It’s been a while since the world was introduced to Monster Hunter Wilds, the latest entry in the iconic Capcom franchise, and at the latest State of Play presentation, we finally got more of a taste of what’s to come.
At the heart of the game is its living world, a place full of opportunity and danger, where every locale, monster, and person acts with their own thoughts and motivations, combining dynamically to bring an immersive and constantly changing Monster Hunter ecosystem to life.
The aim is for breathtaking immersion, keeping players locked in the hunter’s life. Encounter a large monster while exploring can lead to new quests happening seamlessly, while NPCs will engage in conversations with the players in full voice, building deeper connections.
The Changing Environments of Monster Hunter Wilds
In Monster Hunter Wilds, locales are dense, deep, and three-dimensional. The trailer focuses on the Windward Plains, which is a vast, untamed land ready to be explored. While exploring this new locale, hunters will discover harsh environments contrasted by abundant landscapes teeming with life, and even extreme weather conditions that transform the locale in unexpected ways.
A vast sand plain and the first locale that the investigation team will explore after setting foot into the Forbidden Lands, the locale consists of a variety of unique areas made up of sandy deserts, swaying grasslands, and twisting rock formations.
In Monster Hunter Wilds, environments will change drastically. Monsters and organisms will change and adapt according to changes in the environment, resulting in a world that feels truly alive.
A Living Ecosystem
Monsters act independently to survive in these harsh environments. Hunters can expect to immerse themselves in a vibrant ecosystem of monsters living in nature, including large-scale groups of monsters that move in herds and packs and interact with one another. The threats include the likes of:
Doshaguma
A monster with a tough, strong-looking build. Doshaguma are highly territorial, have a wide habitat range, and can be very aggressive. Large packs of this monster have sometimes been spotted.
Chatacabra
This amphibian species uses adhesive saliva to attach ore and other substances to its forelegs to strengthen itself.
Ceratonoth
Ceratonoth males protect surrounding females of their species from lightning by catching lightning strikes with the well-developed dorsal horns on their backs and releasing them to the ground. They form large herds with the male Ceratonoth at the center.
Dalthydon
This herbivorous wyvern changes its habitat depending on the season. When it senses danger, it will sometimes take a defensive posture and fight back with its well-developed headshell.
A Trusty Mount
The game also introduces the Seikret, an essential mount for helping players travel the vast fields in Monster Hunter Wilds.
These small but nimble monsters are ridden by hunters and other members of the Research Commission. Using their strong sense of smell, they can automatically take you to destinations that you specify on your map.
You’ll be able to use certain items and even your slinger while on the move, allowing you to recover your health, sharpen your weapon, or even gather materials all from the safety of your Seikret. In addition to acting as a rideable mount, the Seikret enables hunters to access and switch to a secondary weapon without returning to base.
Tools for the Job
The 14 iconic weapon types make their return in Monster Hunter Wilds. Choose from the Great Sword, Long Sword, Sword & Shield, Dual Blades, Hammer, Hunting Horn, Lance, Gunlance, Switch Axe, Charge Blade, Insect Glaive, Light Bowgun, Heavy Bowgun, and Bow. While you may already be familiar, there are plenty of new actions for each weapon type that will take your hunt to the next level.
There are also new abilities and systems to master, starting with Focus Mode. In Focus Mode, hunters will have more precise control over how they guard, aim, and attack in order to target a monster’s weak points for big damage. Focus Mode makes it easier to adjust your distance to the monster and aim your attacks, making the distinctive Monster Hunter hunting action more accessible to a wider variety of players.
The Hook Slinger, on the other hand, can be used to collect items from a distance, even while on the back of a Seikret. Some contextual actions using the slinger can also be activated from a distance, such as pulling down rocks to stop pursuing enemies from catching up to you.
The Research Commission in Monster Hunter Wilds
The story takes place in the Forbidden Lands, where players will set foot into a vast region that the Guild has yet to investigate. But you will not be doing this alone, as there will be useful NPCs coming along for the ride.
The supportive Palico is here, as is Alma, the guild-appointed handler who relays monster hunt requests and authorizations and also manages the hunter’s quests. Alma will join you out in the field and throughout your adventure, providing useful information and helping you keep track of your quests and supply items. Need help with new armour and weapons? Go to the smith Gemma, while Nata, the mysterious child, will have a key role to play in the main story.
Additional Bonuses
For players of Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter World: Iceborne on PlayStation, you can use the save data to receive special bonuses in Monster Hunter Wilds too:
- Monster Hunter: World Save Data Bonus
- Felyne Leather Set (Palico Armor)
- Felyne Acorn Spade (Palico Weapon)
- Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Save Data Bonus
- Felyne Duffel Set (Palico Armor)
- Felyne Trekker Peckaxe (Palico Weapon)
Monster Hunter Wilds will be launching on PlayStation 5 in 2025.
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