The Monster Hunter series has long been one of the most popular action RPGs, known for its deep combat system, massive monsters, and a world that rewards patience and strategy. After Monster Hunter World broke out of the series’ niche and reached a global audience, high expectations were attached to the sequel. Monster Hunter Wilds aims to build on that success, but has Capcom managed to deliver a game that both preserves the core of the series and develops it further?
This new chapter introduces several mechanical and narrative changes that could divide the player base. Some of these make the game more accessible, while others may feel like simplifications that come at the expense of depth. The big question is whether Wilds can balance the need for innovation with what made the series so beloved in the first place.
More history, but is it worth it?
Storytelling has never been the Monster Hunter series’ strong suit – it’s always been the monster hunting and tactical gameplay that’s been the focus – but Capcom has tried to give Monster Hunter Wilds a more cohesive narrative.
The game follows an expedition to an unknown continent, where we are introduced to a child named Nata. He turns out to be the key to a larger mystery involving a menacing creature called the “White Ghost”. While the narrative is more structured than before, it still falls into the shadow of the monster hunt itself. The story simply isn’t what drives the game forward, and for many players it will be more of a distraction than an engaging experience.
Despite impressive sales and high interest from players, the project received mixed reviews on Steam
Capcom has also implemented Russian voice acting for the first time in the series. This brings the characters to life, but the quality varies. Some of the characters are interesting, while others, especially Nata, can feel more annoying than engaging.
Improvements or simplifications?
The Monster Hunter series has always been known for its deep and strategic combat system, where each hunt requires planning, observation, and the right equipment. Wilds introduces a number of innovations that significantly change the flow of the game.
Overall, the visual component leaves a mixed impression.
One of the most notable changes is the wound system. When you hit a monster, you can create a wound on its body that can then be exploited for massive damage. This makes combat more visual and immediate, but at the same time it removes some of the tactical element. Previously, it was important to know exactly where and how to attack a monster. Now it’s more a matter of following the on-screen indicators.
Another big change is that gear selection has become less important. Previously, it was crucial to use the right armor and weapons to match your opponent, but in Wilds you can pretty much get by with any combination. This can be a positive for beginners, but for veterans it takes away a lot of the strategic depth.
Monster Hunter Wilds is by far the most beginner-friendly entry in the series.
To make the world more dynamic, Capcom has also introduced riding mounts called Seykrets. These allow you to travel faster across large areas, sharpen weapons while riding, and even dodge some attacks by jumping on them in the middle of combat. While this is convenient, it’s another step towards making the game easier and more streamlined.
Monster Hunter games are built for long-term play, with endgame content often as important as the main campaign. Wilds takes around 15-20 hours to complete, but what happens after that?
Overall, Monster Hunter Wilds is making solid progress, but there is a noticeable lack of content at launch that will be filled with future content updates.
Unfortunately, the endgame seems to be weaker than expected. The monster selection is smaller than in Monster Hunter World, and much of the endgame content consists of hunting modified versions of the same creatures. There are new monster species, but the total number is not impressive compared to previous games in the series.
Another issue is the introduction of a weapon system with randomly assigned attributes. Instead of being able to create precise builds based on planning and effort, players are now left relying on random upgrades. This can be frustrating, especially for those who want complete control over their character’s development.
Improved combat, more convenient controls, and detailed locations make every hunt special.
Several players have reported reaching Hunter Rank 60-70 and feeling like they have nothing new to do. On Steam, activity has dropped significantly since launch, which could indicate that many are abandoning the game earlier than expected.
Technical performance
Capcom has put a lot of effort into the animations and monster designs, but the game suffers from performance issues even on powerful PCs. The RE Engine, which was also used in Dragon’s Dogma 2, seems to have trouble handling large open worlds.
Frame rates vary, and some textures look surprisingly dated. Despite an optional 75GB texture pack, the improvements are minimal.
Another controversial decision is the imposed color filter, which gives the game a muted and faded aesthetic. Some players have found ways to disable it, but it’s a weakness that the game doesn’t offer this as a setting.
Don’t forget that the game requires powerful hardware, and the system requirements are far from reasonable.
Conclusion
Monster Hunter Wilds is a game with a lot of potential, but it doesn’t feel quite finished at launch. On the bright side, Capcom has introduced more detailed monsters, better animations, and a world that feels more alive. The combat is still exciting, and newcomers will find it easier to get into the series.
But at the same time, the game has compromised some of the things that made Monster Hunter unique. Simplifications in equipment, combat, and progression can make it less rewarding for experienced players. The endgame is thin, and the technical performance is not optimal.
For new players, Monster Hunter Wilds can be a nice introduction to the series, but veterans will likely miss the depth of previous games.
