AtanariaThe Monster Hunter series has always been about the thrill of the chase, the satisfaction of crafting new gear from your fallen foes, and the sheer spectacle of battling massive, awe-inspiring creatures. Monster Hunter Wilds continues this tradition, but with a more welcoming approach that streamlines the hunting experience like never before. While it excels in making every aspect of gameplay smoother, it also trims down the challenge so much that even the most fearsome monsters feel more like sparring partners than true threats.
A World That Breathes and Shifts
One of Wilds’ biggest draws is its expansive, interconnected world. No longer are you hopping between isolated zones with loading screens—each biome flows into the next, from sun-scorched deserts to icy peaks, creating a more immersive hunting ground. The dynamic weather system adds even more life to these environments, with landscapes transforming in dramatic ways. Watching a desert shift from a dusty wasteland to a storm-wracked battlefield and then bloom into a verdant oasis is breathtaking. While these changes don’t heavily impact gameplay, they do affect which monsters appear, keeping hunts fresh and visually spectacular.
Smoother Hunts, But at What Cost?
Wilds refines nearly every system that could have been considered tedious in previous games. The days of returning to town after every hunt to prepare for the next battle are gone—you now have everything you need right in the field. Food buffs last longer, loading screens are minimal, and Support Hunters (AI-controlled allies) ensure solo players never feel alone. The result is a game that prioritizes accessibility, letting you jump from one hunt to the next with almost no downtime.
However, in this pursuit of smoothness, Wilds has also removed much of the challenge that made past entries so rewarding. The campaign is surprisingly short, clocking in at just 15 hours—less than half of Monster Hunter: World’s main story runtime. Worse yet, not once did I find myself truly tested; I never hit a wall that forced me to rethink my strategy, upgrade my gear, or learn a monster’s moveset through trial and error. This lack of difficulty might make Wilds more inviting for newcomers, but veterans may find it disappointingly tame.
Combat That Feels Better Than Ever
Despite the reduced difficulty, Wilds delivers some of the most satisfying combat in the series. The introduction of Focus Mode allows for more precise targeting of monster parts, making it easier to create Wounds that increase damage. Weapon movesets feel smoother, with more forgiving animations that allow for mid-combo adjustments. The Insect Glaive, for instance, has been massively improved, making essence collection simpler and aerial attacks more intuitive, though the sheer number of button combinations can feel overwhelming.
The monster roster itself is another highlight, featuring both returning favorites and fresh newcomers. Creatures like the flamenco-inspired Lala Barina and the chain-limbed Arkveld bring exciting new mechanics, but the real standout is Nu Udra, the first octopus-like monster in the series. Its flaming tentacles create a dynamic, unpredictable fight that stands out even among the best battles in Monster Hunter’s history.
Endgame? More Like Ended Game
Once you reach Wilds’ post-game, things don’t get much tougher. Even with the introduction of Tempered monsters (stronger variants of existing creatures), the game still lacks the high-stakes encounters that made past entries so engaging. Farming for the best gear feels almost unnecessary when you can already steamroll through the toughest monsters without it. To make matters worse, Capcom’s update roadmap looks sparse, with only a single new monster planned for each of the next two seasons. If you’re waiting for Wilds to introduce true endgame challenges, you might be in for a long wait.
The Most Customizable Monster Hunter Yet
Where Wilds does shine is in its incredible level of customization. Players can swap between two weapons mid-hunt, tweak UI elements to their liking, and even personalize small details like mounts and fast-travel tents. The online experience is also vastly improved, with seamless co-op that allows players to roam together without having to reset between hunts. Cross-play support means no one is left out, making Wilds one of the most accessible and player-friendly Monster Hunter games to date.
A Great Hunt That Ends Too Soon
Monster Hunter Wilds is an exhilarating evolution of the franchise, offering some of the best combat, world design, and quality-of-life improvements to date. However, in its quest to be more approachable, it sacrifices much of the difficulty and depth that has long defined the series. The result is a game that’s an absolute joy to play but lacks the staying power of its predecessors. If Capcom can introduce more challenging post-launch content, Wilds has the potential to become one of the series’ greats. Until then, it’s a beautifully crafted, wonderfully fun, but ultimately fleeting experience.
