Monster Hunter Wilds marks a significant departure from previous titles with its expansive and intricately woven maps, offering players new explorative experiences. Traditionally, the Monster Hunter series has presented players with relatively compact environments, usually characterized by hub-centric gameplay where players prepare for hunts before entering small, themed locales. The game separates these environments, creating segmented areas connected by narrow pathways—but not anymore. With Wilds, players find themselves enveloped within vast, interconnected worlds, promoting freer navigation and exploration.
One early comparison on social media, shared by user @Bouboun2805 on X (formerly known as Twitter), demonstrated the significant differences between map sizes between Monster Hunter Wilds and its predecessor, Monster Hunter World. Specifically, players were able to compare Windward Plains from Wilds against the Wildspire Waste map from World. According to the analysis, some maps within Wilds are reported to be as much as double the size of some maps from World, with the expansive layout reshaping players' experience.
The rough calculation of these maps required using footage of players running through the respective environments, timing their laps, and graphing their routes. It was evident through this process, as illustrated by the comparison, how one of the vast expanses from Wilds mirrored the scale of entire regions from World. The differences are underscored by design elements; World features layered structure, with underground sections shown explicitly on maps. Conversely, Wilds presents maps with three-dimensional character, resulting not just from size but from the nature of elevation, which can make them seem larger when captured as 2D screenshots.
Visually stunning and drenched with immersive gameplay, Monster Hunter Wilds certainly breathes new life within its series. Although fans of the series may find its performance and somewhat linear narrative distractions from the overall fun, the lush environments are alluring enough to keep players invested. That said, designers have created maps with considerable underground spaces like the Wildspire Waste, which do play smaller roles within storytelling and gameplay, as opposed to the expansive and visually rich windy terrains of areas like the Windward Plains.
Wilds has extended its map roster beyond previous games, primarily featuring six map areas for players to explore, excluding the Training Area. This is broken down to areas of Windward Plains, Scarlet Forest, Oilwell Basin, Iceshard Cliffs, Suja, Peaks of Accord, Ruins of Wyveria, and Wounded Hollow. It is important to note, though, some of these regions, such as Suja, are quite diminutive, merely housing mountain hub spaces integral to the storyline. Consequently, this segmentation redefines what players might typically expect from such open-world experiences.
Another interesting twist is the dynamic nature of Monster Hunter Wilds’ maps. Each evolves with the game's narrative; variable weather effects and seasonal transitions can change gameplay dramatically. During the season of Fallow, for example, sandstorms may roll through the Windward Plains, altering visibility and affecting how players interact with the environment.
Wilds adopts aspects of openness from adventure games, though it does not fully embrace the concept. True openness, whereby players can traverse every corner of the game uninhibited, is more of the ideal which remains ambiguous at the game's outset. Once players have unlocked specific regions tied to their gameplay progression, they can transition between these areas; effectively contradicting the earlier restrictive questing systems where players could only roam designated areas after formally posting quests.
During investigation of Monster Hunter Wilds, it soon becomes clear the game’s design allows greater freedom than previous installments allowed. Players can freely access maps post-campaign, turning Wilds’ environment almost completely open once the story is finalized. Players no longer need to necessitate quests to explore the expanses, enabling them to jump right from the hub area straight to engaging gameplay. It creates scenarios where wandering players may occur, allowing dynamic player interactions unlike ever before.
Still, this sense of freedom doesn’t mean all maps are accessible from the game's very inception; most regions are locked behind progressing through the game, which segues distinctively within the overarching narrative. While players can utilize fast travel options post-progression, access points remain clear markers on maps, notifying players of where they are not yet allowed admittance. Currently, the title does not seem to fit the true essence often associated with ‘open-world’ gaming; it leans toward integration—a middle ground compared to earlier titles.
Nevertheless, the roadmap for Monster Hunter Wilds has been strategically outlined, promising future developments for the game. While players currently enjoy the lush diversity of monsters and challenges, there are expectations for the map to grow even larger and narratives to become more elaborate. If Monster Hunter Wilds opts to expand its already monumentally sized maps, players will be treated to campaigns flourishing with adventurism and curated challenges, ensuring their skills will continually be put to the test.