Review
Review | Monster Hunter Wilds (PC)
Monster Hunter Wilds takes players on a thrilling adventure into a world teeming with monsters and excitement.
Welcome to the Forbidden Lands
Welcome to another story about how I discovered an awesome game at a convention—well, sort of. I’ve been a fan of Monster Hunter since picking up World, so when I was invited to Gamescom by the Bay to try out the Monster Hunter Wilds, I was beyond excited. Suffice it to say, the preview session I experienced exceeded my expectations. Making Wilds one of my most anticipated games of 2025.
The game is here and Monster Hunter Wilds has lived up to the expectations I had and more.
Monster Hunter Wilds once again immerses players in a vast, perilous world teeming with formidable monsters. While the core experience remains familiar, it introduces notable improvements, along with fresh characters and creatures. If you enjoyed the beta, you already have a glimpse of what awaits. However, that was merely a taste—nothing compared to the full-scale challenges and discoveries lurking within the Forbidden Lands.
Begin the Investigation
The Forbidden Lands, long believed to be devoid of life, has been sealed off from humans. This perception changes when a Research Commission patrol rescues a boy named Nata, who was found wandering near the border. It becomes clear that he is from within the region. He reveals that he belongs to a tribe called the Keepers, who were attacked by a legendary monster. Based on his description, the creature is suspected to be the White Wraith. Armed with this knowledge, the Research Commission organizes an expedition to the Forbidden Lands to rescue the Keepers, study the region, and locate and eliminate the White Wraith.
Players take on the role of the Hunter, one of several assigned to the expedition. Their mission is to search for the Keepers alongside Nata and hunt the White Wraith. At the same time, they must work to win the trust of the other tribes encountered in the Forbidden Lands.
If you’ve played Monster Hunter: World or Rise, the story will feel familiar. Wilds, however, merges the core concepts of both into a single adventure. Whether this approach succeeds depends on the individual player and their connection to the lore. For me, the lore gives players a clear sense of purpose for being in the Forbidden Lands. Helping you is a memorable group of characters who aid you on your adventure. The focus on their development stood out, as I quickly grew to bond with Nata, Alama, and Olivia. Each tribe also has its own compelling backstory, detailing how they managed to survive in such a hostile region.
An Exciting New World
Monster Hunter Wilds begins with a robust character customization system. Players can choose from a variety of pre-built options to jump straight into the adventure. Alternatively, they can use them as a foundation to create a fully customized character. The same concept applies to your Palicoes. This customization extends beyond physical appearance. Players can also personalize their armor and gear as they progress, gathering the necessary materials to craft and upgrade their equipment.
Right away, I have to appreciate how Monster Hunter Wilds throws you straight into the action. The opening sequence is long, but its intensity keeps you so engaged that you won’t notice. The tutorial itself properly explains the game mechanics while having you engage in an intense moment. It also gives new players the chance to set everything up based on their preferred play style. Once everything opens up, you will be surprised how much time has passed.
The Forbidden Lands is divided into several ecosystems, each teeming with monsters and vegetation shaped by the environment. This diversity introduces a wide range of creatures and unique challenges that will put players’ skills to the test. Traversing between these worlds and camps is a smooth process made possible by your Seikret. There are also no loading between environments, ensuring that the journey remains vibrant. Your camp serves as a hub where you can purchase supplies, upgrade gear, and embark on missions—whether tackling a main quest or joining multiplayer hunts.
The Hunt is On!
The combat mechanics are on par with previous games, centering around the weapon a character wields. Players can choose from a variety of bladed weapons and crossbows, all of which can be upgraded with the necessary materials and funds. Combat involves executing either quick, light attacks or slower, heavy strikes, depending on the weapon and situation. When venturing into the wild, players carry two weapons but can equip only one at a time, while the other is stored on their Seikret. This system ensures they always have an alternative if their preferred weapon isn’t ideal for a given encounter.
Learning the overall game poses no significant difficulty. Gamers new to the series can seamlessly pick up on the gameplay mechanics and find themselves comfortably situated. You just need to be familiar with the experience of an action RPG. This accessibility benefits both series enthusiasts and newcomers, enabling them to dive into the action promptly without any unnecessary stumbling.
Journey Between Worlds
Even before the game begins, it’s impossible not to appreciate the level of detail in character creation. On par with the one featured in Dragon’s Dogma 2, it offers players the freedom to design their character however they like. Whether crafting their ideal hunter or recreating a favorite character from a movie or anime, the possibilities are vast. Given past trends, I can’t wait to see the creative designs players come up with.
When the action begins, you’ll quickly admire the dynamic world. It evolves based on your actions and can be used to your advantage if you understand the environment. With proper preparation, players can turn the terrain into a strategic asset during hunts. This world is populated by a variety of monsters, ranging from massive and ferocious to mid-sized and peaceful. While not everything is out to kill you, the natural wonders still pose a fair amount of danger. At the same time, they make the world truly worth exploring.
Finally, one has to appreciate the game’s rich replay value. With main quests and a variety of side quests, players can continuously build up their character. While multiplayer is the main focus, the single-player component has not been neglected, allowing players to enjoy the game solo or with friends. Additionally, there are plenty of hidden wonders to discover as players progress, ensuring that you’ll remain in the Forbidden Lands for quite some time.
A Bitter Environment
Fans of the series will have a good idea of what to expect from Monster Hunter Wilds, both in its strengths and shortcomings. Many of its flaws are familiar from past titles, including a cluttered and sometimes overwhelming UI, delays when using health items, and occasional performance issues. However, some of these aspects have seen improvements over its predecessors. Others are issues that longtime fans have grown accustomed to and likely won’t find too bothersome. They should just be aware that these minor inconsistencies are still present.
A Hunter Never Rests
Fans who have waited patiently for the next entry will be delighted to know that Monster Hunter Wilds was well worth the wait.
Monster Hunter Wilds takes players on a thrilling adventure into a world teeming with monsters and excitement. From the very start, you’re thrust into the action as your adventure in the Forbidden Lands begins. You will encounter a variety of dangerous and ferocious monsters while being supported by a cast of memorable characters. You can enjoy the adventure with friends or go solo – it’s up to you.
Disclaimer: The publisher through a PR representative provided the game used for this review.
This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt then check it out on OpenCritic.
8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Monster Hunter Wilds (PC)
10
Pros
- Intense start that throws you right into the action.
- Detailed character creation system that lets your imagination run wild.
- World that is evolving while dynamically responding to your actions.
- Diversity in the types of monsters encountered through out the world.
- Memorable group of characters who aid you on your adventure.
Cons
- Shortcomings from past entries are still present, though to a lesser degree.
Stan Rezaee
Stan Rezaee is the founder and Editor of 8Bit/Digi. He is a journalist and gamer from the Bay Area who has been writing about the medium for over five years.
There isn’t a single credible review addressing PC performance issues, such as frame rate drops, stuttering, or concerns raised during the open beta test. Simply stating “occasional performance issues” does not adequately address these problems. This is yet another example of a disingenuous review by a so-called game journalist.