Way of the Hunter 2 Experimental Branch Guide: Testing New Features
Learn how to access the Way of the Hunter 2 experimental branch, manage your save files, and test the latest gameplay updates before they hit the main branch.
Published: Way of the Hunter 2 Wiki Editorial Team
Table of Contents
The hunting simulation genre has reached new heights with the release of Nine Rocks Games' latest title. For dedicated players, the Way of the Hunter 2 experimental branch offers a unique opportunity to peek behind the curtain and influence the game's development. By participating in these early tests, you not only get a first look at upcoming features but also play a vital role in shaping the final experience for the entire community.
Understanding how to navigate this branch is essential for any serious hunter. Why does this matter? Because the experimental environment is where developers iterate on mechanics like multiplayer stability, ammunition systems, and performance tweaks. Engaging with this content allows you to master new systems before they reach the default version, giving you a distinct advantage in your hunting strategy.
Accessing the Way of the Hunter 2 Experimental Branch
The experimental branch is designed for players who want to test features before they are fully polished. Accessing it is a straightforward process within Steam, but it requires caution regarding your game data.
Step-by-Step Enrollment Guide
To join the testing phase, follow these steps in your Steam client:
Step
Action
Description
1
Open Library
Right-click on Way of the Hunter 2.
2
Properties
Navigate to the "Betas" tab in the menu.
3
Enter Code
Input WotH2experimental and click "Check Code".
4
Opt-in
Select "Experimental" from the dropdown menu.
5
Update
Allow Steam to download the necessary files.
Warning
Data Integrity Notice
Always back up your save files before switching branches. Experimental progress is not backwards compatible with the default branch, and moving files incorrectly can lead to corruption of your main progression.
Protecting Your Progress: Save File Management
One of the most frequent questions from the community involves data safety. When you engage with the Way of the Hunter 2 experimental branch, you are essentially running a parallel version of your game.
How to Safely Back Up Your Saves
Press Windows + R and type %localappdata%/WOTH2/Saved/SaveGames.
Locate your Account_number folder.
Copy this folder to a secure location, such as your desktop.
Launch the experimental branch to generate the branch-specific save folder, then copy your files into the _experimental directory.
Tip
Pro Tip for Testers
Treat your experimental save as a sandbox. While it is great for testing new features, remember that bugs are expected. Always keep your main save folder untouched in a separate backup location to ensure you never lose your hard-earned progress.
Why Participate in Experimental Testing?
Beyond just seeing new features early, testing allows you to understand the "why" behind game updates. For instance, the recent introduction of the Ammo Change system was heavily influenced by player feedback regarding penetration and cavity size balance.
Benefits of Joining the Branch
Influence Development: Your bug reports via the THQN Redmine portal directly impact patch priorities.
Early Mastery: Learn the nuances of new equipment, such as the CVA Cascade LRX, before the broader player base.
Community Collaboration: Join the #looking-for-game channel on the official Discord to find partners for multiplayer stress tests.
Understanding the Development Roadmap
The development team uses the experimental branch to transition features to the default version gradually. Below is a summary of how features typically progress:
Phase
Location
Purpose
Alpha
Experimental
Network stability and core mechanic testing.
Beta
Experimental
Balancing, UI/UX refinement, and bug squashing.
Production
Default Branch
Final release for all players with full support.
According to official community reports, the developers often release patches in stages. If a feature is in the experimental phase, it is likely being tuned for network performance or balancing, so expect frequent updates and occasional stability issues.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Testing is not without its hurdles. Players often encounter specific issues when interacting with the Way of the Hunter 2 experimental branch. Being prepared for these can save you hours of frustration.
Frequently Encountered Issues
Desyncs in Multiplayer: If you experience desyncs, ensure both the host and client are on the same version of the experimental build.
Missing Gear: Sometimes, gear equipped in specific slots may disappear. This is often a known issue during the testing of new inventory systems.
Performance Dips: Experimental builds may lack the final optimization passes present in the default branch.
FAQ: Way of the Hunter 2 Experimental Branch
Q: Can I play with friends who are on the default branch?
A: No. To play multiplayer together, all participants must be opted into the same branch (either both on Default or both on the Way of the Hunter 2 experimental branch).
Q: Will my experimental progress carry over to the main game?
A: Generally, no. Because the experimental branch is often used for specific testing, save files may become incompatible. Always assume your experimental progress is temporary.
Q: How often should I check for updates in the experimental branch?
A: Because the developers iterate quickly, you may see updates daily or weekly. Steam will automatically queue these, but keeping an eye on the official Steam News hub is the best way to stay informed.
Q: Is it worth the hassle of backing up my saves?
A: Absolutely. While the process takes a few minutes, it is the only way to guarantee the safety of your main campaign progress while contributing to the game's improvement.
