Monster Hunter Wilds Customization: Lessons Learned from Iceborne, Both Good and Bad

As the excitement builds for the upcoming release of Monster Hunter Wilds, Capcom has been steadily unveiling trailers and gameplay analyses that have captivated fans. Among the highlights are impressive new monsters like the Nu Urda and the nostalgic return of classics such as Gravios. Players have been given glimpses of extensive hunts, showcasing innovative gameplay mechanics in action—all leading up to the next open beta set for February 7.

In Monster Hunter Wilds, numerous enhancements build upon the foundations established in Monster Hunter World. While the new Seikret mount parallels the Palamutes from Monster Hunter Rise, the gameplay largely reflects successful elements from World, maintaining a similar pacing based on the initial open beta. Additionally, this installment incorporates several key features from the acclaimed Iceborne expansion, particularly in terms of customization options, which allow players to express their unique identities within the game.

Unparalleled Customization in Monster Hunter Wilds

Aiming for the New Standard

Diverse characters from Monster Hunter Wilds, displaying a tense atmosphere with flames in the background. — Image credits: Katarina Cimbaljevic

The release of the Customization Overview trailer has illuminated Capcom’s ambitions for Wilds. Should the trailer accurately reflect the final game, Monster Hunter Wilds promises to be the most extensively customizable entry in the series, continuing the legacy of Monster Hunter World and Rise. Character customization now takes inspiration from the highly praised system in Dragon’s Dogma 2, allowing players to intricately sculpt their avatars—from adjusting hair length to detailed edits of facial features like eyes, nose, and mouth.

Beyond the hunters, players can also personalize their Palicos, making them not only more visually appealing with enhanced graphical fidelity but also adding a playful touch to their designs. The new Seikrets receive significant attention as well, with options for feather color modifications and decorative elements. Although the Seikrets won’t feature major equipment changes akin to Palamutes from Rise, the ability to customize feather gradients allows players to create stunning mounts that feel genuinely like companions.

While Seikrets don’t engage in combat directly, they function as a portable inventory system, facilitating seamless weapon transitions during hunts.

To showcase the creativity players bring to their hunters and companions, the Guild Card has evolved into the more comprehensive Hunter Profile. This feature not only enhances social interactions among players but also allows them to display their unique styles alongside their animal companions. Coupled with an improved photo mode, Wilds dramatically enhances players’ ability to capture and share their hunting exploits.

Drawing Inspiration from Iceborne’s Customization Features

Iceborne’s Legacy Continues

Several features demonstrated in the Customization Overview trailer echo the advancements introduced in Iceborne.Expanded Layered Armor options, which only alter appearance, now appear earlier in the game, allowing players to define their stylistic choices from the outset. The new unisex armor system further enriches players’ customization choices, ensuring aesthetics won’t compromise performance.

Player concerns about the open-world dynamics in Wilds have been mitigated by the introduction of a versatile camping system. These customizable camps can be tailored in terms of seating, patterns, colors, and even music, creating a comforting space for preparation or rest following hunts. While the campsites can’t be placed at random, specific designated areas throughout the expansive world offer a blend of functionality and aesthetics.

This camping system, reminiscent of the customizable hunter’s rooms in Seliana from Iceborne, enriches the player experience, allowing for a sense of ownership and comfort. Although not as intricate as the rooms in Seliana, it demonstrates Capcom’s commitment to evolving the series by integrating successful mechanics from previous titles.

Concerns About Potential Monetization in MH Wilds

Insights on Downloadable Content

Palico from Monster Hunter Wilds interacting with a dragon in a vibrant landscape. — Image credits: Katarina Cimbaljevic

Despite Capcom’s recent string of successes across titles like Resident Evil and Street Fighter, concerns linger regarding its monetization strategies, which have drawn criticism from dedicated fans.While these practices haven’t substantially hindered gameplay and often charge for in-game resources attainable through gameplay, there remains skepticism about whether Monster Hunter Wilds will follow a similar trajectory, as seen in prior entries.

Capcom’s ongoing push for high-quality game development remains evident, and Wilds aims to be the latest triumph. The expansive open world, visually stunning monsters, and unparalleled customization options are just a fraction of what players can expect. If Capcom can maintain its high standards, Wilds might emerge as the series’ most significant installment, echoing the mainstream success that began with World.

Source: IGN/YouTube

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