Monster Hunter Wilds is a fantastic iteration of an addictive formula — but don’t expect a killer story

Monster Hunter is exactly what it sounds like: The character-created protagonist, a master of 14 different weapon types, takes on an assortment of creatures that range from moderately large to outright colossal.

The loop is simple: bring them down, carve up their parts and use the gathered resources to forge better gear for the next hunt. Don’t be surprised if it’s an even bigger target than before. 

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After 40 hours with Monster Hunter Wilds, the latest addition to the long-running franchise, it feels like a careful mix of the previous two instalments.

It takes some streamlined sensibilities from 2021’s portable-focused Rise, and peppers in the grander scale of 2018’s World (Capcom’s best-selling title to date, as a matter of interest). The result is a fantastic iteration of the addictive formula fans have grown to love and crave over Monster Hunter’s now two-decade history – even if there are a few piles of dung along the way.

Monster Hunter Wilds starts in the Forbidden Lands, a place that many thought had been abandoned for the past millennium. At least until a small boy turns up unexpectedly in its vast, seemingly desolate plains. This mysterious playground is packed with creatures and promises undeniable thrills when fighting them... Or, this latest location is the perfect place to conduct research on the strange weather patterns and ensure the continued existence of a balanced ecosystem. That’s it, no hunting necessary, unless one of the beasts just so happens to put one teeny, tiny claw out of line...

While Capcom is no doubt pushing for something more this time around, the core premise of Monster Hunter Wilds, although promising, is weighed down by shaky plot points that exist solely to lead from one hunt to the next. The overall execution leaves a lot to be desired, too, feeding players a constant barrage of short cinematics and forced “ride-and-talk” segments. Add the fact that the game only really opens up at the 15- to 20-hour mark and you’ve got a dish that may frustrate any hunter, especially veterans who want to cut straight to the juicy bits.

But patience is rewarded.

That upfront time investment is a small price to pay for the dozens, if not hundreds of hours of enjoyment that follow. And besides, nobody is playing this title for its killer story: it’s the spectacle of the fight, and they’re better than ever in Monster Hunter Wilds.

Beyond the main narrative and a slew of side-missions, players can explore the interconnected hubs at their own pace, typically choosing targets based on the weapon or armour set they’re working towards. Once a field survey is locked in, it’s time to hop on a dependable Seikret. Inspired by Rise’s dog-like Palamutes, this new mountable pal – similar to Final Fantasy’s Chocobo – adds much-appreciated mobility. 

Seikrets will drive to the designated monster, on autopilot and at speed if desired, freeing players to drink in the dense environments, and remotely loot flora and fauna en route thanks to a trusty slinger tool. On the combat front, weapons can be sharpened on the move, and life-saving potions can be consumed too, which is, of course, super handy when you’ve got an angry monster looking to make you its next meal. 

Not because it was provoked first or anything. Don’t be ridiculous. 

Monster Hunter Wilds is a sharpened iteration of previous instalments. (Photos: Supplied)