I recently had the opportunity to play Monster Hunter Wilds, the next installment in the Monster Hunter action-hunting game series, and take on a single-player mission to hunt down a fang-wielding monster named Doshaguma.
Hassle-free, maintenance-free movement
Handler Alma tasks players with hunting down Doshaguma in the Windward Plains. Players can now bring two weapons with them to the task, so I chose the Switch Axe and Light Bowgun, providing versatile combat tactics for both close and long range combat.
After getting ready, I set off to the Windward Plains in my own rideable Seikret. Expecting a familiar loading screen, I was greeted with a glossy transition to the field. Yes, the base camp is now seamlessly integrated into the game’s comprehensive world.
Riding the agile, priceless Seikret
Seikret has an autopilot option that allowed me to drive hands-free to a spot Alma had marked on my map. The beast of burden’s ability to traverse uneven terrain reminded me of the Jagras and Kestodon companions from Monster Hunter World.
Even in autopilot mode, players maintain control of Seikret with the left analog stick, allowing them to stray from the path if they see something that piques their interest. Once Seikret is done exploring, he will resume his automatic travel to Doshaguma. I was pleasantly surprised that I could still collect items and wield weapons while riding my mount.
Large dung pods repel groups of monsters
Upon arrival, I was met by a herd of Doshagum, the largest of which was the quest target. After I hit the boss, the rest of the herd immediately attacked me. Dealing with multiple monsters and the boss at once increased the challenge of this hunt.
To break up the herd, the newly introduced Large Dung Pods are said to be very effective. Firing the foul-smelling pod into the herd causes a damaging explosion that shatters the group. After a quick chuckle at the sight of the monsters being repelled, it was time for the chase. I whistled my feathered mount – which had been staying nearby during my encounter – back to my side. Back in the saddle, I resumed the hunt.
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SOS flare summons NPC support hunters
During my search for Palico Doshaguma, the SOS Flare tutorial appeared on the screen. Current Monster Hunter players know that SOS Flare allows players to recruit other players during multiplayer quests. However, in Wilds, you can enjoy the same feature, as well as summon NPC hunters. I’m sure Wild players will find this unique feature — allowing them to enjoy the challenge of four players, even when playing solo — quite refreshing.
New wound system and focus mode elevate hunting experience
While attacking Doshaguma with Slash Axe, I noticed that red, glowing dots began to appear at the impact points, and I quickly learned that aiming for these feeble points dealt significantly more damage. Holding the L2 trigger to activate Focus Mode effectively maximizes damage. In Focus Mode, the on-screen reticle and red highlighting of the monster’s wounds make aiming easier, and players can also operate the special Focus Strike to deal widespread damage.
Easily switch between weapons
I didn’t forget to test my second weapon, the Light Bowgun. In Wilds, weapons can even be swapped while riding Seikret. As mentioned, Seikret can be summoned by whistling during combat, and players can swap weapons using the right directional pad while riding on its back. In addition to these amazing features, players can now operate healing items or a whetstone while riding this reliable companion.
The L2 trigger, which previously activated the aiming mode for ranged weapons like the Light Bowgun in Monster Hunter World, now also acts as a modern focus mode in the upcoming title. Players familiar with the Light Bowgun will likely adapt to this modern focus mode quite quickly. When aiming for a monster’s wound, landing a significant hit triggers a wound break notification, creating a chance for additional attacks on the immobilized monster, for example.
Dramatic hunt in sandstorms
As I was pursuing my target Doshaguma, the weather suddenly changed, throwing me into a sandstorm. While it is unclear whether the progress of the hunt had anything to do with this change, the darkening sky and thunderclaps added to the thrill of the approaching climax of the hunt. Lightning striking the ground nearby also caught me completely by surprise. I assume that the ability to adapt to weather changes is a key factor in successful hunts.
While my time hunting and ultimately defeating Doshaguma was brief, I got to experience a fun and fluid journey, break up packs, play with support hunters, test out the modern Wound System and Focus Mode, switch weapons, and witness drastic weather changes during gameplay. I can’t wait to see what other information Capcom plans to share about Monster Hunter Wilds before its 2025 launch.
