Indie developer Abrams Studios is back with a nature-loving sequel that’s ready to steal your weekends. Set to launch on PS5, Morels: The Hunt 2 takes players on an immersive journey as a wildlife photographer and mushroom hunter, expanding the hunt for elusive fungi and the thrill of snapping perfect wildlife shots beyond North America and onto a global stage. The original Morels: The Hunt, released in 2019, earned applause for its serene, simulation-driven gameplay and unique concept. Now, the long-awaited sequel promises an even deeper dive into the art of exploration, nature photography, and, of course, mushroom collecting.

Morels: The Hunt 2 isn’t just a game; it’s an invitation to slow down and savor the natural world. This time around, Abrams Studios has opened up a global playground, giving players 100 days per season to comb through landscapes as varied as dense forests, open fields, and shaded groves across seven distinct maps, each with its own secrets, weather, and wildlife. The core experience remains simple yet rewarding: locate rare and diverse mushroom species, encounter animals in their natural habitats, and capture the beauty around you in a digital photo book. And if the real-world stresses are getting you down, this is the ideal antidote, giving players of all ages and skill levels a chance to unwind and recharge amid lush, virtual environments.

Of course, Morels: The Hunt 2 is packed with new features that make every outing unique. The Hunter’s Manual, your trusty guide, grows as you progress through the ranks, teaching you invaluable tips and tricks to succeed in each season. Plus, new collectibles like crystal skulls and robot parts make the world feel even more alive, and each map teems with new creatures, rare insects, and unexpected treasures—yes, even Sasquatch might make an appearance for the lucky few!

The sequel also embraces realism in ways that up the ante for any aspiring outdoor enthusiast. Every game day kicks off with a local weather forecast, and rain, snow, or sunshine will change your tactics as you search for mushrooms and photograph the wildlife. Get prepared, because weather isn’t the only challenge: you might find yourself needing a headlamp to explore in the dead of night, rain gear for stormy days, or bug spray to ward off ticks. And for those who want to cover more ground quickly, upgrades like an ATV or even a trusty horse become valuable allies in your quest.

With an expanded in-game shop, players can pick up these and other items using points earned from their mushroom finds and photo submissions. Sunglasses, a compass, a camera upgrade, and bird feeders all add to the experience, letting you customize and perfect your setup. Every snapshot you take finds a permanent home in your digital photo album, preserving your adventures and marking your progress as a top-tier mushroom hunter.

In a gaming landscape that can often feel cluttered with action-packed releases, Morels: The Hunt 2 is a refreshing alternative, inviting players to get lost in a world where the thrill isn’t in explosions but in discovery. So, if you’re ready to trade battle royales for binoculars, clear some space on your PS5 and prepare for a virtual adventure that’s all about patience, peace, and the quiet pursuit of life’s simple wonders.