Monster Hunter Wilds is an action role-playing game that lets players step into the boots of a Hunter, a member of a guild sent to explore the mysterious “Forbidden Lands.” This region is a dangerous and nearly uninhabitable place, filled with fierce monsters, intense storms, and diverse environments. As a Hunter, your main task is to track, battle, and defeat or capture these creatures. By doing so, you collect valuable resources that can be used to craft new weapons, armor, and other gear, which helps you tackle even stronger monsters. The game is set in a vast, open world with multiple biomes to explore, creating a rich and dynamic environment.

One of the standout features of Monster Hunter Wilds is the ability to carry two weapons at once. This is made possible through the use of Seikrets, bird-like mounts that assist you in exploring the world and can even be used during combat. The Seikret helps you quickly navigate through the open world and stay on track toward your objectives. The game also introduces a new wound system where players can target specific weak spots on monsters to deal additional damage, adding a layer of strategic depth to the combat.

Combat in Monster Hunter Wilds is fast-paced and requires skillful use of the 14 different weapon types available. Each weapon comes with its own set of moves, allowing players to choose one that suits their playstyle. In addition to these weapons, the game brings back the Slinger tool, which now has even more capabilities, like triggering environmental hazards and interacting with distant objects. The monsters you face are not static; they roam freely across the world, engaging in behaviors like hunting prey and defending themselves from larger predators, creating a living, breathing ecosystem.

The game also places a strong emphasis on seamless exploration. In previous Monster Hunter titles, players would enter specific areas for quests, but Wilds allows you to freely roam the open world, moving fluidly between the wilderness and your home village. In the village, you can replenish supplies, craft gear, and cook food to improve your chances in battle. The game supports multiplayer, allowing up to four players to team up for co-op hunts. If you prefer to play alone, AI-controlled support hunters are available to assist during hunts, making solo play just as enjoyable.

The story of Monster Hunter Wilds adds a unique narrative to the series. A group of explorers, led by a former Hunter named Fabius, stumbles upon Nata, a young boy from the Forbidden Lands who claims his people were attacked by a creature thought to be extinct—the “White Wraith.” The group embarks on a dangerous journey into the Forbidden Lands to uncover the truth, battling monsters along the way and uncovering hidden secrets of the land. This quest to solve the mystery of the White Wraith and Nata’s origins forms the core of the game’s plot.

Released in February 2025 for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S, Monster Hunter Wilds has quickly become a hit, attracting both long-time fans and newcomers to the series. The game’s open world, engaging combat, and cooperative multiplayer make it an exciting and immersive experience. With ongoing content updates planned, Wilds promises to provide plenty of challenges and new monsters for players to hunt, ensuring that the adventure continues long after the main story concludes.