Monster Hunter Wilds: Streamlined But Lost Its Soul?

Published on 6 May 2025

The Evolution of Monster Hunter

Monster Hunter Wilds is the latest addition to Capcom’s famous series. It has overhauled many of the base game elements. Fans report that it has gone off the mark in terms of what made Monster Hunter great in the first place.

The series’ start was as an action RPG which did not pull any punches. We see players spending time to track down monsters. Preparation really paid off. The grind had its appeal. In the case of Wilds we see that change.

What Makes Monster Hunter Wilds Different

Simplified Hunting Mechanics

Gone are the paintball and cold drink guns. In the wilds monsters are tracked down. What is left are basic survival elements. These changes we see to be a hit with new players but at the same time frustrating for the old school players.

Faster Combat System

Combat has improved flow. We see simpler combo sets for the weapons. The game has an even more arcade feel. Some report that this has removed strategic depth.

Open World Design

Previous games had compartmentalized zones. In Wilds we have one large map. This improves immersion but we had to change how multiplayer works. The simulation feel is different.

Lost Identity or Needed Change?

Monster Hunter had a very dedicated following. The complex systems turned some players off. Wilds makes the game accessible to a wider audience. But what is the trade off?

RPG aspects are watered down now we have more of a guided adventure. Veterans miss the challenge. New players into the mix which is the accessibility.

Community Reactions

The gaming community is split. Some love what they see in terms of quality of life improvements. But others say the series’ soul is what was lost.

Multiplayer games have faster sessions. But team work doesn’t pay off as much. The sports which used to be in the hunting have gone.

Comparing Monster Hunter Wilds to Past Games

Preparation Time

Old games required patience and thought out strategies. With Wilds you jump right in. This may save time at the expense of depth.

Difficulty Curve

At first the monsters are easy to handle. The learning process is a slow one. Some put forth that this which makes the early victories less of a achievement.

Endgame Content

Endgame grinding was a mainstay. In Wilds we have a greater variety of activities. The racing style timer challenges are a thing of the past.

Strategic Depth in Monster Hunter Wilds

The game still has depth but what has changed is that which used to be important (positioning) is now less so. Also what once was difficult in terms of resource management has been made easier.

Combat is the focus which is put more into action. In terms of simulation elements they take a back seat. Also some weapons lost out in terms of complexity.

Accessibility vs. Authenticity

Capcom went to great lengths to appeal to a larger audience. They made Wilds more accessible to casual players. But they lost some of the hardcore appeal.

Entertainment is still very much at play. But in terms of culture that has changed out of which you will see that we are looking at more of a standard action adventure instead.

Future of the Franchise

Where is Monster Hunter going at this point? Will future updates add to the game’s depth? Or is this the new direction for the series?

Game updates will attend to fan issues. As for the base design that is in place that which is to say is very much a given. We see very much a trend towards wider appeal.

Conclusion

Monster Hunter Wilds is a hit. But it is a different kind of hit. We see more of what we want in terms of access and scale. At the same time some of the charm is gone.

Monster Hunter’s essence was in the detail. In the planning. In the challenge. Wilds has removed that. It is fun but a little less special.