Monster Hunter Wilds: Is It Facing the Same Recurring Issues as Past Installments?

Monster Hunter Wilds, the latest installment in Capcom’s acclaimed series, is scheduled for release on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox on February 28th. Building upon the evolutionary success of its predecessor, Monster Hunter World, this upcoming title promises to continue the franchise’s legacy. While Capcom has shown a willingness to innovate—evident in the shift to expansive environments in World—many beloved features have remained intact throughout the series. However, these enduring characteristics are accompanied by some decisions that leave lingering concerns with each new title.

The expansions of Monster Hunter games are generally celebrated for their rich content, but the timing of their release has become a double-edged sword. Frequently, the endgame of a base game, like World or Rise, feels underwhelming, as players are left waiting for the release of significant expansions. This leads to a frustrating experience filled with artificially prolonged gameplay just to bridge the gap until more substantial content becomes available. As it stands, Monster Hunter Wilds currently lacks updates regarding its endgame content, raising alarms that it may fall into the same traps seen in prior entries.

Understanding Monster Hunter Expansions

The Tradition of Increased Difficulty

The structure of Monster Hunter expansions has remained consistent throughout the series’ history. Major expansions typically launch one to two years after the base game. For previous handheld titles, these expansions were standalone editions with the “Ultimate”tag, combining all original content alongside higher-level challenges and monster ranks.

These Ultimate editions offered the expected additions of new maps and monsters, ultimately serving as definitive versions of their predecessors. However, the more recent titles, Monster Hunter World: Iceborne and Monster Hunter Rise’s Sunbreak, have deviated from this practice. They functioned as traditional expansions rather than standalone products, marking a progressive step away from the older format.

It is likely that Wilds will adopt this modern model, introducing an additive expansion within a similar timeframe. The introduction of Master Rank in Iceborne and Sunbreak shifted the series’ approach to difficulty, offering a base level that increased both monster strength and complexity. This create a relentless hunting atmosphere where even seasoned players faced fresh challenges.

Future Concerns Regarding Wilds

The Impact of Anticipated Expansions on Endgame Content

Hunter fights a monster on the cover art for the standard edition of Monster Hunter Wilds

While expansions themselves often enrich the gaming experience, they can detrimentally impact the underlying structure of the base game. Fans frequently notice the absence of a Master Rank and full-fledged endgame elements, as these are typically withheld for subsequent expansions. Although a one-year timeline for new content appears reasonable, this results in considerable periods of stagnation, potentially diminishing the excitement for the base game.

Capcom does provide some ongoing updates, introducing new monsters and crossover events—such as those from The Witcher 3—but solutions like decoration farming often feel like band-aids for deeper issues. These tedious, RNG-heavy systems require significant time investment while lacking the gratification associated with upgrading actual gear.

Decorations lack visual representation and can provide only marginal enhancements to stats, which feels less rewarding after investing countless hours into the game. The absence of true endgame systems until the arrival of expansions is frustrating for dedicated players.

The absence of Master Rank status can also diminish the sense of accomplishment, as every monster feels like a lesser version of its formidable counterpart yet to arrive. Despite the franchise’s outstanding variety and content, the expansion cycle remains a challenge that needs addressing.

Reducing the Impact of Missing Master Rank in Wilds

Ensuring Meaningful Progression Pre-Expansion

Monster Hunter Wilds Alma and the player riding alongside each other.

It is unfortunate that players must wait for expansive endgame systems with every new entry. A proactive approach could significantly enhance the overall experience, by integrating those systems within the base game. Although past efforts in Monster Hunter games made attempts at introducing engaging content, the reliance on random mechanics often fails to meet the expectations set by the franchise’s legacy.

The final update for Iceborne, featuring the iconic elder dragon Fatalis, underscored the series’ potential for thrilling challenges. Defeating Fatalis represented the pinnacle of accomplishment within Iceborne, offering players an intricate journey of skill and strategy while navigating increasingly tough encounters. The Guiding Lands exemplified an engaging environment that encouraged continuous gameplay, adapting based on player actions.

Establishing a system that encourages relentless progression alongside formidable challenges is essential to the core of Monster Hunter. Players are drawn to the franchise primarily for its monster-hunting experience, and when endgame aspirations shift to small gear enhancements devoid of the series’ rich, immersive feel, the attraction begins to diminish.

As anticipation builds for Wilds, it is hoped that the developers will take heed of criticisms raised against previous titles and implement a comprehensive system that elevates the entire experience. The longevity of a Monster Hunter game is heavily reliant on its expansions, which have captivated players for years, yet each new entry inevitably presents challenges related to its initial offerings.

Ultimately, while each Monster Hunter title brims with compelling reasons to engage, a common thread of criticism regarding its expansive cycle persists. The series must evolve to ensure a fulfilling and rewarding experience throughout the entirety of its lifecycle, addressing any lingering concerns about replayability and endgame opportunities.

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