You can view my entire review here: https://youtu.be/SuyfDzB40h8

Monster Hunter Wilds expands on the franchise’s strengths, refining combat while making the world feel more alive than ever. The dynamic weather system adds variety to each hunt, influencing monster behavior and resource availability. Being able to rest until the ideal conditions for a hunt makes the world feel truly immersive, offering strategic depth to when and how you engage monsters.

The game streamlines a lot of mechanics, which is both a strength and a potential drawback. Gone are the days of tracking monsters through footprints and fur; instead, everything is conveniently marked on your map. While this speeds up the action, it somewhat diminishes the sense of being a true hunter, removing the satisfaction of piecing together clues to track your prey.

Combat remains the highlight, with new weapon mechanics and enhanced mobility making fights even more fluid. As an Insect Glaive main, I appreciated the powerful new abilities and the introduction of Focus Mode, which rewards strategic targeting of monster wounds. While I can’t speak for every weapon, the improvements felt significant.

The story exists as a framework for exploration, but it isn’t the main draw. Cutscenes provide context and dramatic monster introductions, but I often found myself itching to get back into the action.

With countless hunts ahead, gear to craft, and future updates on the horizon, Monster Hunter Wilds keeps me excited for what’s next. It’s a fantastic entry point for newcomers and a thrilling evolution for veterans, even if some classic hunting elements have been streamlined.