Monster Hunter Wilds is the series’ most cinematic moment yet

I have always viewed Monster Hunter as a game with cinematic qualities, although not in the traditional sense of big-budget cutscenes. The spectacle is ingrained in its world, where the thrill of witnessing a colossal beast being attacked by another creature is unparalleled. It’s like watching a kaiju battle unfold naturally.

With Monster Hunter Wilds, Capcom is taking it up a notch. In a 90-minute demo, I played through the first two missions of the upcoming action RPG. While the hunts against towering beasts were standard, there was a noticeable emphasis on thrilling cutscenes and cinematic set pieces. This sequel elevates Monster Hunter to a new level, unlocking its blockbuster potential.

More cinematic

The demo starts with me sailing on a sea of sand with a group of eclectic characters. After being briefed on the dreaded White Wraithe, I am treated to an action-packed sequence reminiscent of a scene from Dune. My character leaps off the ship onto a Seikret and embarks on a chase. As I take control, I find myself in a high-speed pursuit, dodging sandworms and using my slingshot to fend them off. It’s a truly dazzling experience.

As I play, I can’t help but draw comparisons to the 2020 Monster Hunter film adaptation, especially with the desert setting. It feels as though Wilds may have been conceived alongside the film to create a sense of continuity. Perhaps Capcom saw an opportunity to attract players who were disappointed by the film to their next major release.

Fortunately, the similarities end there. The demo quickly transitions to familiar territory as I am tasked with hunting down a Chatacbra, a frog-like creature. Equipped with an insect glaive, I track down the creature in a wet cave and engage in battle. The essence of Monster Hunter remains intact, with beasts serving as formidable foes to be taken down through strategic combat.

In the second quest, I hunt a furry Alpha Doshaguma, utilizing different weapons and tactics to achieve victory. The addition of thrilling cinematic elements enhances the overall gameplay experience, injecting more adrenaline into the battles.

Exploring the open-world reveals more thrilling encounters, such as battling a sandworm and witnessing epic clashes between different monsters. These moments add a dynamic and engaging element to Wilds, bridging the gap between gameplay and cinematic storytelling.

High-level hunting

Unlike previous Monster Hunter games, Wilds does not cater to newcomers with a simplified gameplay loop. Instead, it challenges players with complex mechanics and in-depth weapon systems. The game is designed for veterans of the series, offering a hardcore experience that rewards skill and strategy.

Despite the steep learning curve, Wilds introduces new gameplay elements like equipping two weapons simultaneously and allowing for seamless weapon switching during combat. This adds depth and variety to the gameplay, keeping the fights engaging and dynamic.

Combat in Wilds stays true to the Monster Hunter formula, with each weapon type offering a unique playstyle and strategy. From slow and powerful great swords to swift and agile dual blades, players must master their chosen weapon to succeed in battle.

While Wilds may be a challenging game for newcomers, its cinematic approach and open-world design make it accessible and engaging for all players. The game promises a thrilling and immersive experience, setting the stage for one of 2025’s most anticipated releases.

Monster Hunter Wilds is set to launch in 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.