With the release of Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28, 2025, Capcom looks to continue the legacy of its successful action-role playing franchise. Building upon the massive popularity of Monster Hunter: World and the subsequent Monster Hunter Rise, Wilds introduces new gameplay mechanics, expansive biomes, and visually stunning graphics, aiming to draw both veterans and newcomers alike.
The game invites players back to the thrill of monster hunting through the lens of their customizable character, who is part of the 'Forbidden Lands Research Commission.' Alongside colorful characters, including Palicos, the objective remains consistent: hunt down powerful creatures and gather materials for crafting. Yet, as many experienced players know, the excitement of Monster Hunter often lies less in the overarching narrative and more in the anticipation of the hunt itself.
At its core, Monster Hunter Wilds serves as both homage and evolution. According to reviews from various outlets, the game retains the classic gameplay loop where the player prepares gear, targets creatures, and embarks on quests to capture or defeat monsters—sending these materials back to town for crafting. The crafting system allows players to create and upgrade equipment, ensuring they can tackle tougher monsters.
Fans of the series will note several significant enhancements to gameplay. The introduction of Seikrets, large mountable birds, marks one of the major changes, allowing players accelerated movement across vast landscapes. This also enables easier resource gathering, as players can collect items without dismounting. Game Rant highlighted this feature, noting the ease with which players can auto-pilot to objectives and still perform actions like healing and sharpening weapons on the go. Many players appreciate these quality-of-life improvements, indicating they've diminished the frustrating aspects experienced in prior entries.
Combat remains central to the Monster Hunter experience, and Wilds continues to innovate. New mechanics such as the Wound system enable players to deal precise damage and trigger powerful follow-up attacks. This adds depth to combat strategy, as one may target specific monster vulnerabilities. Finger Guns pointed out this new feature alongside the ability to bring two weapons on hunts as particularly welcome updates, offering players flexibility and encouraging tactical experimentation.
Players are not only challenged to understand their weapons but also the unique behaviors of new monsters, many of which have been met with intrigue from reviewers. For example, the dynamic weather system adds another layer to gameplay, making the hunting experience even more immersive as it affects both monster and player behavior. Each hunt promises chaotic excitement, exemplifying why fans initially fell in love with the series.
While gameplay innovation earns Monster Hunter Wilds significant praise, some reviews have noted areas where it may falter, especially concerning the story. Previous titles had received criticism for weak narratives, and Wilds appears to follow suit. Despite efforts to create more engaging and cinematic storytelling, like character-driven quests, some players report feeling uninvested and bored during lengthy cutscenes, as was noted by CGMAG. The narrative structure resembles the age-old formula of monster hunting quests; the story often feels like filler between the main attractions.
The visuals of Monster Hunter Wilds, engineered using the RE Engine, offer players breathtaking graphics across multiple biomes. Critics have been divided on the overall aesthetic achievements, with Game Rant stating some character models appeared outdated, especially alongside impressive monster designs. Nonetheless, many players praised the vibrant environments and creature animations, elevATING the gameplay experience.
At its core, Monster Hunter Wilds seeks to provide what its title suggests—a grand adventure filled with various monsters to hunt. Capcom seems to have delivered on the franchise's primary hook, with gameplay being engaging enough to overshadow the less favorable elements of the narrative experience. It remains to be seen how the game will continue to grow with updates and available characters to meet through online play conventions.
The future is bright for Capcom's beloved series. With Monster Hunter Wilds, players have the opportunity to enjoy immersive gameplay, enhanced monster hunting, and opportunities for cooperative adventures with friends. Having learned from the lessons of previous installments, many will likely find this latest entry worth exploring, as they gear up for battles with ferocious beasts.
Overall, the experience aims to satisfy both seasoned veterans and curious newcomers. Whether you’re leaping onto your Seikret or crafting your gear, Monster Hunter Wilds embraces the spirit of adventure, promoting exploration and excitement across its stunning landscapes.
For those eager to jump back onto the hunt, Monster Hunter Wilds is set for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X, and PC, promising fantastic experiences for all players.