Last week, I had the opportunity to play the Monster Hunter Wilds gameplay demo at Capcom, and it left a lasting impression. The hands-on demo covered the game’s opening hours, offering a glimpse into the story, gameplay mechanics, and hunts that await players.
A New Journey Begins
The demo kicked off with two quests, introducing the game’s narrative and setting. In the first quest, I was tasked with leading an expedition into the Forbidden Plains, searching for a lost body that needed to be reunited with the “Keepers” clan. Along the way, we uncovered the legend of the extinct “White Wraith” monster and made our way to a mysterious village. My trusty Palico and new companions, Alma and Gemma, accompanied me on this journey.
Right from the start, the graphical upgrades were apparent. Monster Hunter Wilds features more realistic and detailed character models, bringing the world to life in a way that surpasses its predecessors. The opening cutscenes were stunning, setting the stage for what felt like a grand adventure.
The first quest also introduced me to the game’s mechanics, starting with the Seikret mount, adding a fresh layer to exploration and combat. I chose the Sword and Shield as my weapon, engaging in combat against a Chatacabra, a frog-like monster. The combat felt familiar yet refined, with a new focus mode allowing me to target specific parts of the monster, creating weak spots to exploit.
The demo also highlighted some impressive quality of life upgrades. Using the whetstone and calling for SOS flares are now smoother and more integrated into the gameplay, thanks to the Seikret mount. While I didn’t get to fully explore the grappling hook’s potential, its inclusion hints at creative uses in both combat and traversal.
A Hunt Like No Other
The second part of the demo tasked me with hunting the Alpha Doshaguma. The recommended strategy involved scattering the pack with a well-aimed fling of poop (yes, really) and focusing on the Alpha. I opted for a primary and secondary weapon combo, wielding the Sword and Shield alongside a Light Bowgun, which offered a versatile approach to the hunt.
Exploring the map in Monster Hunter Wilds was a seamless experience, with no loading screens between base camps and hunt locations. The world felt vast and interconnected, with diverse environments that introduced new elements like a lightning sandstorm and territorial monsters that added dynamic challenges to the hunt.
During the Alpha hunt, I employed a ghillie suit to get in a few stealthy hits before the real battle began. The Alpha Doshaguma proved to be a tough opponent, retreating to different parts of the map as the fight wore on. Utilizing environmental features like Thunderbugs to stun the monster added an extra layer of strategy. Ultimately, I called for an SOS flare and enlisted the help of AI-controlled characters to deliver the final blows, successfully completing the hunt.
Final Impressions
My first look at Monster Hunter Wilds left me excited for what’s to come. The game offers a variety of approaches to hunting, catering to different playstyles and weapon preferences. The living, breathing environment and streamlined features make it accessible for both newcomers and seasoned hunters, while the graphical and gameplay enhancements promise a truly next-gen experience.
Monster Hunter Wilds is set to release in early 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Based on what I’ve seen, it’s shaping up to be a worthy successor in the beloved franchise, with plenty of new content and features to keep players engaged for hours on end.
