Summary
Monster Hunter Wildsis set to bring some changes to the formula of the popular Capcom action RPG series, but it’s unknown if this will encompass features beyond the game’s seemingly expanded world. As what could be the next mainline entry following several years ofRise’s success,Monster Hunter Wildsis more likely to build upon one area of the franchise which has been the same for over a decade. While weapons have seen adjustments across the past few releases, the selection of them available to the player has remained untouched apart from removals ever since the beginning of the fourth generation.
It may be surprising to some players that there haven’t been any new weapon additions to the franchise since therelease ofMonster Hunter 4in 2013, but it could be argued that the vast majority of offensive styles have already been represented in the existing arsenal. There has been a strong variety of offerings ever since the debut title that started it all, so it makes sense that many weapons which have since followed are far more unconventional and outlandish. A completely unaccounted for style is just as likely to appear as a new hybrid weapon or original concept, butWildsshould feature at least one of these.
Monster Hunter’s Identity Has Grown with Its Weapon Selection
The initial lineup of options whichMonster Hunterintroduced with its first entry has lasted over the years, but there are far more flashy weapons which were included in the subsequent years. The first seven types were straightforward takes on lighter and heavier styles of both melee and ranged approaches, but later games experimented with ideas that have become signature aspects of the series. IfWildsends up adding a new type, it will need to find a way to stick out among the wide scope that is already covered by the franchise’s current offerings. WhileMonster Hunter Rise’s Wirebug changesthe overall feeling of its gameplay, it’s not a full weapon in the vein of what previous generations brought to the table.
New Weapons Could Make Monster Hunter Wilds Feel like a True Next Generation Title
Weapon Types Not Found in Modern Monster Hunter
The lack of numbered titles might make it less clear, butWildsappears set to mark the sixth generation of its franchise following the era which began withWorld. Few other innovations would make this clearer than the introduction of an entirely new mode of combat, even if many of the bases in this realm are already covered. MMO titleFrontier’s expanded releases already featured Tonfas and the Magnet Spike, close-range combo and super heavy options respectively. Another slow hitter like the Great Sword or Hammer could seem redundant, but bringing back the Tonfas or leaning into a fist weapon could yield a well-received example of areturning weapon style inMonster Hunter Wilds.
The Potential for a New Ranged or Experimental Weapon
The Bow and Medium Bowgun are the last properly dedicated options to be introduced, so it’s natural thatnew ranged weapons inMonster Hunterfeel overdueat this point. It’s admittedly difficult to iterate on the core concept of a gun, but middle ground like a weapon attached to a chain, a whip, or even a boomerang could still provide an option based around a longer-range approach. Even if melee stays just as prevalent, the return of something like the Magnet Spike’s technical ability and flashiness would still be an exciting inclusion to the nextMonster Hunter.
Monster Hunter Wilds
WHERE TO PLAY
The unbridled force of nature runs wild and relentless, with environments transforming drastically from one moment to the next. This is a story of monsters and humans and their struggles to live in harmony in a world of duality.Fulfill your duty as a Hunter by tracking and defeating powerful monsters and forging strong new weapons and armor from the materials you harvest from your hunt as you uncover the connection between the people of the Forbidden Lands and the locales they inhabit.The ultimate hunting experience awaits you in Monster Hunter Wilds.
