Xbox Exclusive: Monster Hunter Wilds Review
Monster Hunter Wilds is the latest installment in Capcom's Monster Hunter franchise, released on February 28, 2025, for Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and PC. It serves as a successor to Monster Hunter: World and continues the series' tradition of action-packed co-op gameplay with significant new features and enhancements.
Key Features of Monster Hunter Wilds:
- Setting and Story: Players explore the "Forbidden Lands," a dynamic wilderness filled with diverse biomes like the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest. The story follows a Research Commission investigating this uncharted territory, featuring a fully voiced narrative for the first time in the series.
- Living Ecosystem: The game introduces seasonal changes and environmental dynamics that affect monster behavior and resource availability. Monsters interact with each other and their surroundings, creating a more immersive experience.
- New Gameplay Mechanics:
- The Seikret, a bird-like mount, allows players to traverse difficult terrain, sharpen weapons on the go, and switch between two weapons during hunts.
- A Focus mode enables targeted attacks on specific monster body parts for strategic combat advantages.
- All 14 weapon types from previous games return with new moves and abilities.
- Multiplayer and Crossplay: Supports up to four-player co-op across platforms. Solo players can enlist AI-controlled Support Hunters or launch SOS flares for assistance.
- Accessibility: Includes options like replacing spider-like creatures with amorphous blobs for players with arachnophobia.
Reception and Anticipation:
The game builds on the success of Monster Hunter: World, which brought the franchise into mainstream popularity. It was first announced at The Game Awards 2023, showcasing stunning visuals and dynamic gameplay in its trailer.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available for $69.99 in physical and digital formats, with pre-order bonuses like layered armor sets and charms.