Capcom’s Monster Hunter series has long been a beloved staple for fans of action-packed combat and epic creature battles, but it was 2020’s Monster Hunter: World that catapulted the franchise into the mainstream. Now, with the highly anticipated release of Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28, Capcom is poised to deliver its most ambitious entry yet. This latest installment builds on the foundation of World while introducing a host of quality-of-life improvements and next-gen enhancements that promise to redefine the hunting experience.
At its core, Monster Hunter Wilds remains true to the series’ signature formula: players venture into vast, monster-filled regions, armed with an arsenal of weapons, to hunt colossal creatures, harvest their parts, and craft powerful new gear. Yet, beneath this familiar framework lies a wealth of innovations designed to streamline gameplay and deepen immersion, ensuring that both newcomers and seasoned hunters alike will find something to savor.
Seamless Exploration and Enhanced Mobility
One of the most immediately noticeable upgrades in Monster Hunter Wilds is the seamless transition between camps and the surrounding regions. Gone are the loading screens that once interrupted the flow of exploration; instead, players can now move fluidly from their base of operations into the wilds, where danger—and opportunity—await. This change not only enhances immersion but also encourages players to engage more deeply with the game’s expansive environments.
To aid in traversal, Capcom has introduced the Seikret, a versatile mount that serves as both a means of transportation and a tactical asset. The Seikret can automatically route players to their hunt targets, carry essential supplies, and even hold a secondary weapon for mid-fight swaps. This addition not only speeds up travel but also adds a layer of strategy to combat, allowing hunters to adapt to the ever-shifting dynamics of battle.
A More Interactive Combat System
Combat in Monster Hunter Wilds has also received a significant overhaul, particularly with the expansion of the wound system. In previous games, wounds were primarily a mechanic for certain weapons, but now, every weapon type can inflict them. By repeatedly attacking a specific area on a monster, players can create wounds that are visually marked by orange-red sections in Focus Mode (activated by L2 on PS5). Attacking these wounded areas deals bonus damage and, when destroyed, can stagger the monster, opening up opportunities for devastating combos.
This revamped system adds a new layer of depth to battles, rewarding precision and strategic targeting. It also makes fights feel more dynamic and interactive, as players must constantly assess their approach to maximize damage and exploit their prey’s vulnerabilities.
Beginner Tips for Aspiring Hunters
For those embarking on their first hunt in Monster Hunter Wilds, the game offers a wealth of tools and features to ease the learning curve. One of the most crucial decisions new players will face is choosing their weapon. With 14 distinct weapon types available, each offering unique mechanics and playstyles, the choice can be daunting. To help, Capcom has introduced a short questionnaire at the start of the game that suggests weapons based on your preferred playstyle. However, nothing beats hands-on experience, and the training range provides the perfect environment to experiment with each weapon’s combos and mechanics.
Veterans of the series will also find value in the training range, as it offers a chance to familiarize themselves with any changes to their favorite weapons. Additionally, the game’s menu includes detailed move lists and suggested combos, accessible via the Info tab > Play Guide > Weapon Controls, making it easy to reference key information even when away from the training range.
Preparation Is Key: The Importance of Meals and Equipment
As in previous entries, preparation plays a vital role in Monster Hunter Wilds. Before heading out on a hunt, players should always take the time to cook a meal, which provides stat bonuses that can make a significant difference in battle. While meal options are limited in the early game, even the most basic dishes offer valuable health boosts. Meals now last for a set period of time rather than expiring at the end of a hunt, so it’s important to check their status before embarking on successive missions.
Gathering ingredients while exploring—such as fishing in pools of water using the fishing pole tool—allows players to cook in the field with the Portable BBQ Grill, ensuring they’re always ready for the next encounter.
Crafting and upgrading equipment is another cornerstone of the Monster Hunter experience. After defeating large monsters, players can use harvested materials to forge new weapons and armor at Gemma’s forge. It’s advisable to craft equipment of the highest rarity available, as these offer the best stats and skills. Don’t hesitate to use materials, as they can be replenished through subsequent hunts. Even if a weapon seems like a dead end, new progression trees will unlock as you encounter more formidable monsters.
Mastering Skills and Intel
Equipment skills, which provide various bonuses and perks, are another critical aspect of character customization. These skills are tied to weapons, armor pieces, and talismans, and multiple instances of the same skill can stack for even greater effects. To understand what each skill does, players can access detailed descriptions via the Equipment Info menu or the forge’s Skill Info submenu. This information is invaluable for tailoring your loadout to suit your playstyle and the challenges ahead.
Equally important is understanding your prey. Each monster has unique strengths, weaknesses, and weak points, which can be studied in the Monster Field Guide. Accessible via the Info tab, this guide provides detailed intel on where to find monsters, which parts are vulnerable, and what types of damage are most effective. For repeat hunts, it also lists material drop rates and the specific parts to target, ensuring you’re always prepared for the fight.
Embrace the Challenge
Monster Hunter Wilds is a game that rewards persistence and adaptability. Dying during a hunt, while frustrating, is not the end of the road. Players can revive at the nearest camp or town, replenish supplies, and adjust their strategy before returning to the fray. While failing a mission after three deaths is a possibility, the game encourages players to learn from their mistakes and come back stronger.
With its seamless exploration, enhanced combat mechanics, and wealth of quality-of-life improvements, Monster Hunter Wilds represents a bold evolution of Capcom’s iconic franchise. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a newcomer to the series, this latest entry offers an unforgettable adventure filled with thrilling battles, intricate preparation, and the satisfaction of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. As February 28 approaches, the wilds await—ready to test your skills, your strategy, and your resolve.
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