Launching on February 28, 2025, Monster Hunter Wilds already looks like it is going to be the biggest game in the series yet, with dynamic ecosystems, new mechanics, and a stronger focus on storytelling.
And with just days to go before release, reviews for Monster Hunter Wilds are rolling in! Critics and content creators who spent dozens (or even hundreds) of hours with the game have shared their thoughts on what Capcom got right, where the game excels, and the areas that might divide players.
So, is Monster Hunter Wilds the best Monster Hunter yet? Here is what the early reviews are saying.
A Bigger, More Immersive World… But Not Fully Open!
One of the biggest selling points of Wilds is its massive environments. Unlike past games, there are no loading screens between zones, and the world itself reacts to dynamic weather, different ecosystems, and seasonal changes. Many reviewers seem to praise how Wilds makes exploration more rewarding, especially since each map comes with unique biomes, endemic life, and secrets to uncover.
However, some note that even though its scale is massive, the game is not truly “open-world.” You are still launching hunts from town and fast-traveling between areas rather than seamlessly roaming the world like an RPG. Yes, exploration is more immersive than ever, but the core Monster Hunter gameplay loop remains intact.
A Story That Is More Involved, For Better or Worse
Capcom has clearly put more emphasis on storytelling this time around, with Wilds featuring a fully voiced protagonist and a structured narrative that unfolds throughout the game. The story follows a young boy whose village was attacked by a mysterious monster, the White Wraith. Your role as a hunter is to uncover the truth behind these events while navigating a complex world filled with different tribes and factions.
Some reviews seem to appreciate this added depth, stating it makes the game feel more immersive and gives players a greater sense of purpose. Others, however, find the story overly dramatic and packed with predictable moments, but noting that most Monster Hunter fans primarily care about the hunts rather than NPC dialogue anyway.
Hunting Feels Better Than Ever
If there is one thing everyone apparently agrees on, it is that Monster Hunter Wilds delivers where it matters most: the hunts.
Combat is great compared to previous titles, weapons feel better, and the addition of the Focus Mode, which lets you target specific monster wounds, adds a new layer of strategy. IGN praises the combat as ‘deeply satisfying,’ noting that ‘the act of carving (monsters) up has rarely felt better,’ with each weapon feeling more responsive than ever.
Many weapons have received new moves and adjustments, and the hit stop effect has also been improved to make attacks feel more meaty and satisfying.
Mounts also add an extra layer of fluidity, allowing you to travel faster, swap weapons mid-hunt, and even attack while riding.
A Stronger Multiplayer Focus, With Some Drawbacks
Multiplayer is at the heart of Monster Hunter Wilds, and many of the (currently released) reviews highlight the improvements to co-op play. The Party Link system makes teaming up with friends easier than ever, and large 100-player lobbies allow for a more social experience.
That said, the game still has a few issues in that regard, especially when it comes to story-based multiplayer. Just like in MH World, story progress is tied to watching cutscenes, meaning players cannot always seamlessly play through the main quest together. Yes, the overall co-op experience is a bit easier and simplified, but this particular issue remains a frustration for some if not most hunters.
In any case, this marks a step up from previous games, where lobbies were smaller and co-op required more coordination.
A Smaller Roster at Launch, but More Monsters Are Coming
At launch, Monster Hunter Wilds reportedly has a monster roster slightly smaller than past titles like Monster Hunter: World or Rise, but it’s safe to expect the roster to expand with free title updates and major expansions down the line.
The monster designs themselves have been widely praised by most available reviews out there so far, with creatures that feel more dynamic, reactive, and intelligent than ever before. On top of that, their movesets have also been overhauled, making fights feel rather “new” even for veteran players.
Some Accessibility Features, but Difficulty Feels Lower
Capcom has also introduced several added quality-of-life improvements to make Wilds more approachable for new players. These include:
- NPC Hunters that can assist in solo hunts
- More generous healing and support mechanics from Palicoes
- An improved meal system with long-lasting buffs
- Easier crafting and equipment management
Although these changes make MH Wilds one of the most accessible entries yet, some long-time players feel the game has been toned down in difficulty, at least in the early hours. For reference, Game Rant highlights how features like NPC companions make the game ‘more approachable for new players,’ but notes that veterans might find the early hours lacking in challenge. Monsters seem less aggressive compared to past games, and the difficulty curve is more gradual. However, most of us expect the challenge to ramp up quite significantly in the endgame, so this is not really a big concern.
Technical Performance – Mostly Good, but Some Issues
On the technical side, Monster Hunter Wilds runs well on high-end PCs and next-gen consoles. PCGamesN’s review also confirms that the game ‘runs smoothly on high-end hardware,’ though it flags occasional frame rate dips on mid-tier setups. Performance mode targets 60 FPS, while graphics mode focuses on higher resolution at 30 FPS.
However, some players have reported inconsistent frame rates, texture issues, and occasional crashes, particularly on PC. The Xbox Series S version has also been criticized for its lower resolution and frame rate, making it the weakest way to play. That said, you can still fully enjoy Monster Hunter Wilds on Xbox Series S, though it’s not as smooth as on Series X, PS5, or PC – which is expected.
The Verdict So Far
Overall, early impressions of Monster Hunter Wilds are overwhelmingly positive. The game builds on what made World great while introducing new systems, mechanics, and changes that make the experience even more immersive.
However, there are a few divisive points; some players love the expanded story, while others find it unnecessary. The game’s difficulty is more approachable for newcomers, but some veterans or long-term fans feel it lacks the bite of previous entries.
That said, Wilds is clearly going to be another massive success for Capcom, and with future updates and expansions, it is only going to get bigger! With its mix of accessibility and depth, Monster Hunter Wilds is definitely going to satisfy longtime fans while welcoming a new generation of hunters.