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People question the popularity of hunting rifles

Debate Rages On | The Hunting Rifle Fails to Impress Some Gamers

By

Ethan Price

Jan 2, 2026, 02:40 AM

Edited By

Akira Tanaka

Updated

Jan 2, 2026, 09:12 AM

2 minutes of duration

A hunting rifle placed on a rustic wooden table with some hunting gear nearby
popular

A growing division within gaming forums has emerged over the hunting rifle's performance, with recent comments revealing frustration among console players and varying opinions on weapon mechanics. Users continue to weigh in on its damage and usability, igniting rich discussions.

What's Driving the Debate?

As discussions heated up, some players argued that the hunting rifle is overrated, emphasizing personal preferences and gameplay challenges. A comment noted the weapon's frustrating lack of a scope, particularly affecting console gamers: "It's a lil frustrating for console players like me who try to move the reticle one millimeter and overshoot then pay the price."

Varied Opinions on Weapon Effectiveness

  1. Personal Preferences

    • Many gamers voiced their preference for scoped sniper rifles over the hunting rifle, with one stating, "If I see both hunting rifle and a sniper on the ground I'm picking up the sniper."

  2. Perceived Skill Levels

    • A portion of comments questioned the skill required to use the hunting rifle effectively, suggesting that "the hunting rifle doesn't take any skill at all to use."

  3. Continuing Popularity Despite Critiques

    • Despite criticism, some players defended the weapon, noting its damage output and quick reload time. One claimed, "Damage-wise it's alright, good reload, but yeah."

One insightful comment summarized the dilemma: "You can make do with it if nothing else." In contrast, another commented on the old days, saying, "Itโ€™s cause back in Chap 1 it was very good now itโ€™s harder to lead your shots but it does a lot of damage."

Sentiments in Flux

While many comments leaned towards negativity, recognizing the difficulties of using the hunting rifle, the overall sentiment reflects a mix of nostalgia and adaptability. Players are still experimenting with strategies and alternative weapons, leading to a saturated discussion about the hunting rifle's role in competitive play this year.

Key Insights

  • โ–ณ Players' preferences reveal a shift towards sniper rifles over hunting rifles.

  • โ–ฝ Console users specifically note frustration with aim precision using the hunting rifle.

  • ๐ŸŒŸ "Itโ€™s alright, but" - Mixed feelings from those who still find it usable.

As players continue to express support and discontent, the fate of the hunting rifleโ€™s use in competitive gameplay remains uncertain. Will developers respond to this ongoing dispute and tweak the weapon's mechanics based on player feedback? Time will tell.