Monster Hunter Wilds Protag Isn't Trying to Just Hunt Monsters to Extinction, Even If You Are

The Monster Hunter series is renowned for its thrilling encounters with monstrous beasts, but Capcom is keen to highlight a more profound theme: the intricate relationship between hunters and nature. Dive in to discover what's on the horizon for Monster Hunter Wilds!

Monster Hunter Wilds Will Focus On Humans And Nature

A Deeper Understanding Of What It Means To Be A Hunter

The Monster Hunter series has always emphasized the role of a good hunter, fostering a symbiotic relationship between humans and monsters within its universe. Capcom's development team is eager to delve deeper into this theme in Monster Hunter Wilds (MH Wilds), bringing a richer narrative and more personality to the player's character.

The thematic core of MH Wilds revolves around the dynamic interplay between the natural world and its inhabitants. "The relationship between people, nature, and monsters, and the precise role of a hunter in such a world... We aimed to explore this not only through gameplay but also with a deeply engaging story. We have many plans that align with the concept of Monster Hunter Wilds, and we're confident this game captures the essence of what we wanted to express," explained game director Yuya Tokuda in an interview with PC Gamer.

To achieve this, MH Wilds will feature more dialogue, allowing players to imbue their hunter characters with distinct personalities. Tokuda highlighted the diversity of the game's inhabitants, using characters like Nata and Olivia as examples. These characters, hailing from different backgrounds, approach the monster situation in unique ways. "We wanted to showcase how various people with different perspectives coexist. We also wanted to delve into the emotions and thoughts of the hunter within this diverse world. Everyone's experience is different, so we incorporated these elements into Monster Hunter Wilds."

This approach marks a departure from the series' traditional use of silent protagonists with limited dialogue. Yet, for those who prefer a quieter approach and wish to focus on gameplay, the shift towards more narrative depth won't detract from the core combat experience.

"We understand that some players might prefer to bypass the dialogue and focus solely on hunting. That's perfectly fine. The amount of text in the game won't impact the number of monsters available, ensuring that we cater to everyone's preferences," Tokuda reassured. This is just the beginning, as he hinted at "many other things planned" that will further explore the connection between humans and nature.

For a deeper dive into Monster Hunter's themes and narratives, check out Game8's featured article on "What Monster Hunter Is Really About."