Monster Hunter Wilds Review — the Gateway Drug You Need?

Capcom most action-packed and allegedly accessible Monster Hunter entry, Monster Hunter Wilds, is here, but does it improve upon the solid foundation the franchise has established while also opening up the series to new fans?

As a top-down look at the game (and for those who may not have dipped a toe into the Monster Hunter world as of yet) the title is very self-explanatory. Players need to traverse a large open world, master their weapons, skills, and surroundings, and take down some truly terrifying creatures, all while harvesting their parts to build better and more durable armour, weapons, and accessories. Then you do it again. It’s great.

Where other Monster Hunter games throw you into the deep end, with just so much loot, menus, and mechanics that can be overwhelming, Wilds tries to slowly re-introduce you to the world, how everything works, and why it’s just so damn alluring to go after bigger and meaner monsters time and time again.

The series has tried some interesting things in recent years, but with Wilds, the focus is clearly on improving the core fundamentals of the game — most specifically the combat and ‘feel’ of the experience. Combat is much more weighty and responsive than before, and the timing and reactiveness of the weapons seem better than ever.

A new focus targeting system also allows you to keep enemy weak-points in sight, and use an enhanced movement system to get in for the kill or evade on a dime. Swords swing more seamlessly and accurately, spears can stab more punctually, and you can cancel these moves quickly if you see a monster coming in for a counter-attack (previously, you just had to take the hit).

This hunt-kill-upgrade-repeat gameplay loop now feels a lot more dynamic rather than the same thing again and again, making the quest to constantly hunt bigger and trickier monsters a whole lot more enjoyable. And the monsters themselves (always a highlight) don’t disappoint. Bigger, sneakier, and more challenging monsters that take to the skies, dig beneath the surface or just take you head on are some of the hurdles you’ll face, some of which have multiple phases and whip out some pretty epic powers or mutations as the fights progress.

The story itself is a highlight too. Whereas previously the series has a confusing and tacked-on narrative, Wilds is a lot more cinematic and character-driven, and the hunts do feel like action set-pieces of a bigger picture, rather than a simple gameplay loop.

Monster Hunter Wilds takes all the best bits from previous games — learns from some of their alienating mistakes too — and delivers the best and most enjoyable MH experience to date. It’s a familiar formula, but slicker, better, and more accessible than ever before.

Monster Hunter Wilds is available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.