Monster Hunter: WorldandMonster Hunter Wildsare the two games in the series that are the most alike, even though there are still a lot of differences between them.Monster Hunter Wildsadded a lot of new features, like Wounds and Seikrets, but the two projects are still very close in terms of their world structure. The big differences lie inMonster Hunter Rise, which tried to shake up the series' formula considerably, and almost none of its mechanics made their way intoMonster Hunter Wilds.
Some fans appreciate that because they may not have clicked withMonster Hunter Riseas much as they didMonster Hunter World. After all, the game was designed for the Switch, which was a lesser console than the PS4 and Xbox One at the time. So, while these mechanics may not be for every fan, some would like to see them return in an update forMonster Hunter Wilds.
Palamutes As A Mount
That’s A Good Ninja Doggy
Palamutes were the first mounts introduced as permanent companions inMonster Hunter Rise. Like Palicos, players could customize their Palamute to their liking to make this gamified pooch ferocious or adorable. Players could even gain multiple Palamutes to take on missions instead of having one Palico and one Palamute.
The choice was ultimately up to the player, and they could likewise take two Palicos on the mission instead. That combo wouldn’t make much sense though, because they can’t be mounted. While theSeikrets are useful inMonster Hunter Wilds, it’s hard not to think how much more enjoyable a Palamute would be as a mountable option in the game.
Meowcenaries
Send Your Pals On Missions
Palamutes and Palicos had more of a presence inMonster Hunter Risethanks to the Meowcenary system. Players could send out a pack of furry allies on missions to gather rare items which would also level them up. It was a similar practice that was utilized heavily inAssassin’s Creed Brotherhood, which may have been an inspiration.
While on side quests, these animals couldn’t go on main missions, which is why the game allowed players to recruit spares.Monster Hunter Risewas the most animal-heavy entry in the series, which is why many fans and newbies fell in love with it. Divorced from Palamutes making it intoMonster Hunter Wildsor not, the ability to at least sendPalicos on side questswould be useful for gathering items, even though there are already NPCs that do that.
Wirebugs
Scale With Ease
Players can climb around inMonster Hunter Wildsvia vines or, more importantly, their Seikrets can scale things faster. Players can also use their grappling hooks to swing around certain locations, typically in areas where a boss fight may occur. For example,Monster Hunter Wilds’Scarlet Forest, one of the battlegrounds for Uth Dunahas bugs hanging around so that players can avoid Uth Duna’s big waves of water.
All of these things are great, butMonster Hunter Risehas a more freeing movement system via Wirebugs. Players were given a set amount of Wirebugs for a mission which would increase over time and there were temporary boosts during missions too. Players could use Wirebugs to dash along the ground or climb areas to access secrets or to get away from safety. Once players got used to the mechanics, they were a lot of fun and should return.
Wyvern Riding
Making Monsters Fight Kaiju-style
Wirebugs had one other use inMonster Hunter Wildscalled Wyvern Riding. This mechanic was not exclusive to dragon-like enemies, including Rathalos; instead, players had a chance when they jumped on a monster to directly control them for a short period.
This was opportunistic when there were other big monsters around. It was a good way to deal a lot of damage quickly, but not every monster could be mounted and controlled. There is a mounting system present inMonster Hunter Wildsalready that helps open Wounds. Would it be that hard to add Wyvern Riding to this mounting system?
Rampage
A Basic Tower Defense
Once players reach thehigher tiers ofMonster Hunter Wilds, villages can call upon Hunters to protect them from invading monsters. This was done to add more side quests that launched over time automatically. Not defending a village will not do any damage, so the stakes are relatively low.
The opposite is true inMonster Hunter Rise, as there was a village invasion mode called Rampage. Players would take on these missions, and they could arm entranceways to a village with traps to stop monsters from invading. They may have to fight several monsters to defend the town, and that sort of nail-biting thrill ride would be better utilized inMonster Hunter Wildsthan the current faux invasion system.
Bring On The DLC
Mine The Depths Of Capcom History
The one thing fans are most excited about seeing inMonster Hunter Wildsis the optional crossover content with other franchises, whether they belong to Capcom or not. The series has always been good at crossover updates or DLC, withMonster Hunter Risebeing a prime example. Players could get a Sonic the Hedgheog costume, as one example.
Okami,Mega Man, andStreet Fighterwere allcontributions from Capcom. What willMonster Hunter Wildsget? Hopefully, Capcom will keep releasing free updates and include costumes, event missions, and new monsters to keep the game alive. Maybe fans can even hope to see a Switch 2 port by the end of the year.
