Monster Hunter Unveils Novel Approach to Starter Gear in Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds: A Deep Dive into Starting Equipment

Many Monster Hunter players cite crafting new equipment from hard-earned hunt materials as a major source of enjoyment. The satisfaction of completing a full armor set and matching weapon is a core element of the series' appeal. This equipment crafting system, a cornerstone since the franchise's inception, revolves around harnessing the power of defeated monsters through their remains. Players conquer powerful beasts, then incorporate their abilities into their own arsenal to become even stronger.

In an interview with IGN, Kaname Fujioka, Executive Director and Art Director of Monster Hunter Wilds, shed light on the design philosophy behind the game's equipment. While acknowledging a broader design range in recent titles, Fujioka emphasized a past focus on visual consistency: "If you're wearing Rathalos' equipment, you'll look like Rathalos." Wilds introduces new monsters, each contributing unique and visually striking equipment. For instance, Rompopolo, a mad scientist-inspired monster, boasts head armor resembling a plague doctor's mask (seen in the hunt video below).

However, the developers highlight the importance of the starting equipment, urging players to appreciate the detail in these initial items. Fujioka explains, "I designed the starting weapons for all 14 weapon types from scratch. This is a first for me. Previously, starting weapons were primitive. But since our protagonist is an elite hunter, plain weapons wouldn't fit. I wanted even the starting equipment to feel impressive."

Yuya Tokuda, Director of Monster Hunter Wilds, adds, "In Monster Hunter: World, weapon designs generally maintained a base form with variations based on materials. In Wilds, each weapon has a unique design." This reflects the narrative: the player is a seasoned hunter tasked with investigating the Forbidden Lands. The starting armor, the "Hope" series, is equally meticulously crafted to align with the story.

The Hope set, with its deep emerald green hue, transforms into a hooded long coat when fully assembled. Fujioka notes the complexity of its design: "We paid more attention to the Hope series than any other equipment. Previous games had separate upper and lower body armor, preventing a cohesive coat design. We overcame this limitation in Wilds by dedicating significant resources. While players will discover diverse equipment, we wanted the Hope series to be stylish without overshadowing later finds."

Starting the game with such thoughtfully designed equipment is a treat. The 14 starting weapons and the Hope armor set the stage, portraying the player as a truly exceptional hunter. We eagerly anticipate exploring their intricate details in the final game.