REVIEW: Monster Hunter Wilds (PS5)

The wait is over—Monster Hunter Wilds has arrived! While not flawless, it pushes the franchise in an exciting direction. As the sixth main entry in the series, Wilds introduces a vast, evolving environment, dynamic weather that directly influences gameplay, and some of the most exhilarating monster battles to date. But does it successfully cater to both longtime fans and newcomers? After extensive playtime and securing the platinum trophy, I can confidently say it’s an impressive achievement, albeit with a few missteps.

Story

Let’s start with the story. As with previous Monster Hunter titles, the plot takes a backseat to the action, so it’s best to manage expectations. That said, Wilds presents a slightly more engaging narrative than Monster Hunter: World and Rise, but it’s still nothing groundbreaking. The story serves its purpose—it gives players a reason to track down and battle monsters—but don’t expect a deeply immersive RPG experience.

A key drawback is the campaign’s brevity. Even with cutscenes and optional quests factored in, the entire main story can be completed in less than a day. In fact, I barely felt the need to upgrade my equipment, as the fights were so quick that better gear seemed unnecessary. Given that, Wilds feels significantly shorter than World or Rise, which might disappoint players who prioritise narrative depth.

That being said, the monster encounters are nothing short of spectacular. The sheer size and design of these creatures are breathtaking, particularly the apex predators, which stand among the most visually striking foes I’ve faced in any game.

Gameplay

The core gameplay remains as satisfying as ever. Balance is crucial in a Monster Hunter game, and I’m pleased to report that every weapon type feels polished and viable. I experimented with a range of melee and ranged options, and each had its own strengths and weaknesses, ensuring combat stayed engaging. The addition of a primary and secondary weapon system encourages players to adapt to different situations, adding an extra layer of strategy.

One of the standout new mechanics is Focus Mode, which rewards players for strategically wounding monsters. After dealing sufficient damage, you can unleash a Focus Strike for a devastating attack that breaks the wound, though you won’t be able to target the same spot again in most cases. This feature adds an extra dimension to combat, making battles feel even more tactical.

For many, the endgame is where Monster Hunter truly shines, and this is where Wilds elicits mixed reactions. While the monster battles remain thrilling, the endgame content feels somewhat shallow and lacks the challenge that veterans might expect. While I understand the decision to make the main story more accessible, the difficulty curve should have ramped up as players progressed into High Rank and beyond. Instead, Wilds turned out to be one of the least demanding action RPGs I’ve played in recent years. While some may welcome this, others might find the absence of a truly punishing boss encounter underwhelming.

This design choice is likely due to Capcom’s live-service approach for Wilds, with additional content planned for release via regular updates. While the launch version may feel light on content, the upcoming Spring update is expected to introduce more monsters and challenges. The good news? All of these updates will be free, so there’s plenty to anticipate in the coming months and years. Still, this approach explains why the base game might feel a little underwhelming in terms of variety at launch.

Visuals

Visually, Monster Hunter Wilds is a mixed bag. While it has certainly improved since its beta phase, the final release doesn’t quite meet the high standards expected of a blockbuster title. Playing on a PS5 Pro, I encountered moments of breathtaking beauty, but texture inconsistencies, shadow issues, and underwhelming reflections occasionally marred the experience. Worse still, Performance Mode results in a blurry, pixelated presentation, leaving players to choose between better visuals or smoother performance.

On a brighter note, the dynamic weather system is a highlight, adding a level of unpredictability to encounters. Some monsters adapt to changing conditions, such as gaining protective armour during heavy rain but weakening when the weather clears. These kinds of mechanics set Wilds apart, and I’m eager to see how future updates expand on these innovations.

Conclusion

At its core, Monster Hunter Wilds lays down a strong foundation but feels like a work in progress. While its potential is clear, much of it remains unrealised at launch. With additional content on the horizon, the game could evolve into something truly exceptional. If Capcom follows through on its promises, the eventual expansion may elevate Wilds to the best Monster Hunter experience yet.

Monster Hunter Wilds Pricing & Availability

Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Pricing starts at €69.99 on Steam