After spending over 120 hours in Monster Hunter Wilds, it’s safe to say that Capcom has delivered yet another thrilling entry in the legendary franchise.
Taking the open-world elements introduced in Monster Hunter World and expanding them into a more dynamic and immersive ecosystem, Wilds offers a blend of strategic depth, dynamic environments, and a host of quality-of-life improvements that refine the classic hunting experience.
To start of the campaign consists of such a small portion of the game it’s hard to mention, while it was the best one to date, I confess many of the cutscenes I skips due to wanting to hunt.
It’s not a slight on how they were made rather unless I was getting permission to hunt from Alma, the cutscenes just didn’t offer much for me.
A Living Ecosystem
The first thing players will delve into in Wilds is its vibrant and seamless open world. Unlike previous entries that relied on segmented zones, Wilds introduces sprawling environments filled with life.
The game’s new weather system isn’t just for show—it actively affects hunts, making tracking and fighting monsters more dynamic than ever.
Sandstorms can obscure visibility, while sudden downpours might make certain monsters more aggressive. The interplay between environment, monsters, and hunters creates some of the most organic encounters the series has had yet.
Although the cycle can be confusing at first, with weather cycles impacting what monsters will spawn, as well as what materials will be in the world.
Refined and More Fluid Combat
The combat remains deeply satisfying, retaining the series’ signature weighty, deliberate weapon mechanics while introducing smoother movement and expanded combo options.
At launch weapon changes have left the Long Sword feeling more fluid, the Charge Blade’s transformations more intuitive and with bow no longer needing to buy coatings, the weapons have become more streamline.
The biggest addition is the Focus Strikes mechanic. By landing consecutive attacks, players can open ‘wounds’, allowing for devastating counterattacks or enhanced weapon abilities.
This system encourages more deliberate combat, rewarding skilful play while giving experienced hunters new ways to maximise damage output.
Smarter and More Reactive Monster AI
Monsters no longer follow predictable roaming patterns; instead, they react dynamically to hunters, the environment, and even each other.
Some apex predators will actively stalk their prey, while others will avoid direct confrontation unless provoked.
This intelligence makes both fights and the environment feel more like true battles of instincts rather than simple pattern recognition.
Many fights will find you or your prey ambushed by another monster, this brings a freshness to old encounters and a surprising challenge to new ones.
With the games four apex monsters presenting an enormous challenge, requiring players to adapt constantly to not only smarter attack patterns but environmental changes they bring as well.
Another noticeable point is that monsters can deal with multiple players better, often on larger monsters despite not having aggro I would find myself being targeted, just because I was attacking the backside of the monster.
Streamlined Multiplayer
Multiplayer in Wilds builds upon the cooperative elements of its predecessors but streamlines matchmaking and team coordination.
Joining hunts is now more seamless, with fewer barriers to jumping into a friend’s session or responding to SOS flares.
The new “Hunter Camps” serve as mobile bases where players can regroup, change loadouts, and even interact with NPCs who offer mid-mission support.
These additions make team play more engaging and flexible than ever, with lobbies allowing a constant catalogue of other hunts to choose from.
The most effective way to engage with others is to find a populated lobby and choose to either post your own quests for help or surf others at your discretion.
Progression and Endgame
Progression in Monster Hunter Wilds is well-paced, rewarding players for exploration and mastery rather than simple grind loops.
Endgame content is extensive, featuring challenging hunts, dynamic world events, and tempered monsters that push even veteran players to their limits.
Capcom has also promised a steady stream of post-launch updates, ensuring the game will continue evolving well beyond its release.
However, the grind after HR 100 is rudimentary, with perfect builds only achievable through repeated fights with the same two monsters – Arkveld and Gore Magala.
This isn’t necessarily a fault with the game however, more content will come, and Capcom can’t be blamed for players tearing through all the games content after only a few weeks.
Wilds endgame introduces artisan weapons. These weapons, crafted from materials taken from the strongest monsters, bring a new level of customisation and specialisation to the hunting experience.
Unlike standard weapons, artisan weapons allow players to fine-tune attributes such as sharpness, elemental affinity, and special effects, making each weapon feel truly unique.
However the process of making them is a gatcha style random weapon roll, this leads to an artificial endgame of making possible hundreds of the same weapon to get the perfect roll.
However after experimenting with them, while they are the strongest choice, the weapons crafted from monster parts are still fine choices to use if the artian system doesn’t seem appealing.
This system adds a fresh layer of depth to weapon progression, giving hunters even more control over their preferred playstyle.
A Worthy Evolution of the Franchise
After 100 hours, Monster Hunter Wilds stands as one of the most ambitious and refined entries in the series.
Its breathtaking world, intelligent monster AI, and fluid combat elevate the classic Monster Hunter formula to new heights.
While some adjustments to balancing and late-game content could be made, the foundation is rock solid.
Whether you’re a veteran hunter or a newcomer looking for an immersive action RPG, Monster Hunter Wilds is a must-play.
Feature Image Credit: Capcom
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