Hunter's Arsenal Unveiled: Monster Hunter Wilds Reveals Weapon Starter Strategy

Monster Hunter Wilds: Crafting a Legacy, One Exquisite Weapon at a Time

Many Monster Hunter players cite equipment crafting as a major draw. The satisfaction of a perfectly matched armor and weapon set, earned through relentless hunts, is a core element of the series' appeal. This tradition continues in Monster Hunter Wilds, but with a unique twist.

The series has always adhered to a specific design philosophy: defeat monsters, then harness their power through crafted equipment. This concept, as explained by Executive Director and Art Director Kaname Fujioka in an IGN interview, is central to the game's identity. While design variety has expanded, the team previously prioritized a direct visual connection between monster and equipment – a Rathalos armor set, for example, would clearly resemble a Rathalos. Wilds introduces new monsters and their vibrant equipment, like Rompopolo's plague doctor-esque head armor (seen in the video below).

However, the developers emphasize the significance of the starting equipment. Fujioka personally designed all 14 starting weapon types from scratch – a first for the series. Instead of the usual primitive starter weapons, Wilds' protagonist, a chosen hunter, receives equipment befitting their status. "I wanted to make it feel like you're a bit of a star, even when you're only carrying starting equipment," Fujioka states.

Director Yuya Tokuda highlights the unique design of each weapon in Wilds, unlike the previously standardized designs in Monster Hunter: World. The starting armor, the "Hope" series, receives particular attention to detail, aligning with the narrative of an experienced hunter investigating the Forbidden Lands.

The Hope set, with its deep emerald green hue, transforms into a hooded long coat when fully equipped. Fujioka explains the complexities of its design, ensuring each piece works independently and harmoniously as a whole. The team invested significant resources to achieve the flowing coat design, a departure from previous games' separate armor pieces. While encouraging exploration of diverse equipment, the Hope set's understated elegance provides a stylish yet functional starting point.

The meticulous design of the 14 starting weapons and the Hope armor set reflects the creators' dedication to presenting players with impressive, high-quality equipment from the outset. The anticipation for the game's release, and the opportunity to examine these details firsthand, is palpable.