Monster Hunter Wilds, developed and published by CAPCOM Co., Ltd, marks the next evolution of the iconic action-RPG franchise, released on 28th February for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows. Stepping into a new generation of monster-slaying adventures, Wilds promises an expansive world, deeper ecosystems, and refined mechanics built for next-gen hardware. But does this latest hunt capture the raw thrill and scale that defines the series—or is it just another beast in familiar clothing? I’ve been diving into the Steam release to find out.
Same Hunt, Smoother Ride
If you’re new to the Monster Hunter franchise and considering Wilds as your entry point, here’s what you’re in for: big monsters, even bigger weapons, and a whole lot of hunting. It’s a gameplay loop that thrives on preparation, patience, and execution. You’ll track your target, learn its behaviour, gear up accordingly, and face off in a fight where every swing counts. Once it clicks, it’s an experience unlike anything else.
For long-time players, Monster Hunter Wilds will feel familiar, but it’s clear that Capcom has taken steps to improve the flow of gameplay without losing the series’ identity. The controls feel noticeably more responsive, making everything from dodging to combo execution more intuitive. Movement during and outside of combat feels smoother, and overall, there’s a welcome reduction in the friction that sometimes held back earlier titles.
Combat is a clear standout. It feels faster and more dynamic, yet retains the weight and tactical depth fans expect. I’ve been using the Sword and Shield throughout my playthrough. It’s often recommended for beginners due to its balance of offense and defence, but it also serves as a great way to get used to the updated mechanics. It offers just enough speed and flexibility to experiment while still being highly effective.
All 14 weapon types return, giving players a wide variety of playstyles to explore. Whether you prefer slow, heavy-hitting weapons like the Great Sword or more agile tools like the Insect Glaive, there’s something here for every kind of hunter. Personally, I’ve always enjoyed mixing things up mid-game, trying out different weapons just to keep things fresh and challenge myself in new ways.
A welcome addition in Wilds is the ability to equip a secondary weapon during hunts. By calling your mount, Skeiret, you can swap between your primary and secondary gear in real time. While this change may seem minor, it adds a level of flexibility that’s incredibly useful. No more restarting a hunt because you brought the wrong weapon for the job. During my time with the game, I’ve paired my Sword and Shield with a Bow as my backup. It’s a reliable option for ranged support during solo hunts, though I’ll soon be switching back to the Long Sword, which has been a personal favourite throughout the series.
Monster Hunter Wilds doesn’t try to reinvent the formula, but it polishes it in all the right places. It’s more accessible for newcomers while offering enough refinement to keep veterans engaged. Whether it’s your first hunt or your hundredth, there’s something deeply satisfying about how it all comes together.
Next-Gen Hunting Grounds
Visually, Monster Hunter Wilds is nothing short of stunning. Character models are the most detailed they’ve ever been, and that’s all thanks to the ever-reliable RE Engine. At this point, it’s no surprise the engine’s been going strong for nearly a decade, and it still refuses to show its age.
What really stood out to me was how Wilds takes that trademark slower, methodical pacing the series is known for and drops it into a world that feels faster, grander, and more alive than ever. The scale is huge, but it never sacrifices clarity or style for scope.
The environments? Absolutely breath-taking. Every corner of the world feels handcrafted, full of rich detail and atmospheric touches that kept pulling me in. I’ve been playing Monster Hunter since the original on PlayStation 2, and stuck with it through the handheld era too. Maybe it’s my age talking, but seeing how far this franchise has come genuinely blows me away.
There’s also a really thoughtful balance between realism and fantasy. Sure, you’re a regular human lugging around a weapon bigger than your body, but somehow it still works. It never feels cartoonish or like it’s leaning too far into anime territory. It fits because the world makes it fit.
Final Thoughts
Capcom has delivered a story that feels both personal and grand, with a world rich in lore and a narrative that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. For both new players and veterans, Monster Hunter Wilds offers a narrative that complements the heart-pounding hunts beautifully. There is a sense of urgency in some sections of the story, something unheard of in the history of the franchise.
Monster Hunter Wilds is a confident step forward for the series, blending the core elements that long-time fans love with thoughtful enhancements that make it more accessible than ever. Visually, it’s the most impressive the franchise has ever looked. The RE Engine continues to shine, delivering stunning environments and creature designs that make every hunt feel epic and immersive. Whether you’re admiring the sweeping vistas or studying a monster’s animations mid-fight, the level of detail is constantly impressive.
Gameplay-wise, Wilds sticks to the tried-and-true formula but refines it in all the right places. The improved controls, fluid combat, and new mechanics like secondary weapon swapping help streamline the experience without watering it down. Whether you’re a series veteran or a newcomer eager to jump in, there’s never been a better time to start hunting.
Capcom has managed to evolve the Monster Hunter experience without losing what makes it special. This is a game that respects your time, rewards your curiosity, and continually encourages you to grow as a hunter. Simply put, Monster Hunter Wilds is a triumph, both for the franchise and for action RPGs as a whole.