Monster Hunter Wilds invites players to explore the mesmerizing Forbidden Lands with refined gameplay and enhanced combat mechanics. Building on the success of its predecessor, it introduces a vibrant world filled with diverse creatures and intricate weapon designs. While the narrative may not resonate strongly, the exhilarating combat, innovative features, and multiplayer options promise an engaging experience. With a rating of 4/5, this installment signifies a significant evolution for the franchise, positioning it for a bright future.
Embark on an Epic Adventure in Monster Hunter Wilds
Prepare to sharpen your Great Sword and take some time off from work because Monster Hunter Wilds has arrived, ready to immerse you in the captivating Forbidden Lands! Capcom has truly outdone itself, creating an experience worthy of culinary praise from even the most discerning chefs.
Following the franchise’s 20th anniversary and the monumental success of Monster Hunter World, producer Ryozo Tsujimoto and his team had high expectations to meet. While the series has long enjoyed popularity in Japan, it was the 2018 release that catapulted Monster Hunter into the global spotlight.
World set new standards with its breathtaking graphics, enhanced weapon mechanics, and a plethora of gameplay improvements that solidified its status as a titan in the industry. If World was the Elder Dragon revitalizing the franchise, then Wilds is the fierce Apex Predator aiming to take its place.
Monster Hunter Wilds promises an expansive, bold, and refined gaming experience that builds upon its predecessor, and it largely delivers, despite a few areas that could use improvement.
Game Information
– Price: €69.99 to €79.99 depending on the platform
– Developer: Capcom
– Release Date: February 28, 2025
– Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
– Tested Version: PS5
A Story That Falls Short
Before diving into the positives, let’s address the game’s weakest aspect: its narrative. While Wilds introduces fully voiced characters, enhanced NPC interactions, and a lore-rich world that fans will appreciate, the storytelling often feels like a tedious hurdle before the real action—monster hunting—begins.
The storyline follows Nata, a young boy from an ancient civilization who must escape his home after the monstrous Arkveld appears. Your mission is to locate his hometown and reunite him with his family. While the premise is heartwarming, it fails to evoke a strong emotional investment.
Honestly, I’m just eager to forge magnificent scale pants and a new Hammer for smashing monsters. Instead, I found myself tracking a beast, enduring a barrage of exposition from assistant Alma (who is fantastic, by the way) before engaging in a sequence where I ride on Seikret.
Wilds simplifies learning new weapon mechanics with helpful tutorials and a well-equipped training room. However, the campaign feels overly directive. As a veteran player with thousands of hours since the PS2 era, I was ready to break free from the narrative constraints and carve my own path.
Thankfully, after 15 hours of grindy low-rank missions, the credits finally rolled, and Wilds truly captured my attention. With high-rank quests available, the allure of the Forbidden Lands haunted me every time I logged off, as my obsession with crafting weapons and armor grew. I was fully immersed in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Exciting and Engaging Combat Mechanics
After countless hours in the Monster Hunter universe, I can confidently say that combat in Wilds has never been so exhilarating and addictive. In just two weeks of gameplay, I racked up an impressive 45 hours. Yes, it’s that captivating! The 14 weapons are more impactful than ever, showcasing impressive enhancements.
The Hunting Horn now offers improved support with healing bubbles, the Morphing Axe has never been smoother, and the Long Sword caters to every aspiring samurai’s dreams. Rather than enumerate every change—which would take ages—it’s clear that Capcom has invested significant time refining its mechanics.
The introduction of Focus Mode and Focus Attack transforms combat dynamics. The struggle against camera angles is finally resolved, providing relief to players who previously faced frustrations in earlier titles.
With Focus Mode, tracking monsters is easier, allowing for precise targeting of strikes and blocks. As a Great Sword aficionado, this enhancement is a game changer—no more missed hits due to last-minute monster movements!
Moreover, the new Injury mechanic, where repeated strikes on a monster’s vulnerable spots create visible injuries, signals the perfect moment to unleash a devastating Focus Attack. Each weapon boasts a spectacular Focus Attack that is both visually stunning and satisfying to execute. Personally, I adore the Bow, which can now unleash a volley of self-guided arrows aimed at enemy weak points.
The ability to swiftly switch between assigned weapons adds a new layer of strategy to encounters. If Rey Dau’s electric attacks become overwhelming with your primary weapon, it’s time to adapt and employ your secondary weapon for a different approach.
Fierce Creatures and a Dynamic Environment
The Wilds bestiary is replete with fearsome creatures. Each region teems with life, from Vespoids scavenging on fallen monsters to the formidable Doshaguma leading its pack across the plains. These examples highlight exciting new features like corpse decomposition and a pack system.
Classic monsters make a return, such as the comical Congala and the quirky Yian Kut-Ku, revitalized with impressive updates. These creatures stand shoulder to shoulder with new entries in terms of both appearance and threat level.
New additions include the Ajarakan, a fire-wielding monkey with wrestling-like moves, and the majestic Leviathan Hirabami, which can soar before delivering lethal attacks. Combine this with an open world lacking zone transitions, seasonal environmental changes, nomadic monsters, expansive 100-player lobbies, and stable 30 FPS on PS5, and you have the most ambitious Monster Hunter title to date.
Fashion Meets Functionality
The vibrant diversity of monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds is beautifully mirrored in the intricately designed armors and weapons. While the designs may not be as flamboyant as those in Rise, they represent a significant improvement over World’s repetitive aesthetics. The thrill of defeating a monster and crafting stylish gear from its remains is stronger than ever, and there’s no shortage of fashionable options to create.
Looking good is essential, especially when teaming up with other hunters. During my testing experience, I joined quests, assisted fellow hunters via SOS flares, and completed investigations thanks to the innovative Linked Environment feature.
Although the multiplayer options are complex, investing time to understand them enhances the overall enjoyment of Wilds. The 100-player lobbies and crossplay between PC, PS5, and Xbox enable you to fully engage in this vibrant world brimming with life.
Final Thoughts: A Bright Future for Monster Hunter
Rating: 4/5 – Very Good
Monster Hunter Wilds marks a monumental leap forward for the franchise, paving the way for a grand future. Despite a sometimes underwhelming narrative and a few texture issues on PS5, Capcom has undoubtedly risen to the occasion.
With its refined mechanics, engaging monsters, and innovative ideas rooted in 21 years of collective experience, Wilds emerges as a well-crafted