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Everyone seems to be having a blast each time a new Monster Hunter comes out. The mass hysteria is real, and it seems like each time, a new sales record gets broken. It’s a big IP, and Monster Hunter Wilds is undoubtedly the biggest game yet. It’s Capcom’s flagship, one of their biggest earners. Literally too big to fail.
When I think of Monster Hunter, another monster hunting games comes to mind — Pokémon. It’s similar in more ways than one. In it you also hunt for rare creatures, although you generally don’t skin them at the end of a battle. But even more similar is how its fans are able to close their eyes to potential issues.
The trajectories of Monster Hunter Wilds and Pokémon underscore a growing industry reality — technical polish no longer dictates commercial success for established franchises. Capcom’s struggles with RE Engine optimization and Game Freak’s persistent technical debt highlight how market leaders can leverage brand loyalty to ship deeply flawed products, provided core gameplay loops remain compelling. That — gameplay loop — is something both perfected, and it continues to serve as a shield against criticism.
Let’s start with the positives. If you’re into the series, you’ll love this one. It’s the gameplay loop everyone is after, right?
There’s a wild, unbridled energy at play in Monster Hunter Wilds. Capcom’s latest entry in its storied franchise straddles a fine line between evolution and familiar form, offering hunters a combat system as fluid as a well-rehearsed dance.
Wilds’ combat system is one of the most polished in the series. Weapon mechanics feel refined, with smooth combos and strategic depth. The lance benefits from improved guard options and mobility, while the great sword and hammer retain their weighty, high-damage playstyles. The introduction of Focus Mode enhances fights by rewarding precision, making battles more engaging without slowing down their pacing.
While the streamlined campaign progression makes it easier to advance, some veteran players will feel the lack of higher-tier difficulty options — at least at launch — reduces the need for strategic preparation. Tempered monsters return, adding replayability without making fights overly drawn out. Endgame hunts remain challenging, but the main story encounters are generally less punishing than in previous titles.
Wilds places a greater emphasis on storytelling than past Monster Hunter games. The narrative follows a Guild expedition into the Forbidden Lands, an uncharted region filled with extinct species and lost civilizations. The characters, including Nata and Fabius, provide more personality and emotional stakes than in prior entries. Dialogue and cutscenes are better integrated into the experience, making the story feel more cohesive.
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However, some narrative inconsistencies remain. The game presents hunters as essential protectors of the ecosystem, yet the reliance on them feels exaggerated given the capabilities of other characters. And if we’re being honest, the level of writing here remains kindergarten-level at best. In the first 50 minutes alone I counted more logical inconsistencies than I believed possible. The addition of talking cat companions with cutesy voices (Palicoes traditionally communicated through a language known as “Felyne,” which consists of meows and growls. While they were depicted as being able to understand and respond to human commands, they did not speak human languages) and Minions-style writing (“Can we get out of here? I almost wet my fur”) only adds to the bad impression. I see no reason to defend this: it’s bad, this writing is bad, and it’s hard to defend it. But hey, players at least have the option to revert Palicoes to speaking only in Felyne language
The game’s monster roster includes a mix of returning creatures and new additions. Designs are diverse, avoiding repetitive encounters. Visual and sound design enhance these encounters, making each monster feel distinct. That is where the game is at its strongest.
Environmental interactions have also been expanded. The Seikret mount helps with traversal, though occasional pathfinding issues disrupt movement. Some long-standing frustrations remain, such as monsters fleeing too often, leading to extended downtime during hunts.
On consoles, Wilds generally runs well but has notable technical inconsistencies. The PS5 version struggles to maintain stable performance across its graphical modes. The Framerate mode often dips below 60 FPS, while the Balanced mode suffers from uneven frame pacing. The most stable option is the 30 FPS Resolution mode, but it introduces a noticeable input delay. And let’s be honest, the game does not look good. At all. I find it hard to believe that a AAA title from one of the biggest publishers can be released in such a state. Low-res textures, choppy framerates and an uneven lighting model are just a letdown. Titles like Horizon Forbidden West make a mockery of what is here.
Verdict
Monster Hunter Wilds is a strong entry in the franchise, refining combat and expanding its narrative ambitions. Its weapon mechanics and monster designs are among the best in the series, and accessibility improvements make it more welcoming for new players. However, technical issues, UI friction, and skill system limitations hold it back from reaching its full potential. With post-launch updates, it could solidify itself as a standout title, but in its current state, it remains an impressive yet imperfect evolution of the Monster Hunter formula.
