Monster Hunter Wilds Review: A Polished Hunt with a Few Missing Claws

Monster Hunter Wilds, the latest chapter in Capcom’s beloved action RPG franchise, is a game of undeniable highs and subtle lows. Released on February 28, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, it builds on the foundation laid by Monster Hunter: World and Rise, delivering a visually stunning, mechanically refined experience that’s more accessible than ever. For newcomers, it’s an inviting entry point into a world of epic monster battles and gear-crafting loops. For veterans, it’s a mixed bag—a thrilling evolution in some respects, but a step back in others, leaving questions about whether the series’ soul remains intact.

At its core, Wilds excels where Monster Hunter always has: the thrill of the hunt. The game’s interconnected biomes—spanning sand-swept deserts, lush forests, and icy peaks—feel alive, with dynamic weather systems and ecosystems that shift in real time. Monsters interact with their environments in ways that elevate the spectacle: herbivores roam in herds, apex predators stalk their prey, and environmental hazards like crumbling boulders or quicksand dunes can be leveraged mid-fight. This seamless design ditches the segmented quest structure of old, keeping you immersed in the field without constant trips back to a hub town.

Combat is the crown jewel here. Capcom has fine-tuned the series’ 14 weapon types with new mechanics like Focus Mode, which adds precision targeting and devastating “wound” attacks, and the Seikret mount, a game-changer that lets you heal, sharpen, or swap weapons on the fly. These additions make battles feel fluid and cinematic—think parrying a charging beast with a perfectly timed greatsword swing or toppling a monster with a well-placed rockfall. The monster roster shines too, blending fan-favorite returns (Rathalos, Congalala) with imaginative newcomers like the oil-dripping Nu Udra or the sand-swallowing Balahara. Each fight is a visual and tactical treat, backed by a rousing soundtrack that amplifies the stakes.

The story, while still secondary to the gameplay, is a surprising step up. Characters like the excitable smith Gemma, handler Alma, and young survivor Nata bring a touch of personality to the otherwise functional narrative of exploring the Forbidden Lands. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s the most engaging Monster Hunter plot yet, with polished cutscenes that lean into both the series’ silliness and its newfound emotional depth.

Wilds is undeniably the most approachable Monster Hunter to date, and that’s a double-edged sword. Quality-of-life improvements abound: streamlined crafting, persistent food buffs, and the ability to fast-travel or swap gear mid-hunt remove much of the friction that defined earlier entries. For some, this makes the game a joy—less time in menus, more time slaying. But for others, it strips away the preparation and grit that gave Monster Hunter its unique flavor. The Seikret, while a brilliant addition, trivializes traditional risk/reward decisions like pausing to heal or chasing a fleeing monster on foot. The grind—a hallmark of the series—feels less essential when gear upgrades aren’t always necessary to progress.

Difficulty is the elephant in the room when it comes to the game's challenge, in regards to approachability. Wilds leans easier than its predecessors, even at launch. Many reviewers and players report breezing through the campaign (15-20 hours) and early endgame without failing a hunt, a stark contrast to the punishing trials of World or Generations Ultimate. While the combat’s polish keeps it satisfying, the lack of challenge may disappoint veterans craving that signature tension. Capcom’s roadmap promises tougher monsters in updates (one in Spring, another in Summer), but right now, the game feels like it’s holding back its full ferocity.

On the technical front, Wilds stumbles. Performance varies by platform—PS5 and high-end PCs deliver a mostly smooth 60 FPS in performance mode, but Xbox Series X users report flickering textures and occasional lag. The visuals are a mixed bag: monsters and environments dazzle, but human models and some textures look dated, a jarring contrast to the otherwise ambitious scope. Crashes and UI quirks (like clunky menus) persist despite a day-one patch, hinting at a rushed optimization process.

The endgame, while promising with its High Rank hunts and Field Surveys, feels underwhelming at launch. After the credits roll, you’re free to explore and tackle tougher foes, but the content lacks the depth of World’s post-launch support or Rise’s layered progression. Without a robust challenge or diverse objectives, the loop of hunting for better gear can feel aimless—especially if you’re not compelled to min-max for difficulty’s sake.

The Verdict ...

Monster Hunter Wilds is a triumph of refinement, offering the series’ best combat and most immersive world yet. It’s a blast to play, whether you’re a newbie marveling at your first kill or a vet chaining combos with surgical precision. But its aggressive streamlining and lighter challenge raise valid concerns about whether it sacrifices too much of what made Monster Hunter special. At $69.99, it’s a hefty investment that delivers a solid 40-70 hours of fun out of the gate, with potential for more as updates roll in.

For me, it’s an alright entry. It’s not the peak of the series—World still holds that crown for balancing accessibility with depth—but it’s a bold step forward that sets the stage for something greater. If Capcom can bolster the endgame and dial up the difficulty in future patches, Wilds could evolve into a classic. For now, it’s a damn good hunt that occasionally feels like it’s pulling its punches.