The Hunter: Call of the Wild's new Alberta map is its most varied yet

It's time to head for the chilly hills of Alberta, Canada's Askiy Ridge in the latest expansion for The Hunter: Call of the Wild. It's one of the game's most radically different regions yet, where abundant prey meets a passionate preservation worker ready to teach newcomers the ropes. Interested? Polish that stock and let's get cracking.

Home to 19 big, small, and rare species of game, with eight new types, the Askiy Ridge is ripe for opportunistic hunters to claim some impressive trophies. Newcomers can claw in some easy cash by tracking the preserve's smaller critters like the North American Beaver or Dusky Grouse, while the experienced woodsman can carefully tail larger game like Manitoban Elk, Wood Bison, and the ever-dangerous (and very vocal) Black Bear.

No matter your skill level, the unique terrain and weather patterns of the Askiy Ridge will always present a fresh challenge and unique opportunities. The crunch of crisp snow underfoot can easily alert the sensitive ears of the local wildlife.

Welcoming you to your new playground is Janine Armstrong, the local guide. Though hard to meet in person, she's always on the communication line and eager to help. After directing you to grab the endlessly customizable Laperriere Outrider .30-30 lever-action rifle at the central cabin like it's a hotel pillow chocolate, you're soon sent on a 1km trek to the nearby watchtower.

Follow the paths to get a lay of the land and take in the breathtaking vistas of the 64km reserve around you. It's easy to lose yourself in this clean, serene landscape - and while it'll be easy for a hunting partner to spot you against the snow, a bear will certainly see you standing there if you forget to invest your earnings in some suitably pristine hunting attire.

But Janine isn't just here to have you climb ladders and take in the scenery. The reserve is under threat.

Facing a looming land grab by some big-name property developers and a council that's eager to sell out for big money, Janine wants you to highlight how important the reserve is in a seemingly futile attempt to thwart the developer's legal right to slap a series of condos on a bear den. Could the troublesome North American Beavers, already in hot water for felling trees too close to the cabins, help your cause? Or will you just hunt them for their valuable fur? The choice is yours.

As you spend hours traversing the new map, pay close attention to the ever-changing environment. You'll need to adapt your technique if you're to put food on the table or stave off the cold with some extra layers. Head to the east to investigate the local beaver population and you'll soon swap frosty branches for brittle twigs and pine needles. As the wildlife on offer changes, so too must your approach.

Back in the blizzard, tracking tagged prey is easier than ever. Blood on the pure-white blanket is especially easy to spot. Take wind direction, resistance, distance, and environmental pressure into account with every shot, and you'll hopefully land a solid shot.

Just remember: the bigger they are, the harder they fall. Pick your target out of the herd by following the blood trail over their droppings and prints, using your handy binoculars to track them through lush thickets that might risk obscuring your prize. Keep on their tail and you'll eventually find your kill. Just try not to stray too far from your nearest hut; you don't want to get caught out in the cold for longer than you need to.

Stick to the beaten track or take your chances out in the wild. Either way, there are plenty of landmarks, sightseeing hotspots, and cozy cabins to tick off as you uncover more of this gargantuan map. Each acts as a fast travel point, making the road back to the newly discovered watering hole of your favourite prey more of a breeze than a blizzard. And careful planning is key when hunting specific game like rare Caribou, or maybe even the mythical Sasquatch. With 64 square kilometers of nature surrounding you, the world is your oyster.

Whether you're coming back with lunch, a trophy to hang up, or nothing but the snow on your shoe, once you've had your fair share of the hunt, seek out the nearest cabin for some rest and relaxation. Just as the sound of the land's trickling streams can help you focus on the task at hand, a crackling fireplace of the Sashide Hearth or the Amisk Lodge can help you unwind as you plan for your next outing.

With your cache traveling with you, any spare room in your latest abode doubles as a prep area where you can pick your kit for the day ahead. Learn to make a pretty penny while protecting the Askiy Ridge, and you'll soon start to amass quite the collection of firearms, whistles, and tracking equipment - perfect for taking down any in-demand beasts to fund your next hunt.

Thanks to a solid mix of flat terrain, dense woodland, sky-high mountains, and pure-white visibility, the varied regions of the Alberta Preserve expansion act as a perfect starting point for newcomers or as a challenging new locale for veterans looking for a fresh frontier to conquer. And with the guiding light of an engaging story to keep you on the trail of more than just meat and medicines, hunters new and old can learn a thing or two about what it takes to manage a preserve.

Layer up and embrace the brisk cliffs of the Askiy Ridge in the brand-new The Hunter: Call of the Wild - Alberta Hunting Preserve expansion today.