Highlights

  • Monster Hunter Wilds could completely change the formula of the series by introducing a dynamic weather system and an ever-evolving environment.
  • The game may not have any entirely safe areas, as even towns and camps could be vulnerable to attacks from monsters and environmental hazards.
  • Despite the potential changes, certain key elements like towns, camps, smithies, and quest boards are likely to make a return, but with added layers of unpredictability.

The Monster Hunter series is known for maintaining several key elements in each game over the years. There are towns to explore where hunters can prepare their loadout, eat a hearty meal, drink to their heart's content, and socialize with NPCs and other players. This is juxtaposed by the harsh fight for survival that hunters undertake when they set out into the wilderness. There are also generally camps out in the wild that players can use as a sort of forward operating base to respawn, recollect themselves, and restock items. Monster Hunter Wilds looks to be the first game in the series where this formula could be drastically different.

The first announcement trailer for Monster Hunter Wilds presented the game as being the next evolution of the franchise in terms of game engine, graphics, gameplay, and more. Following the open environment approach of Monster Hunter World, Wilds seems to be taking things a step further. Possibly being the first completely open-world Monster Hunter game, Wilds looks to include a dynamic weather system in an ever-evolving environment. If this is the case, the traditional format of safe towns and camps may be turned on its head.

Monster Hunter Wilds Trailer Logo
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How Monster Hunter Wilds Can Change The Formula

Why Monster Hunter Wilds Could Be So Different

If the world of Monster Hunter Wilds is truly open and truly evolving, then there might be no entirely safe area. As the initial trailer for Monster Hunter Wilds showcased environmental hazards like sandstorms and lighting, there's no telling what other surprises could be in store. Things like heavy rain, flooding, wind gusts, and more could all be potentially deadly elements in the environment alone. Though towns would likely still be fortified, these types of weather hazards could potentially still force players to be more alert than ever before.

Aside from just the weather, there is also the wildlife to worry about. There could be entire herds of monsters that move on their own, and an ecosystem that exists separate from the hunts players take on. Even if safe areas are fortified and inhabited by NPCs like in the past, as Monster Hunter Rise's Rampages showed, monsters can still attack towns. Players are likely going to have to be more resourceful than ever in this new and wild world.

How Monster Hunter Wilds Could Perfect Past Features

Although the world in Monster Hunter Wilds is likely to be more immersive and dangerous than any game of the past, there will still probably be many of the elements of past games making a return. Hub towns will most likely still be similar places to relax and prepare before going out into the world, but may now have other engaging elements like occasional monster attacks to consider. The same goes for camps. Perhaps now players will be able to set them up anywhere they choose, and will have to choose carefully or risk them being destroyed.

A few essentials that likely won't go away:

  • Town/Hub
  • Smithy/Workshop
  • Felyne Kitchen/Canteen
  • Quest boards
  • Camps

Each of these series staples has the opportunity to be more immersive and engaging than ever by adding a layer of unpredictability to the weather and monster habits. As shown in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate and World, there are airships used by the people of the Monster Hunter universe. Perhaps to maintain a quiet and peaceful hub that is always safe from danger, Wilds will have a main town that is on one of these airships. Whatever ends up being the case in Wilds, it certainly has the opportunity to push the boundaries of Monster Hunter into interesting new territories.