Monster Hunter Wilds
The Hunting experience we crave, or a little too tame?
Introduction: A Digital Safari with a Twist
Monster Hunter Wilds feels like finally getting to go on that safari you’ve been dreaming about—only to find that the lions are more interested in a spot of tea than a chase.
It’s beautiful, expansive, and packed with creatures, but is it the thrilling hunt you were hoping for? Let’s unpack it, starting with the visuals, which are where this game truly roars.
Graphics and Performance: A Visual Feast, With a Few Hiccups
On Xbox Series X, Wilds is a stunner.
The environments are lush and detailed, making you feel like you’re in a living, breathing world.
The dynamic weather systems are particularly impressive, turning the landscape from serene to savage in the blink of an eye.
One moment you’re basking in the golden hues of a sunset, and the next, you’re dodging lightning strikes during a sandstorm.
It’s the kind of visual fidelity that makes you pause mid-hunt just to admire the view—perfect for a screenshot or two.
Performance-wise, it’s mostly smooth, but I did notice a few hiccups here and there, especially during intense multiplayer sessions.
However, for most players, it’s a solid experience, though purists might quibble over the occasional seam showing.
You can choose between resolution-first 30fps, balanced 40fps (which works best on FreeSync monitors), or performance-focused 60fps modes.
I always favour 60fps over extra resolution or graphical fidelity, so that’s what I stuck with throughout my gameplay.
The game is powered by Capcom’s RE Engine, the same used in Dragon’s Dogma 2, and it shows with seamless open worlds and plenty of flora and fauna, though some areas suffer from bogged down fps more than others, which when in a full online party is quite noticeable on the larger bosses.
However it does tend to always get back to it’s baseline and recover well, you will just notice those moments of ‘dragged’ hits for some of the big events.
Gameplay: Where’s the Challenge?
Now, onto the core of Monster Hunter, the hunting.
The loop is as addictive as ever—hunt monsters, craft better gear, hunt bigger monsters. But here’s the thing—Wilds seems to have taken a page from the “make it accessible” playbook a bit too much.
In over 50 hours of play, I think I failed a hunt less than 4 or 5 times, and that’s with a gear setup that wasn’t even optimised, just slap on whatever has bigger numbers till end game. I was taking down monsters in under 15 minutes.
It’s as if the monsters have all gone on strike, taking it easy while I collect their parts and brandish them into gear with minimal effort.
This accessibility is great for newcomers, but for veterans, it’s may be a bit of a letdown. The game introduces new features like Seikret mounts, which allow for quicker traversal and mid-hunt weapon swaps, adding a layer of strategy.
However, after a while, the mounts feel more like a chore than a fun addition. I remember one hunt where I was riding my Seikret, auto-running to a monster, and thinking, “This is convenient”, then he got stuck running in circles unsure where to go for 30 seconds straight.
The wound system, letting you target weak points for extra damage, keeps combat engaging and is one of my favourite additions. Nothing like breaking parts off, queueing up multitudes of wounds and then unleashing devastation on them.
This however does have some contention with making hunts easier than previous titles.
Monsters can be stunned or tripped so frequently that the thrill of the hunt is lost on some occasions.
In previous games, you’d need to carefully craft your gear to counter specific monster weaknesses. Here, it feels like you can slap on any old set and still come out on top for a majority of encounters.
It’s a shame, because the combat system itself is stellar, with 14 weapons returning and no enemy health bars to spoil the surprise.
Yet, the lack of challenge may seem to undermine the core premise of Monster Hunter for veterans. I found myself breezing through High Rank hunts without needing to upgrade my gear more than a handful of times, and even then, it was mostly for aesthetics, not survival.
It’s a double-edged sword: brilliant for those dipping their toes into the series, but for long-time fans, it could potentially be a smack in the face.
The game feels undercooked in terms of difficulty currently, which might harm its long-term appeal. I completed all base low-rank and high-rank content in about 45 hours solo, and with friends, it is even easier, probably clocking in at 30-40 hours.
Story and World: Still Lacking
The story still feels like an afterthought. It’s a tale of monsters and humans struggling to coexist in a world of duality, but the writing is mediocre, and the voice acting is over the top. Nothing new for MH franchise, we are all about gameplay!
There’s a child character whose motivations are nonsensical, and the post-credits content lacks stakes.
The initial campaign takes about 15 hours, which is roughly a third of the game, but the rest feels like filler, with little narrative drive.
The world, however, is where Wilds shines.
Powered by Capcom’s RE Engine, the environments are seamless and filled with life. The dynamic weather systems are a sight to behold, with landscapes changing from serene to savage in an instant.
I especially love the desert environments when fighting something like Rey Dau, lightning blazing against the shifting sands, sight to behold.
Still, exploring these vast, shifting lands is a joy, especially when you stumble upon a rare monster or a hidden campsite.
The character creator is as robust as ever, so you can spend ages perfecting your hunter’s look before even starting, which I did. This is also unlocking many people online recreating famous characters.
Multiplayer: Herding Cats, But Worth It
Monster Hunter has always been better with friends, and Wilds continues that tradition with robust multiplayer and cross-play functionality. Teaming up with hunters on PS5 or PC is seamless, and taking down a behemoth with a squad is as satisfying as ever.
However, setting up a hunt with friends can feel like navigating a labyrinth of menus. Private lobbies and linked parties are also available, but the system feels a bit archaic, even if it’s the best in the series.
Once you’re in a hunt, though, it’s a joy.
The ability to drop in and out via online matchmaking or summon NPC support with an SOS flare makes it easy to find help when you need it.
Multiplayer hunts are smoother than ever on Xbox Series X, though the setup process can be overwhelming at the start. Once you get used to the menu and how it all works, you’ll be set, but initially expect frustration.
Music and Customisation: The Little Touches
One unexpected detail is the excellent orchestral tunes, which really set the mood, especially during tense hunts. You can even customise the BGM in your tent, which I found oddly satisfying, swapping out tracks to match my mood.
Gear looks are another highlight, with plenty of options for personalisation, though there’s a hint of monetisation with cosmetic add-ons and vouchers, which might raise an eyebrow or two.
However I’ll take it over content locking monetisation any day.
Final Verdict: A Wild Ride, But Not Without Its Tame Moments
In summary, Monster Hunter Wilds is a beautiful, very accessible entry into the series that might just be a bit too easy for its own good sometimes.
It’s perfect for those looking to dip their toes into monster hunting without getting overwhelmed, but long-time fans might find themselves wishing for a bit more challenge and depth, particularly in the gear grind department.
With its stunning visuals, engaging new features like Seikret mounts, and the sheer joy of exploring its dynamic world, it’s hard not to get lost in the wilds.
If you’re a newcomer, this is the perfect starting point.
If you’re a veteran, you might need to grind and get ready for the inevitable “Master Rank” update to crank up the difficulty.
Either way, Wilds is a solid addition, even if it doesn’t quite roar as loudly as you’d expect. It's still absolutely addicting and I’m still sitting here grinding for my final armour set and bow. Getting ready to min-max my build as best as I can.
It’s a game that’s likely to devour your time if it gets its claws in, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving a bit more bite to go with all that bark.