Monster Hunter Wilds review

• Available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC
• Released on 28 February 2025
• Developed by Capcom

The Monster Hunter series has never been afraid to evolve, and Monster Hunter Wilds pushes things further than ever. With its new open-world format, dynamic environments, and a lineup of fierce monsters to conquer, this entry delivers a bold and rewarding experience that manages to feel both familiar and fresh.

Right from the start, you’re thrown into the action. After creating your hunter, you’re sent into the Forbidden Lands to help reunite a young boy with his loved ones. The story wastes no time building momentum, offering a tightly focused journey filled with back-to-back monster encounters. It’s one of the most streamlined campaigns in the series, but you still have the freedom to explore, gather resources, and take on side quests when you want a break from the main path.

The open world here is more than just set dressing. Each biome feels alive, and conditions can change on the fly. One moment you’re in a calm desert, the next you’re dodging lightning in a full-blown sandstorm. These environmental shifts make every battle feel different and often force you to adapt your strategy. It’s a game that thrives on unpredictability.

Combat is better than ever. The controls are tighter, movement is more fluid, and new focus actions let you line up precision strikes or guard with greater control. Being able to switch between two weapon types adds a welcome layer of flexibility. It means you can start a fight up close with a longsword and shift to ranged attacks in an instant if things get too heated.

One of the standout features is the use of a new creature mount, the Seikret. You’ll use it to traverse the world quickly, and it also lets you interact with the environment in creative ways. A grappling hook is built into your kit, allowing you to snag resources, pull down structures, or even trigger explosive environmental traps during fights.

If you focus just on the main story, you’re looking at around 16 hours of playtime. But the real depth comes after the credits. Post-game content includes tougher monster variants, more advanced gear upgrades, and even deeper customization options. For many players, this will be where the real game begins.

Visually, the game mostly impresses. Some minor texture issues pop up now and then, but they don’t take away from the grand scale or beauty of the world. Performance on PS5 Pro is solid, with multiple graphics modes available. Playing in Performance mode delivers a smooth 60 frames per second, which really helps the fluidity of combat.

Like always, Monster Hunter Wilds isn’t the easiest game to jump into. Newcomers may struggle with the layered menus and less-than-clear tutorials. But for those willing to learn, the payoff is huge. Few games offer the same sense of satisfaction that comes from taking down a towering beast after a long, grueling battle.

In the end, this is the Monster Hunter formula pushed to new heights. With a world that feels alive, combat that keeps evolving, and more tools than ever to master, Monster Hunter Wilds is an exciting step forward for the franchise. It might take a little time to get comfortable, but once you’re in, it’s hard to put down.