Monster Hunter Wilds is Capcom’s latest attempt to evolve the Monster Hunter series. Combining elements from Monster Hunter World and Rise, it introduces new features like a seamless open world and a stronger focus on storytelling. As someone who’s spent a lot of time hunting monsters in past games, I couldn’t wait to play.
Right from the start, Wilds feels like a mashup of the old and new. The open world connects regions seamlessly, and traveling between them is smooth. No more loading screens every time you move to a new area, and I definitely appreciated that. As I explored, I found myself just wandering around, watching the wildlife and seeing what would pop up next. The environments felt alive, and the monsters were as unpredictable as always.
The familiar Monster Hunter loop of tracking, battling, and crafting is still here, but Wilds makes the experience more approachable. The story is more present than ever, and the new systems and combat tweaks keep things fresh while still staying true to the core gameplay.
Let’s dive in and see if Monster Hunter Wilds lives up to the legacy of the series.
Monster Hunter Wilds details
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC
Developer(s): Capcom
Publisher(s): Capcom
Genre: Action RPG
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
More than just the hunt
The story here is a step up from what we usually get in Monster Hunter games. You play as a hunter who meets a boy named Nata after his village is destroyed by a mysterious creature called the White Wraith. Your journey revolves around helping him get back home and figuring out what’s behind the chaos.
The characters are surprisingly likable too. Gemma, Olivia, and Erik really stand out. I found myself spending more time than expected chatting with them during breaks between hunts. Gemma would talk about her work, explaining how different materials could improve your weapons, while Erik got into trouble for getting too close to dangerous creatures. I even found myself rooting for Olivia, who was always there to back me up in tough fights. It’s little things like that that made the game feel more personal than I anticipated.
The story also gives more purpose to your hunts by showing how your actions impact the world and its inhabitants. It’s not as deep as a traditional RPG, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction for a series that’s mostly been about monster-slaying.
Exploration and hunting
Exploration in Wilds is just… smoother. The seamless transitions between regions are a huge improvement, and I couldn’t get enough of just riding through different areas. It’s easy to get lost in the world, just tracking monsters and gathering resources. I never felt like I had to go back to base, which made everything feel more fluid.
I also loved the pop-up camps. Being able to set up camp wherever I wanted to restock and replan without needing to go back to the main base saved so much time. It made the hunting loop feel even more natural and uninterrupted.
The core gameplay hasn’t changed much—track, hunt, craft—but these changes make the process smoother. I could go from one hunt to the next without losing momentum, and that’s something I really appreciated.
Combat and mechanics
Monster Hunter Wilds keeps what works and builds on it. The new Focus mechanic gives you a lot more control over your attacks, especially when you’re trying to target specific monster parts. I really liked this when fighting an Arkveld. I could focus on its tail and disable its spinning attack, which made the fight feel more tactical and rewarding.
Another fun change is the ability to carry two weapons. It adds a lot of flexibility, and it keeps the combat from feeling too repetitive. I remember switching from a longsword to a bow during one fight when I realized I needed more range. It kept me on my toes, and the combat felt fresh every time.
The game also includes small quality-of-life improvements, like being able to restock items on the go, which helped keep the action going without unnecessary breaks.
A world brought to life
Visually, Monster Hunter Wilds looks great. Each region feels unique, and the seasonal changes give it a dynamic feel. I found myself just watching how the environments changed, especially when certain creatures only appeared during specific seasons. It made exploring so much more rewarding.
The monsters themselves are beautifully designed too. Each one moves and attacks in its own unique way, making every fight feel like a new challenge. I remember fighting yet another Arkveld, with its chains rattling and massive body, and feeling like it could crush me at any moment. It added to the intensity of every battle.
There were a few areas that looked a little washed out, but overall, the game’s visuals are fantastic. The game offers multiple visual modes, including Fidelity, Balanced, and Performance. The Performance mode focuses on 60 FPS, which is great for fast-paced combat. The Fidelity mode offers a higher resolution but locks the frame rate to 30 FPS. Balanced mode has a cap of 40 FPS. I went with the 60 FPS mode because it made combat feel so much smoother, and I loved how it improved the overall responsiveness of the game. The soundtrack blends perfectly with the game’s pacing. It gets you pumped up during fights without taking over the action.
Hunting together
Whether you’re setting up your own lobby or joining someone else’s, it’s easy to dive right in. Plus, with crossplay support, I could hunt with my friends no matter what platform they were on, which was a huge plus. I had a blast hunting during the review period. I’ll never forget this one fight we had with an Arkveld. We struggled against it for a while, trying to figure out who would distract it and who’d take out its tail. It was chaotic, but working together and coordinating gave the fight a sense of teamwork that made it so much more enjoyable.
The multiplayer difficulty ramps up, which makes each hunt feel more intense. The “Link Party” feature is a small but welcome addition. It allows you and your friends to join each other’s quests with ease, keeping the flow of the game. While the single-player experience is solid, multiplayer is where Monster Hunter Wilds truly shines. The excitement of hunting alongside friends and taking down massive monsters together adds a whole new layer to the experience.
Monster Hunter Wilds is a game-changing adventure
Monster Hunter Wilds pushes the series forward with a more refined, approachable experience. The open world, seasonal changes, and dynamic environments make exploration feel more alive than ever. The Focus mechanic and dual weapons add new strategy to the classic hunting loop, while keeping the core gameplay intact.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The open world flows smoothly, making exploration feel seamless and engaging. | Some areas can look a bit washed out under certain lighting conditions. |
| The Focus mechanic and dual weapon system work together, giving you more control and strategy during combat, letting you switch tactics mid-hunt. | The story, while better than previous entries, still lacks the depth of traditional RPGs. |
| Multiplayer is a blast, with crossplay and team-based hunts making each battle more exciting. | |
| The story adds more depth than before, with characters that are easy to get attached to. |
The story, while not as complex as traditional RPGs, offers more than I expected. The characters are more developed, and the narrative gives purpose to your actions, making the journey more engaging. Multiplayer is a blast, with crossplay and the “Link Party” system making it easy to team up with friends. The increased difficulty when hunting together adds excitement, making each hunt feel more epic.
Visually, Monster Hunter Wilds looks great with its detailed monsters and dynamic environments. Performance modes like 60 FPS keep the combat smooth, and the soundtrack fits each moment perfectly.
Overall assessment of Monster Hunter Wilds
Gameplay: 4.5/5
Graphics: 4.5/5
Sound: 4.5/5
Lasting appeal/Replayability: 4.5/5
Overall rating: 4.5/5 (90%)
Monster Hunter Wilds is one of the best, if not the best, game in the series. It’s approachable for newcomers and still offers the depth longtime fans expect. If you enjoy cooperative gameplay and immersive monster hunting, Wilds is definitely worth your time.
Purchase Monster Hunter Wilds
