While the franchise has never exactly been known for its gripping storylines,Monster Hunter Wildsaimed to deliver a compelling narrative that’s praised as one of its key selling points by Capcom. While not everyone took to the new storytelling mechanics,Wildsseems to be the start of a more story-based push for the series, with the hunter being the key element to the change. Although the methods of forcibly railroading players and an unorthodox progression system slightly stunted the experience, the story ofWildshas several implications that offer the perfect chance to expand upon in future DLC.
[Warning: this article contains spoilers for the ending of Monster Hunter Wilds]
Even without a groundbreaking story,the history ofMonster Hunteris filled with moments of fantastic world-building and interesting ecology, creating living environments that shine brightest inMonster Hunter Wilds. With each explorable area ofWildsbeingfilled with hidden features, mechanics, and personality, the hunter is the perfect character to explore the new lands with. While it may not have had the warmest reception at first, the changes inMonster HunterWilds' voiced protagonist might go down as one of its best yet.
Not Everyone Was Pleased With The New Change
Although the concerns weren’t as widespread as the reaction in other fandoms, there was still backlash from those who didn’t feel like a voiced protagonist would fit withMonter Hunter’s style of gameplay. Coupled with many features being overhauled and changed inWildsor through recent entries,there was understandable concern thatMonster Huntermay have gone too far from its roots. Given the much-needed improvements made to the story and the development of its unique cast of characters, the voice acting inWildsdidn’t feel too out of compared to its predecessors.
Monster Hunter Risehad already introduced the concept of a voiced protagonist beforeWilds.
Despite concerns aboutMonster Hunter Wilds' fully voiced protagonist and Palico,Monster Hunter Risehad already introduced the concept of a voiced protagonist beforeWilds, albeit to a much lesser degree. Rather than having full-on conversations with NPCs through cutscenes and dialogue-heavy segments, most of the character voices inRisewere delegated to simple phrases said during gameplay.Similar toWilds, players also had control over choosing the voice types and style of their customizable characters, which was further developed as one of themany improved features inWilds.
The Personality Of The Hunter Shines Through Their Dialogue
Offering More Choice For Meaningful Character Interactions
Despite the voiced protagonist being a massive shift for the series as a whole, the hunter’s dialogue never feels too overpowering, finding the right balance between player agency and being an identifiable character. While most of the hunter’s characterization comes in the form of its pre-rendered and in-game cutscenes,the optional dialogue also helps to simultaneously develop the supporting cats ofWilds.Rather than simply being talked at and responding through grunts or nods, the main hunting party feels like a dynamic team of newfound friends working towards a common goal in a strange new land.
Finding the right balance between player agency and being an identifiable character.
Throughout multiple segments ofMonster Hunter Wilds' story, you’re given the chance to talk with NPCs, learning new perspectives on recent events alongside their personality and history. One of the best examples of this is seen with the hunter’s optional dialogue with Genma, allowing the hunter to learn more about her backstory and the inspirations leading to her becoming the sole Smithee of the Forbidden Lands expedition. While these discussions serve to learn more about the other characters in the world,Wildssurprisingly included dialogue choices as well, allowing for enough slight variation to make each interaction more impactful.
Monster Hunter Wilds' Most Hated Character Is Still Better Than World’s Handler
One Monster Hunter Wilds character is proving to be disliked among fans but he is still better than MH World’s Handler for several reasons.
The improved characterization inWildsdoesn’t just extend to the newly developed hunter either, as even the handler, Alma, is a significant upgrade fromWorld.Providing useful insights during monster expeditions and following close behind the hunter, Alma is an incredibly valuable companion who rarely overstays her welcome. Even the pre-made storylines and cutscenes forWildhelp bring the hunter to life as a unique perspective for the series as one ofWild’sbest characters, no longer being a faceless rookie thrust into fighting god-like Elder Dragons through a combination of luck and skill.
A Veteran Hunter Feels Like A Natural Progression For The Franchise
A Satisfying Continuation From Previous Entries
One of the best changes to the hunter that makes the transition into a fully voiced protagonist much more seamless is the decision to have them be a veteran hunter, rather than yet another rookie fresh to a new village. Being an experienced hunter at the forefront of a brand-new expedition,Wilds' protagonist has a much higher level of confidence and trust from their allies, which greatly shifts the dynamic of the story. While the change offers plenty of satisfying moments on its own,Wilds’story feels even more fantastic for returning veterans of the series.
Wilds’story feels even more fantastic for returning veterans of the series.
Even if you’ve only played one entry in a franchise, likeWorld,the ambiguous yet experienced background of the hunter is the perfect fit to act as a continuation of their storyline, being a great template to fit your previous character into. Despite still acting as a customizable blank slate, the hunter inWildshas a dynamic personality that can fit more comedic moments while still delivering impactful lines during tense parts of the story.
You Might Be Ignoring Monster Hunter Wilds' Most Useful Feature
Monster Hunter Wilds has an under looked feature that completely reinvents the endgame grind; an extremely useful tool for any endgame player.
The introduction of guild authorization also helps to make the hunter feel like an unstoppable monster-hunting machine, with Alma being the only person holding them back from wiping out entire ecosystems of otherwise deadly monsters. Coupled with unlockable layered armor later on, the coolest cutscenes inWildshave an even higher cool factor that far surpasses the franchise expectations of a low-rank experience. While it’s unlikely to be related, the sheer level of experience the hunter has could also help explain whyWilds' monsters die so quickly, with the difficulty scaling in the future to match their prowess.
The Perfect Foundation To Reach Even Greater Storytelling Heights
Tackling Climactic Hunts With A Newfound Confidence
WhileMonster Hunter Wilds' unorthodox progression left its most climactic experiences behind too early, this problem is likely to be expanded upon soon with future updates. Having confidently tackled the devastating and civilization-destroying Zoh Shia inspired by the likes of the devastating Fatalis,the hunter inMonster Hunter Wildshas the potential to take on even deadlier threats that could surpass past expectations for the series. Making these hunts even more climactic is how confident the hunter already is, no longer hiding behind allies or only facing threats as a team, but a singular duo with their trusty Palico.
Monster Hunter Wilds Roadmap: All Confirmed Updates For 2025
Monster Hunter Wilds has already revealed some of its post-launch content, gearing up for a full year of exciting updates and new challenges to face.
One of the ways thatMonster Hunter Wildscould easily surpass the deadliness scale of its predecessors is by incorporating the previously rumoredFinal Fantasy 14Bahamut collaboration. While anotherFinal Fantasycrossover wouldn’t be too unlikely given the apparent closeness between the two studios,Wildsstill has plenty of unexplored story beats that I can’t wait to see in their final form. From introducing more guardian forms of previous monsters, brand-new Elder Dragons, and even the fully realized form of the artificial Zoh Shia, there’s plenty of potential forMonster Hunter Wildsto provide one of the best experiences the franchise has to offer.
