Monster Hunter Is About to Change Forever

Monster Hunter Wilds is getting significant changes next year with the Ascendance expansion, which Capcom has described as a “massive” update. The DLC will introduce a new region called the Eastlands, along with a fresh lineup of monsters to hunt that includes elder dragons. However, perhaps the biggest addition is an all-new mechanic that could change the game’s tempo: Boost Bracer.

An overview video showcases how Boost Bracer works, and many players are likening it to Nero’s moveset in Devil May Cry. Players build up Boost Bracer energy by staying aggressive, filling up a meter shown at the bottom of the screen. Once you’ve built up enough meter, you can use a Boost Driver attack to activate Boost, a powered-up mode that strengthens existing attacks and adds all-new moves. Basically, as long as you’re in Boost, every weapon becomes better at what it’s designed to do: dual blades become faster, shields become bulkier, and the bow gets a stagger-inducing finisher.

Monster Hunter Wilds’ new Boost mechanic makes all weapons better

All 14 weapons will receive new abilities linked to Boost, and Capcom is releasing videos detailing the updates for each. The Greatsword got a video showcasing its ability to chain together offset counters to deal with multiple powerful attacks in a row. Additionally, it looks like this already hard-hitting weapon will pack even more of a punch, with the Boosted Greatsword landing stagger after stagger.

The community’s response to the Boost Bracer is positive so far, with fans excited by how stylish and satisfying these new moves look to pull off. However, a minority of players fear this hypercharged system may push the game further from the series’ more deliberate roots.

While most critics praised Monster Hunter Wilds, longtime series fans had a more complicated response. Many players didn’t like the increased focus on cutscenes and story over hitting creatures with a big sword. Additionally, many thought the base game was way too easy, making Hunters feel overpowered compared to previous installments. Considering that the new system basically gives every weapon rocket-propelled attacks, some are understandably worried that Boost Bracer will make this problem much worse.

Hopefully, Ascendance significantly strengthens enemy monsters to compensate. We’ll see how the big new changes play out when the expansion is released next year.