Summary
Apart from the franchise’s spin-off games,Monster Hunterhas never really been about the stories it tells. That is, of course, whereMonster Hunter Storiescomes in, as the mainline series is largely all about the hunt and therefore prioritizes gameplay over narrative. However, this ultimately comes with a downside for the mainlineMonster Huntergames, as a downplayed story is naturally accompanied by downplayed characters, making the majority ofMonster Hunter’sside charactersdevoid of purpose apart from gameplay.Monster Hunter Wilds, on the other hand, is an entirely different story, in one way or another, as its renewed focus on narrative simultaneously results in its side characters being some of the best in the series.
ForMonster Hunter Wilds' story to be memorable and worth experiencing, and any story for that matter, it needs to have well-developed and standout side characters. While it doesn’t necessarily spend significant time fleshing out many of its side characters, they all exhibit qualities that any good character should in a story but have always lacked in previousMonster Huntergames. With their unique personalities and character arcs, along with the many opportunities players have to interact with them in a more meaningful way,Monster Hunter Wilds' side characters are the best the mainline series has ever seen.
Monster Hunter Wilds' Side Characters Are Some of the Best to Date
Monster Hunter Wilds' Side Characters Have More Personality and Importance to the Story
In pastMonster Hunterentries, side characters have primarily served as quest-givers, guides, and vendors, thereby giving them static roles that limit the emotional impact they have on the player and the world. With little to no emphasis placed on the story, these characters really don’t need to be anything more than a tool for players to use when necessary, which means their personalities are compromised as a result.Monster Hunter Wilds' side characters, however, each have unique personalities and character arcs, in addition to fillingtraditionalMonster Hunterarchetypes.
With their unique personalities and character arcs, along with the many opportunities players have to interact with them in a more meaningful way,Monster Hunter Wilds' side characters are the best the mainline series has ever seen.
For example,Monster Hunter Wilds' Gemmais the game’s blacksmith, but rather than simply benefiting players by offering a way for them to craft better gear, she is one of the most charismatic characters in the game, on top of being a natural leader with a pivotal role in the story. Alma,Monster Hunter Wilds' Handler, also has a distinct personality, exhibiting a warmth and innocence that no other character in the game matches. Furthermore, Gemma and Alma, as well as many of the other game’s side characters, travel with the player during the story, rather than allowing players to go solo, as previous games in the series have.
Players Get More Meaningful Interactions With Monster Hunter Wilds' Side Characters
Monster Hunter Wilds' side characters aren’t just better for their personalities, though, as the game actually allows players to have more meaningful interactions with them as well. Rather than having static dialogue exchanges with side characters, players are generally presented with a short list of dialogue options to choose from, many of which are often optional. This allows players to get to knowMonster Hunter Wilds' side characters if they choose to, making each interaction more meaningful and transforming each character from the vending machines they have known to be in pastMonster Huntergamesinto memorable personalities.
By giving its side characters distinct personalities, deeper roles in the story, and opportunities for meaningful interactions,Monster Hunter Wildsraises the barfor the series' future NPCs. No longer just static NPCs who exist to serve gameplay functions, these characters add emotional weight and narrative depth, making each hunt feel like part of a larger journey rather than a series of disconnected missions. WhileMonster Hunterhas always excelled in gameplay,Monster Hunter Wildsproves that a stronger story and character presence can enhance that experience rather than distract from it.
