On April 4, 2025, Capcom rolled out the first free title update for its popular game, Monster Hunter Wilds, introducing exciting new features including weapons and armor crafted from the materials of the newly added monster, Zo-Shea. This update marks a significant expansion of the game, which was initially released on February 28, 2025, and has quickly gained a dedicated fanbase.
The update not only enhances gameplay with new equipment but also includes the introduction of a new monster, Tamamitsune, alongside the much-anticipated repeatable encounters with Zo-Shea. The weapons made from Zo-Shea materials are available for all weapon types and boast impressive stats. They rank among the best in attack power within their category, featuring a 5% affinity rate and a default white sharpness gauge for weapons that possess sharpness.
Moreover, the armor crafted from Zo-Shea materials comprises two sets: No-Trench Naru Dragon α and No-Trench Naru Dragon β. Each set comes with unique group skills, with the α set providing Guard's Pulse (Guard Milk Activity) and the β set offering Guard's Defense (Guard Capital's Defense). The series skill, White Glare Dragon's Pulse, is particularly noteworthy, as it activates Super Recovery Power I with two pieces and Super Recovery Power II with four pieces. This means players can continue to recover health automatically even when their health bar does not show any red gauge, making these sets highly desirable for those seeking a more resilient playstyle.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, the new skill introduced in the weapons, White Glare's Rush, allows players to inflict additional damage with a certain probability when landing an attack. When combined with the Blazing effect, this skill loses its original effect but adds fire attribute damage to the additional damage dealt. This combination opens up new strategies for players looking to maximize their damage output in battles.
The update also brings the thrill of hunting Tamamitsune, a fan-favorite monster known for its unique abilities. This creature first appeared in Monster Hunter Cross and has become a staple in subsequent titles. In the game, Tamamitsune is featured in an Extra Mission available after reaching Hunter Rank 21, requiring players to complete a prerequisite side mission involving fishing.
Tamamitsune is known for its quick movements and the ability to create slippery bubbles from its body fluids, which can hinder players' movements. Players must be cautious of the bubbles, as green ones provide a recovery effect while red ones enhance attack power. The monster also unleashes a high-pressure stream of water, which remains consistent with its behavior in past games.
When players manage to break Tamamitsune's head, the monster enters an enraged state, transforming its appearance and making it more aggressive. This transformation is reminiscent of the Heavenly Eye Tamamitsune from Monster Hunter Double Cross, adding an extra layer of challenge as players must adapt to its new attack patterns.
As players engage in battle, it becomes crucial to utilize the lock-on feature to keep track of Tamamitsune’s rapid movements. The monster's many breakable parts and weaknesses to ice, thunder, and dragon attributes make it a complex opponent that requires strategy and skill to defeat.
The new update has also made Zo-Shea a repeatable challenge, allowing players to hunt this key story monster multiple times. Previously, players could only face Zo-Shea once during the main storyline missions after reaching Hunter Rank 50. Now, players can dive back into the fray, honing their skills and gathering materials for crafting.
In the hunt against Zo-Shea, players will find themselves in a dedicated field designed specifically for this encounter. The fight features traps that can drop the monster for significant damage, and players must be strategic in their approach. Zo-Shea is covered in a white shell that can be peeled away, revealing its softer black body underneath, which is more vulnerable to attacks.
In addition, Zo-Shea frequently uses a fire attribute breath attack, making it essential for players to either bring Uchiwa fruit to counteract the fire damage or enhance their fire resistance. The battle also introduces dragon milk crystals, which can be detonated using attribute ammo from the slinger to create powerful explosions, adding a tactical element to the fight.
As a final boss-like monster, Zo-Shea presents a formidable challenge with its high attack power and health. Players are encouraged to aim for its tail, which can be carved twice, providing additional materials for crafting. However, the encounter is not without its challenges; players must be aware that traps like paralysis traps and flash bombs do not affect Zo-Shea.
With the introduction of these new monsters and the exciting new equipment, the April 4 update for Monster Hunter Wilds has reinvigorated the gaming experience, offering players fresh content and challenges to explore. As hunters prepare to embark on these new adventures, the thrill of the hunt continues to captivate and engage players in the expansive world of Monster Hunter.
