be suitable for the animal that you want to kill. For more assurance and to make it less of a hassle you could pair the Drilling with the .243 or the .223 or the Vasquez Cyclone .45.

The Drilling to kill class 1, 5-9.
The .243 to kill class 2-4.

The .223 and Vasquez Cyclone .45 while able to kill class 2-4 with full integrity. You will need to be more accurate in using these weapons since it doesn't have firepower as high as the .243.

Another alternative is:
For short-range

• Mangiafico 410/45 Colt to kill class 1-3 and for self-defense against the wolves.
  
• Coachmate Lever .45-70 to kill class 4-9

Either you choose to bring only the Grelck Drilling Rifle or using the Coachmate Lever .45-70 and Mangiafico 410/45 Colt. Both loadouts could help you in bringing any equipment that you like, even something as heavy as the Tripod AND the tent. However, the Coachmate Lever .45-70 and Grelck Drilling Rifle both are short-range rifles. Thus both weapons wouldn't be accurate in long-range (more than 150 m for the 45-70 and the Drilling Rifle) and only 75 m if you switch to the Drilling shotgun.

However, there is an alternative if you want to play long-range.

• Mangiafico 410/45 Colt to kill class 1-3 and for self-defense against the wolves.
  
• 7mm Regent Magnum to kill class 4-9

Do note that you can only kill long-range using the 7mm Regent Magnum, and on some rare occasions, you need to switch the Colt ammo from .410 to .45 or vice versa. However, since the 7mm is heavier than the Coachmate Lever .45-70, you can not bring both the Tripod AND the tent.

1 shotgun, 1 rifle, and 1 handgun

• Grelck drilling rifle/shotgun
  
• .44 Gaucho magnum
  
• .300 or the 338
  
• Scope
  
• Tent
  
• Bullets (including all shotgun bullets)

Can’t decide what is your favorite weapon type? then this loadout is for you. Offering flexibility along with heavy punch for every animal you see. Another note: You sometimes need to change the ammo though for the Grelck drilling shotgun. The Grelck drilling rifle/shotgun also have shorter range compared to other rifles/shotgun.

The reason why I say it's an expert loadout, is that using a bow/crossbow is very different compared to other weapons. You need to be very close while using it and even if you are very close you can still miss your target (Counting wind speed, direction, arrow weight, perks, etc). But if you love hunting with bow/crossbow, this might help you.

• Grelck drilling rifle/shotgun
  
• .44 Gaucho magnum with Flat Nose Hard-Cast or the Focoso 357 with Flat Nose Hard-Cast
  
• Any crossbow/bow that you prefer
  
• Range finder scope or any other bow scope
  
• Tent
  
• Bullets (including all shotgun bullets and arrows)

The maximum weight setup for this loadout is the Grelck, Magnum, Koter CB-65 bow, and the range finder bow scope. With the maximum weight setup, you cannot bring anything not even another scope (So, no lure, medkit, callers, etc.) So, what is the point? Your main weapon is the bow, right? And when using the bow sometimes some animals wish to kill you right? Wolf, Buffalos, Hogs, even some deer. That is where the shotgun and handgun shines. Both will be used for self-defense purposes, while at the same time makes you able to kill everything with full integrity.

If you choose to use the Focoso 357. You will be able to bring another 0.5 kg of equipment, you could bring lure, medkit, callers, or scope for the Grelck drilling rifle/shotgun or scope for the Focoso 357. I personally bring the scope for the drilling.

You probably ask, why do I need to use the range finder bow scope, it’s so heavy (2 kg)? Simple, it will make your shot way more accurate. Count the range by pressing “E” on where the red dot points at, then a new green dot will appear. Ready your arrow and shoot where the green dot appears. Voila, the target is dead. No need to calculate anything.


If you are really good with bow and arrow you might want to consider using the Houyi Recurve Bow or the Alexander Longbow. It's very light (2.5 kg) but you can't use a scope for this bow.

Please note, that this reference hasn't included the Smoking Barrel DLC

• In PC: you could use the middle mouse button to toggle between scope and iron sights. So, if a buffalo is charging at you, just click the middle mouse button, so you will not be distracted by the scope.
  
  Want to know more tips? Check out my other guide:
  
  https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2100786954

I hope all of you could enjoy this guide. I also hope that this guide will help you on how to pick the right play style. Feel free to comment or give any input about this guide. Don't forget also to put it in your favorite.

Once again, Thank You and Happy Hunting.