5 reasons to be excited for Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds is the next installment in Capcom's action RPG franchise. The game will be released on February 28, 2025. While being a part of a prominent video game IP has already built enough anticipation for the game, its trailers and other marketing material show other promising features coming to the latest installment.

Here are the various reasons fans should be excited for Monster Hunter Wilds.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.

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5 reasons you should be excited for Monster Hunter Wilds

1) Focus Mode and Wound System

Focus mode can be a great way to target a particular part of the monster (Image via Capcom)

One of the many new features coming to Monster Hunter Wilds is its Focus Mode. The mode provides precise control over your actions. When in Focus Mode, the player will guard or attack in the direction the camera is facing, which is great for players who want to direct their attacks on specific parts of the body that might have bigger hitboxes.

Another mechanic that dovetails with Focus is the new Wound system. In Wilds, if you repeatedly attack the monster in one part of the body, they will start developing wounds. Further attacking these parts will inflict more damage, adding a layer of skillful execution to the fights.

Focus strikes are special blows that will deal massive damage and stagger enemies if they connect with the wound. Note that it will also destroy the weak spot.

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2) A brand new map

The game will feature a new world map (Image via Capcom)

Monster Hunter Wilds sports a brand new world map. While the game would still be set in the Fobidden Lands, the game would host various distinct and unique biomes. As of now, three biomes have been revealed — Winward Plains, Scarlet Forest, and Oilwell Basin.

Another interesting change in the map is that biomes can now experience three seasons. All three biomes will look somewhat distinct during these seasons: Plenty, which would be lush and vivid, Fallow, a bit more dull, and Inclemency, which would be the most dangerous weather to venture out on in Monster Hunter Wilds.

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3) Armor is no longer gender-locked

Armor can be worn by any character irrespective of gender (Image via Capcom)

One of the much-asked changes that was finally implemented in Wilds is how armor works. Essentially, it will no longer be connected to a gender in the game. This means players can wear any type of armor without worrying about their player character's gender.

While the designers can still create gender-based variants of the armors, it wouldn't be limited to a particular sect, allowing players to mix and match different elements of a costume.

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4) A seamless open-world

Wilds brings one big connected open world (Image via Capcom)

While the earlier Monster Hunter games have been open-world, they usually operated based on a few large regions being together. Monster Hunter Wilds, however, brings the IP to true open-world sensibilities. This means the time utilized for returning to the hub world to undertake a new hunt will be extremely short.

Players will be able to change their target animals mid-missions, allowing for more player flexibility. This new change can also allow players to undertake multiple quests simultaneously and complete them in one outing. Removing the sense of linearity can also make the world feel more alive and dynamic, where monsters can more realistically interact with each other.

Another change to aid the open world is the addition of a backup weapon, which you can mount on your ride, allowing you some leeway for preparing your build in the game.

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5) A brand new story

The title features a new cast of characters (Image via Capcom)

Monster Hunter Wilds focuses on you and your allies trying to explore the Forbidden Lands, as a young survivor found at its border serves as an inciting incident for the expedition. You, as a hunter must hunt the various monsters roaming in the locales of the Forbidden Lands, and use their harvest to build new weapons and armor.

The game also introduces a new cast of characters, Alma, who will be the guild-appointed handler who will provide us with information about our hunts. Gemma, the smithy, will spend the majority of time crafting new weapons and armor. Fabius, the leader of the Hunter's Guild, and Nata, the titular young boy will play a key role in the campaign.