Monster Hunter Wilds is on the Easier Side, and That’s Okay

When someone mentions “Monster Hunter,” two ideas usually pop into my head – the fearsome monsters and situations it promises, which might enrage me, yet keep me hooked. Notably, I often ponder whether that infamous Rathalos would appear due to my deep-seated loathing for it. Therefore, while “Monster Hunter Wilds” evoked a variety of emotions among numerous gamers – the vast landscapes teeming with native creatures, the combat reminiscent of “World” and overall atmosphere – I found myself apprehensive about the potential hurdles (yet secretly excited for them as well).

As a gamer, after sinking about 56 hours into this game, I must admit I’m left feeling a bit underwhelmed by the overall experience. I won’t delve too much into the time it took to conquer Low Rank, the so-called “story” section of the game, or High Rank, where they promise things get intense. But let me tell you, it wasn’t even close to the investment needed in World. I had hoped the endgame would make up for this and offer a variety of tough battles, particularly the Tempered Monsters. However, that dream was short-lived. Don’t get me wrong; there are some challenging endgame monsters, but as my review mentioned, I found only two or three truly exceptional ones.

Keep in mind that initially, I had my doubts if it was only my perception, but interestingly enough, other reviews have stated that the game “Monster Hunter World” seems to be less challenging than anticipated. The explanations provided are quite captivating.

For instance, one Reddit post mentioned that it had become simpler for players like myself, no longer novices in the game of Hunter, since we were no longer tossed around as if playing World. Now that we’re accustomed to the fundamental mechanics and weapons, we are better prepared to tackle the challenges posed by the Wilds. Initially, when World debuted, many dedicated players lamented how much easier it was compared to earlier games. The idea of moving while applying buffs or healing seemed implausible!

Additionally, there were other factors such as improved hitboxes and enhanced gameplay smoothness. However, some hits that left me bewildered, I can concede on both points. In terms of gameplay, this is arguably the most seamless Monster Hunter experience to date, encompassing Perfect Guarding, counter-attacks, and altering attack directions during combos, all made possible by Focus Mode. Focus Strikes also bring an enticing new layer to combat, rewarding the targeting of specific body parts – a fundamental part of the series’ combat mechanics – and causing significant damage upon destruction.

In essence, the Seikret and its self-navigating feature, the ability to enjoy life amenities such as dining and camping anywhere, saving hunts as Investigations, and the AI assistance for fellow hunters all contribute to a more seamless gaming experience. Having survived in the previous game, World, I can’t help but appreciate these new additions in Wilds, acknowledging potential concerns about streamlining the series, yet understanding their purpose.

Despite encountering minimal conflicts, either battling a Chatacabra Club against an Ajarakan without facing any significant issues or engaging in skirmishes that were over too quickly, my review failed to fully capture my intended meaning. In actuality, I was referring to the fact that the longest and most demanding hunts didn’t last more than 20 minutes.

Although your experience might differ, using subpar equipment and limited objectives left me feeling unfulfilled. Surprisingly, the challenge would have been even greater with better gear and targets. Despite clocking over 56 hours (and still counting), I found myself contemplating quitting and moving to another project. However, something extraordinary occurred.

I learned to stop worrying and appreciate the experience.

Instead of sticking to one approach, I’ve been fine-tuning my strategies against the most challenging Tempered beasts. This involves testing the optimal moments for employing specific combos and powerful attacks. I’ve engaged them in various environments, from cramped hallways to slopes, each presenting its own share of camera challenges. At times, I opted to forego Focus Strikes, focusing instead on attacking Wounds and timing comparisons. On other occasions, I introduced different weapon types into my playstyle. Battling a monster with Sword and Shield, then switching to a Greatsword when they’re asleep for wake-up damage and extra blows was incredibly rewarding.

This strategy expanded my perspective on weapon types I typically overlooked, such as the Greatsword, finding joy in the altered gameplay style while continuing to seek opportunities for counter-attacks. The Gunlance, too, has been enlightening due to its sheer fun factor. The adjustments in skill-building led me to consider innovative strategies beyond just increasing Attack Up, Critical Eye, and Weakness Exploit. My newfound self-assurance even has me considering experimenting with higher-potential skills like Heroics to see if they can reduce my hunt times.

Regardless of my initial feelings about the complexity, I acknowledge that this is a fresh Monster Hunter title, which implies a fresh start. While it’s tempting to tease about the lack of challenging content for the sake of future expansions (and considering the past two releases, there might be some truth to that), I can also understand this could be someone’s first Monster Hunter game, just like World was for me and Rise was for another player. With all the new features and a more guided Low Rank experience, many players will still find it difficult even to complete High Rank.

What makes Monster Hunter truly special is its overall design, rather than focusing on the scarcity of opponents and expressing dissatisfaction, I prefer to admire all the other elements that contribute to the gameplay. The intricacy of the weapons and their associated mechanics, particularly the innovations introduced in Wilds. Experimenting with various builds and perfecting existing ones. Striving for the ideal Artian Weapon upgrade. Assisting fellow players. Savoring the engaging combat because it’s enjoyable.

Additionally, I’ve developed a newfound admiration for the intricate details that have been meticulously built into the diverse settings of Wilds. Despite some criticisms regarding the visual aspects of the console versions, there’s an undeniable grandeur present, even in the tiniest details. Observing herds carrying out their daily routines, or the unique wildlife, or how raindrops create splashes against the surrounding flora – it’s mesmerizing and deepens my understanding of several key themes.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but wonder how Capcom will continue to enrich Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak post-launch. While the current roadmap provides a glimpse into what’s coming, I have no doubt that the developers will spring some unexpected treats or limited-time quests to challenge both seasoned players and newcomers alike. Just like it was with World and Rise, surprises are part of the Monster Hunter experience, and I expect Wilds to follow suit. The more things evolve, the more they stay the same, and my adventures in the Forbidden Lands have taught me that change is inevitable. The good old days may be behind us, but there’s no reason not to cherish the present and embark on a new adventure with this exciting generation of Hunters. Let’s see where our journey takes us!

Please remember that the opinions stated within this article belong to the author individually, and they may not align with the broader perspectives of GamingBolt as a whole.

2025-03-03 14:11

Read More