Developer of Monster Hunter Wilds Explains Challenges in Introducing a New Weapon Type

Monster Hunter Wilds is setting itself up to be the franchise’s most ambitious release yet. It’s confirmed that there won’t be any new weapon classes this time around, keeping the same 14 types seen in previous installments like World and Rise. While some players might hope for fresh weaponry, the development team has a clear rationale for maintaining the existing lineup. Despite the lack of new weapon classes, Monster Hunter Wilds has opted to tweak the current ones, which the creators believe enhances the overall experience.

Players familiar with the series will notice some significant updates, especially to bowguns and bows, ensuring gameplay feels fresh. Recently, the developers shed light on their choice to refine existing weaponry rather than introduce a completely new class. This approach speaks to a desire to perfect what’s already there.

In a conversation with PCGamesN, Yuya Tokuda, the director of Monster Hunter Wilds, mentioned that incorporating a 15th weapon class would risk redundancy with the existing ones. The game already delivers ample variety with its current roster—from the versatility of the bow to the speedy dual blades and the strategic depth of the great sword. Given this diversity, creating a new class that truly stands out is a daunting task, and the team wants to preserve the balance they’ve cultivated over the years.

Refining the Existing Weapons for Enhanced Gameplay

By focusing on the 14 weapon classes they already have, the development team can channel their efforts into refining and enhancing them. Tokuda shared that though the idea of new weapons was considered, their resources were better used in elevating the overall quality of the existing arsenal. This strategy aligns with Capcom’s goal of making Monster Hunter Wilds feel both new and familiar, offering players a polished and optimized experience rather than risking the introduction of an unbalanced new weapon.

Fans don’t seem bothered by the lack of new weapon classes, judging by how Monster Hunter Wilds climbed to be the most-wishlisted game on Steam, surpassing even the highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong. When the game launches on February 28, we’ll see firsthand how Capcom’s strategy of refining rather than expanding pays off in delivering an enriched hunting experience.

The narrative of Monster Hunter Wilds continues to build on themes of nature’s raw power, with ever-changing environments. In this world, players as Hunters face the duality of humans and monsters sharing their existence, tracking and taking down formidable creatures. The materials gleaned from these conquests allow players to forge robust weapons and armor, helping uncover the mysterious ties between the people of the Forbidden Lands and their surroundings. Everything is set for players to dive into the ultimate hunting adventure in Monster Hunter Wilds.