Capcom’s latest addition to the Monster Hunter franchise, Monster Hunter Wilds, brings fresh mechanics, stunning environments, and smoother gameplay. But does it have the challenge longtime fans crave?
Monster Hunter Wilds arrives as the next big leap for Capcom’s iconic series, promising a more immersive and seamless experience. It builds on the success of Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Rise, streamlining combat, movement, and exploration. However, while it introduces a lot of quality-of-life improvements, some veterans of the series may find it a little too accessible.
A More Streamlined Experience
From the moment you set foot in Wilds, it’s clear that Capcom has worked hard to eliminate any unnecessary friction from the experience. The days of returning to a village after every hunt are over; instead, everything you need is out in the field. The world seamlessly connects across vast, visually breathtaking environments, ranging from scorching deserts to icy mountaintops. The weather system brings dynamic changes, altering monster behaviors and adding variety to each hunt.
The new Focus Mode allows players to hone in on specific monster parts, making combat feel more precise and rewarding. The introduction of AI Support Hunters is another welcome addition, especially for solo players who want competent allies in the field.
A Campaign That Finally Feels Engaging
Monster Hunter games have never been known for their storytelling, but Wilds takes a step forward. While the overarching plot still revolves around an environmental mystery, the characters are actually compelling. From Gemma, the energetic engineer, to Alma, the empathetic handler, Wilds offers a lively supporting cast that makes the campaign more engaging than previous entries.
That said, the campaign is noticeably shorter. Clocking in at about 15 hours, it’s a far cry from the 40+ hours many spent in Monster Hunter: World’s main story. While this makes it more accessible for newcomers, hardcore players might find themselves reaching the credits far too quickly.
Combat: Faster and More Fluid
The core of Monster Hunter, hunting massive creatures and crafting powerful gear, remains exhilarating. Wilds refines combat with smoother animations, more responsive controls, and new Focus Strikes that let players target and wound specific monster parts. The game also introduces mount-based combat, allowing for quicker mobility and creative attacks mid-chase.
However, the difficulty has been significantly toned down. Even late-game monsters lack the brutal challenge that made past titles so satisfying. In over 40 hours of play, many players report rarely fainting, which is almost unheard of in a series known for its punishing difficulty.
Post-Game and Endgame Concerns
Veterans will likely find the endgame lacking. Unlike previous games, where farming high-tier materials and optimizing gear was essential, Wilds offers an unusually generous drop rate for rare items. As a result, players can craft top-tier armor and weapons far too quickly, removing much of the grind that made past Monster Hunter titles so rewarding.
Additionally, Capcom’s post-launch roadmap has raised concerns. The studio has only announced one new monster for Spring 2025 and another for Summer. Compared to Monster Hunter Rise, which received six new monsters within its first month, Wilds’ update schedule feels slow. If Capcom doesn’t introduce new challenges, difficult hunts, and more variety, it risks losing long-term player engagement.
Final Verdict: Fun, but Needs More Depth
Monster Hunter Wilds is a beautifully crafted, highly accessible entry in the franchise that excels in making the hunting experience faster and smoother than ever before. However, its lack of difficulty and shorter campaign might leave longtime fans craving more. While it’s an absolute joy to play, its longevity depends on whether Capcom delivers meaningful post-launch content.
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