Monster Hunter Wilds: Hands-on Report – PlayStation.Blog

I recently got the chance to play Monster Hunter Wilds, the latest installment in the hunting action series Monster Hunter, and take on a single-player mission to hunt down the toothy beast Doshaguma.

Seamless, tax-free passage

Handler Alma gives players a quest to hunt down Doshaguma in the Windward Plains. Players can now bring two weapons to a quest, so I selected a Switch Axe and a Light Bowgun, making for a versatile tactic for both close and long-range combat.

Once geared up, I set off to the Windward Plains on my own rideable Seikret. I was expecting a familiar loading screen, but instead I was greeted by a seamless transition into the field. That’s right, the base camp is now seamlessly integrated into the game’s vast world.

Riding the agile, priceless Seikret

The Seikret has an autopilot option, allowing me to drive hands-free to the location Alma marked on my map. The beast’s ability to traverse rough terrain reminded me of the Jagras and Kestodon companions from Monster Hunter World.

Even in autopilot mode, players maintain control of the Seikret with the left analog stick, allowing them to veer off path if they see something that piques their interest. Once they’re done exploring, the Seikret will resume its automated journey to the Doshaguma’s location. I was pleasantly surprised that I could still collect items and wield weapons while riding my mount.

Large dung pods ward off groups of monsters

Upon arriving at the destination, I was met by a pack of Doshaguma, the largest of which was the target of the quest. After hitting the boss, the rest of the pack immediately charged at me. Dealing with multiple monsters and the boss at the same time made the hunt even more challenging.

To break the pack, the newly introduced Large Dung Pods are considered very effective. Firing the stinking pod at the pack causes a poisonous explosion that drives the group apart. After a quick laugh at the funny face of the monsters being knocked back, it was time to give chase. With a whistle, I called my feathered mount – who stays close during my clash – back to my side. Back in the saddle, I resumed my hunt.

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SOS signal calls NPC support hunters

While I was hunting Doshaguma with Palico, an SOS Flare tutorial appeared on the screen. Existing Monster Hunter players will know that an SOS Flare allows players to recruit other players during quests for multiplayer play. In Wilds, however, you can enjoy the same feature and also summon NPC hunters. I’m sure Wild players will find this unique feature, which allows them to enjoy a four-player multiplayer challenge even when playing solo, quite refreshing.

New wound system and focus mode take hunting to the next level

When I attacked the Doshaguma with the Slash Axe, I saw glowing red spots form at its impact points, and I quickly learned that targeting these weak points dealt significantly more damage. Holding the L2 trigger to activate Focus Mode effectively maximizes this damage. While in Focus Mode, an on-screen targeting reticle and a red marker on the monster’s wounds make aiming easier, and players can also use a special Focus Strike for extended damage.

Easily switch between weapons

I didn’t forget to test out my other weapon, the Light Bowgun. In Wilds, weapons can be switched even while riding the Seikret. As mentioned, the Seikret can be summoned with a whistle during battle, and players can switch weapons with the right directional button while riding on its back. In addition to these notable features, players can now also equip healing items or a grindstone while riding this trusty companion.

The L2 trigger, which previously activated Aiming Mode for ranged weapons like the Light Bowgun in Monster Hunter World, now also functions as the new Focus Mode in the upcoming title. Players familiar with the Light Bowgun will likely adjust to this new Focus Mode quite quickly. When targeting a monster’s wound, a significant hit will trigger a Wound Destruction prompt, creating a prime opportunity for additional attacks on the downed monster.

Dramatic hunt in sandstorms

While I was pursuing my Doshaguma target, the weather took an unexpected turn and I was plunged into a sandstorm. While it is unclear whether the progress of the hunt had anything to do with this, the darkening skies and rumbling thunder increased the tension of the approaching climax of the hunt. Lightning striking the ground nearby also caught me completely off guard. I suppose the ability to adapt to changing weather conditions is a key factor in successful hunts.

While my time hunting down and ultimately defeating the Doshaguma was brief, I was able to have an enjoyable and seamless time through it, breaking up packs, playing with support hunters, testing out the new Wound System and Focus Mode, switching weapons, and experiencing drastic weather changes as I played. I’m excited to see what other Monster Hunter Wilds information Capcom plans to share ahead of its 2025 release.