The Monster Hunter franchise has been around for over two decades, debuting on the PS2 in 2004. While it was an instant hit in Japan, it wasn’t until 2018’s Monster Hunter: World that the series gained massive popularity in the West. The rise of the Soulslike genre helped modern players appreciate the challenge and depth of Monster Hunter’s mechanics.
The latest installment, Monster Hunter Wilds, doesn’t redefine the series as drastically as World did, but it introduces several key improvements that make it more accessible and engaging for both newcomers and veterans. Here are the biggest changes.
1. A Bigger Story—and You Can Talk
Storytelling has never been the focus of Monster Hunter, but Wilds integrates narrative elements more than ever before. Every hunt connects to the overarching mystery surrounding Nata’s village, The White Wraith, and the Forbidden Lands.
For the first time, players can speak—not just through generic phrases like “Right” or “Let’s Go,” but with more meaningful dialogue. While other characters still refer to them as “Hunter” due to naming limitations, this enhancement adds depth to interactions. Even Palicos have more to say this time around, making the world feel more immersive.
2. Wounds and Focus Mode—Weaken Monsters Faster
While Monster Hunter games traditionally lack enemy health bars, Wilds introduces a Wound system to provide visual feedback. Attacking a monster repeatedly opens glowing weak spots that players can target in Focus Mode, dealing critical damage. Additionally, these Wounds make it easier to collect materials, reducing the need for repetitive hunts to craft gear. This system streamlines both combat and resource gathering.
3. Seikrets—A New Mount System
Mounts weren’t introduced until Monster Hunter Rise, which featured Palamutes—dog-like companions that provided both combat assistance and fast traversal. In Wilds, Palamutes are replaced by Seikrets, creatures resembling a mix between a lizard and a Final Fantasy Chocobo.
While Seikrets may not be as cute, they are faster and come equipped with side bags, allowing players to swap weapons and items on the go. This eliminates the need to return to camp frequently, adding more strategic flexibility to hunts.
4. A.I. Hunters—Help Without Relying on Online Co-op
One of the biggest improvements in Wilds is the addition of AI-controlled hunters. After firing an SOS Flare, NPC companions can join the battle, dealing significant damage, distracting monsters, and providing buffs or healing.
While co-op remains one of the best aspects of the series, not everyone has a stable internet connection or wants to rely on online teammates. These AI hunters offer a viable alternative, making solo play more manageable and enjoyable.
5. Cooking Your Own Meals—Palico Chefs Take a Break
In previous games, Palicos played a major role in preparing meals at home base, providing buffs before hunts. Watching these master chefs at work was a highlight in Monster Hunter: World.
In Wilds, cooking is now a player-controlled feature. Meals are prepared in tents, allowing for quick stat boosts without relying on in-game restaurants. While it may lack the charm of watching Palicos cook, it saves time and resources, making it a practical improvement.
6. Expanded Customization—From Armor to Camps
Customization has always been a fan-favorite aspect of Monster Hunter, and Wilds takes it further. Players can remove individual armor pieces—beyond just helmets—without losing set bonuses. Layered armor now allows full transmogrification, enabling hunters to maintain their preferred stats while looking stylish.
Beyond character customization, Wilds introduces pop-up tent locations for fast travel. These tents can be personalized with different colors and furniture, adding a small but welcome touch of creativity to camp setups. While not as extensive as settlement-building in other RPGs, this feature enhances immersion and player expression.
