Capcom’s beloved Monster Hunter series returns with Monster Hunter Wilds, aiming to captivate both veteran players and newcomers alike. Set in the expansive Forbidden Lands, the game features a vibrant open world with dynamic weather and day/night cycles that influence gameplay. Introducing the Seikrets—large avian mounts—players can traverse terrains quickly, engage in combat, and gather resources more efficiently. While enhancing accessibility, the game raises questions about how these changes will impact seasoned veterans of the franchise.
Following the massive success of Monster Hunter World and its spin-off Rise, Capcom’s iconic franchise is back with Monster Hunter Wilds, a new installment designed to reignite excitement for seasoned players while attracting newcomers. Did they manage to strike the right balance?
Throughout gaming history, certain titles have not only stood out but have also spawned entire genres. Think of the GTA-like with GTA, the Doom-like with Doom, and the MetroidVania with Metroid. Monster Hunter certainly falls into this category, establishing itself as the reigning monarch of monster hunting games.
While others have attempted to dethrone it, such as the endearing Wild Hearts from EA, none have succeeded. With Monster Hunter World, the franchise ascended to new heights, transforming from a niche experience for aficionados to a global sensation, as evidenced by its astounding sales figures since its 2018 debut: 25 million copies sold.
After a decent but not groundbreaking spin-off in Rise, Capcom is set to release the much-anticipated Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28, 2025. We had the opportunity to delve deep into the perilous Forbidden Lands on PS5 for several hours. So, does Monster Hunter Wilds maintain its dominance in the genre? Here’s our detailed review.
A Next-Gen Adventure Awaits
A Next-Gen Adventure Awaits
With Monster Hunter Wilds, Capcom guarantees a next-gen experience exclusively available on the latest consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series) and PC. This promise is evident from the very start. The expansive Forbidden Lands we will traverse feature a beautifully crafted open world filled with diverse biomes and regions. Thanks to the capabilities of modern hardware, our exploration is seamless, free from any loading interruptions.
While an open world is impressive, an organic and vibrant open world is even better. This is where Monster Hunter Wilds distinguishes itself from earlier titles. The Forbidden Lands are alive: herds of herbivores graze peacefully, while predators stealthily await their next meal. We often find ourselves captivated by the authenticity of this immersive environment.
This immersion is further enhanced by a significant new feature: dynamically changing weather and a day/night cycle. Each region within the Forbidden Lands experiences unique weather patterns. What’s intriguing is that these weather effects are not merely cosmetic; they directly impact gameplay and the behavior of monsters.
Regarding graphics, the game offers three display modes on PS5. In addition to the traditional Fidelity and Performance modes, there’s also a Balanced mode that strikes a decent compromise between visual fidelity and framerate. While 60 FPS is generally well maintained in Performance mode (and can exceed that with a 120 Hz TV), the graphical degradation is noticeable: environments and characters appear blurry, aliasing is prominent, and depth of field is nearly absent.
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The Seikret: Your New Companion
The Seikret: Your New Companion
Every entry in the series has introduced its own unique twist to Capcom’s classic formula. As expected, Monster Hunter Wilds follows suit. While the core concept remains unchanged—hunting monsters for materials to upgrade your gear—it’s the methods that differentiate this installment.
A significant enhancement is the introduction of the Seikrets. Much like the Chocobos in Final Fantasy, these large avian creatures serve as mounts, allowing quick traversal across the expansive Forbidden Lands. However, they offer much more than mere transportation.
You can summon your Seikret at any point during a battle to gain distance when necessary or to utilize items like healing potions or whetstones. This feature proves invaluable in critical moments, allowing you to stay engaged without completely withdrawing. Furthermore, Seikrets can launch you into the air to execute powerful jumping attacks.
Performing your moves successfully can even allow you to mount monsters and deliver significant damage. We also appreciate the ability to gather crafting materials (such as herbs, insects, and slingshot ammunition) while riding a Seikret using the grappling hook. No more frequent stops for resource collection.
Thanks to the Seikrets, Capcom has introduced an exciting feature in the series: the option to carry two weapons during a hunt. After a few hours of play, your mount can accommodate a second weapon in its pouch. A simple tap on the right directional button allows your character to switch equipment seamlessly. This small yet impactful change provides enhanced flexibility in combat, enabling you to tailor your arsenal to each situation. If a monster is vulnerable to fire and blunt damage, you can equip a flaming longsword and a hefty hammer for stunning blows. In multiplayer sessions with four players, that results in a total of eight weapons on the battlefield, offering a plethora of strategic options.
Increased Accessibility… But at What Cost for Veterans?
Increased Accessibility… But at What Cost for Veterans?
Alongside the Seikrets, Monster Hunter Wilds incorporates another completely new feature that aims to make the game more accessible…