Monster Hunter Wilds promises an exciting evolution of the Monster Hunter series, blending the best elements of Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Rise. With a beta test available from October 31 to November 3 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC/Steam users (until 8 PM PST), my partner and I eagerly dove in to see what this new installment had to offer.
So, what is Monster Hunter Wilds all about? The game begins by introducing your character, who is sent to the mysterious “Forbidden Lands”—a forbidden region closed off for over a thousand years. One of the most striking features of the game is its improved character interaction. The protagonist now engages in more meaningful conversations with NPCs, adding depth to the story and bringing your character to life in a way never seen before. The action kicks off quickly, with a dramatic rescue of a person riding a creature, escaping from a horde of monsters.
Before diving into the full experience, the beta grants access to all 14 weapons, and we tested out four of them: the Bow, Insect Glaive, Hunting Horn, and Hammer. Alongside you is Seikret, a new companion that enhances the Palamute from Monster Hunter Rise. Seikret allows you to switch between two weapons and acts as a portable item box, supplying essential quest items like first-aid meds and rations. Additionally, Seikret comes equipped with an auto-tracking AI that helps guide you through the environment, marking monsters or items based on your objectives.
Once the demo is completed, you’re ready to embark on a full-fledged monster-hunting adventure, uncovering hidden creatures and exploring the vast, open-world environments that Monster Hunter Wilds offers.
Now, let’s take a closer look at what else Monster Hunter Wilds brings to the table:
Pros:
- Immersive Gameplay – Every creature and monster behaves in unique, realistic ways.
- Engaging Storytelling – A deeper narrative with more dynamic NPC interactions.
- Open World Environments – Explore vast, beautifully crafted open-world settings.
- Character Voice Lines – Your protagonist now speaks, adding depth to interactions.
- Active NPCs – NPCs fulfill their roles and contribute meaningfully to the world.
- Intuitive Hunter Notes and Tutorials – Helpful features for both new players and veterans.
- Smooth Animations and Movement – Player actions flow seamlessly in combat and exploration.
- Skippable End-of-Quest Results – Skip the end-of-quest screen to get back into the action faster.
- Camp Creation – Set up camps across the map using Research Tech Points.
- Improved Mounting Mechanics – Smoother and more intuitive mounting system.
Play with Friends:
- Easy Co-Op – Join friends for hunts or expeditions with minimal hassle.
- Link Parties – Form link parties and invite friends with the “Communications” tab.
New Weapon Mechanics:
- Bow – New mechanics bring fresh playstyles with abilities like the Trick Gauge, Tracer Arrows, and revamped combos.
- Hammer – A new focus strike combo, enabling fast spins that make it easier to target monster heads.
- Insect Glaive – Attacks in Focus mode now let your kinsect attack alongside you. New moves like Focus Thrust and Leaping Strike offer new strategies for gaining red, white, and orange extracts.
- Hunting Horn – New overhead smash extension and dynamic performance mechanics like Perfect Performances, Echo Bubbles, and Reverb.
- Claw – The Claw makes a return with new mechanics, allowing you to grab pods from monsters like Screamer Pods, streamlining the crafting process.
Cons:
- High System Requirements – PC/Steam users may experience higher CPU and RAM usage, potentially leading to performance issues.
- Optimization – The game isn’t as optimized on PC compared to PS5 and Xbox Series X, which may result in lower graphics quality and occasional performance hiccups.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, the Monster Hunter Wilds Beta is a thrilling demo, offering an exciting preview of what’s to come. Whether you’re playing solo or teaming up with friends, there’s plenty to enjoy. I can’t wait to get my hands on the full game—the Wilds are calling, and it’s time to hunt!
Score: 9/10
