Monster Hunter Wildsfinally offered a sneak peek at all the new content in the first title update, with a few exciting teasers for what’s coming. While the update doesn’t look like it will fix every problemWildsfaces with its performance issues and social menu struggles, there were still plenty of welcome surprises. From showcasing a new gathering hub, fan-favorite monster returns, new gameplay mechanics, and more,Wildsis already on the path to achieving its full potential merely a month after release.
AlthoughMonster Hunter Wildsoffers some significant challenges with end-game monsters like Tempered Arkveld and Gore Magala, respectively,it’s hard to combat the complaintsthatWildsis too easywhen compared to previous entries.Part of this difficulty results in the story being entirely contained in the low-rank mode, with high-rank opting to cover what would normally be a much more challenging end-game. While the upcoming update won’t entirely fixMonster Hunter Wild’sdifficulty problems immediately, it’s already off to a great start by building the perfect foundation for future updates.
Arch-Tempered Monsters Will Drastically Raise The Stakes
Taking Existing Monsters To Even Deadlier Heights
The most obvious answer to ramping up the difficulty inMonster Hunter Wildsis bringing back terrifying Elder Dragons and Apex monsters or running challenging new crossover encounters, but these additions take a long time to develop. In the meantime,Capcom has opted to introduce even more challenging Arch-tempered monsters, starting with the electrifying menace of the Windward Plains, Rey Dau.While the lethality of Arch-Tempered monsters primarily comes from their much higher damage output and health pools requiring much stronger gear to take down, they can occasionally have a few new attacks or modified versions of existing ones.
A great challenge for courageous hunters up for the task.
While Arch-Tempered monsters aren’t exactly new to the series, first appearing inMonster Hunter World, they still offer a great challenge for courageous hunters up for the task. While the Arch-Tempered status is mostly reserved for mighty Elder Dragons,the apex monsters ofWildsseem more than strong enough to make up for their absence.
I’ve Changed My Mind, Monster Hunter Wilds Not Having Elder Dragons Makes It Better
Initially, Monster Hunter Wilds' lack of elder dragons stood out as a major disappointment, but after playing Wilds further, the cut was worth it.
Given that Rey Dau was the first monster to receive an Arch-tempered form, it’s safe to assume the other regional Apex monsters and Arkveld will likely follow suit in future updates. While new monsters with a high-ranked Zoh Shia, empowered Mizutsune, and the return of the fan-favorite Lagiacrus will offer considerable challenges upon release,introducing Arch-tempered monsters is already a fantastic way to add more replayability and worthwhile gear in between major updates.
Getting Players Hooked Before A Spike In Difficulty
Despite the complaints thatMonster Hunter Wildsis too easy, there’s a good reason for the difficulty adjusting. AlthoughMonster Hunter Worldwas the franchise’s first taste of wider mainstream popularity, it didn’t have the most accessibility features for beginners, outside its more familiar triple-A art style.
It makes sense that the latest entry would want better appeal for its larger-than-ever player base.
WhileWorldwent on to be a smashing success for the series and acted as a direct inspiration for the most recentWilds, it makes sense that the latest entry would want better appeal for its larger-than-ever player base.Adding more tutorials and guided segments combined with a slower ramp in difficulty makes new players less likely to get blocked by sudden challenges early on. This greater focus on accessibility and finally introducing a worthwhile story are likely key elements that played intoWildsbecoming thefastest-selling Capcom titlein history.
Everything Coming In Monster Hunter Wilds' Title Update 1
Everything coming to Monster Hunter Wilds in its first title update, including new monsters, a new gathering hub, and a returning quest type.
Even though it was a strange choice to move the main story ofWildsinto low-rank, it helpedWildshave a much better chance of hooking new players into the series before getting burned out. Thankfully,the biggest missed opportunity of this change toface off against Zoh Shiaonce more is being fixed with the first official title update, but the option of not being there in the first place was more than a little disappointing. Regardless ofWilds' initial state, the new title update is a fantastic look at the quality content fans can expect moving forward.
Future Content Is Bound To Offer Interesting New Challenges
More Than Simply Harder Versions Of Familiar Monsters
Although it will be at least a year before the master-rank DLC expansion releases forWilds, bringing with it a whole new level of difficulty alongside a drastically largerselection of monsters inWilds, there’s still plenty of content on the way in the meantime. Aside from the upgraded Arch-Tempered monsters,Wildscould easily expand on its existing mechanics with fast-attacking frenzied monsters or Alpha variations of monsters like Rathalos that hunt in deadly packs.
New challenges don’t just have to be in the form of terrifying Elder Dragons or powered-up versions of existing monsters.
New challenges don’t have to be in the form of terrifying Elder Dragons or powered-up versions of existing monsters, as they can also come from unique event quests or game modes.The re-introduction of Arena quests and the brand-new bowling mini-game are fantastic ways to spend time between hunts, for example, offering plenty of rewards for hunters willing to complete them. While there’s no official information on exactly when the next title update will be released this summer, it’s likely to provide plenty of exciting ways to experience the belovedMonster Hunter Wildscombat once more.
Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Wilds is the highly anticipated follow-up to Capcom’s multi-million seller, Monster Hunter World. Announced at The Game Awards 2023, Monster Hunter Wilds will put players into a sprawling world where they’ll hunt monsters to create new weapons and armor while protecting their home base and uncovering the secrets of unexplored lands with friends or alone.
