Monster Hunter is currently experiencing a peak in popularity. While the anticipation for the upcoming game Monster Hunter Wilds and the recent release of Monster Hunter Now on mobile are high, Monster Hunter World and its expansion Iceborne are still thriving. Surpassing 25 million units sold, Monster Hunter World stands as Capcom's best-selling title to date. Despite the buzz around Monster Hunter Wilds, the enthusiasm for Monster Hunter World remains unwavering.
The fifth generation of Monster Hunter, kickstarted by World in 2018, has attracted a vast number of new players to the franchise. While MH World may not be every fan's top choice, its impact on the series is undeniable. Although Monster Hunter Wilds aims to build on the success of World, the significant changes it introduces in terms of gameplay, format, and content delivery indicate a degree of risk. Therefore, Capcom should recognize the value of having a reliable fallback option in place.
The Evolution of Monster Hunter Wilds and Its Potential Impact
Early glimpses of Monster Hunter Wilds hint at a departure from the traditional hunting gameplay of Monster Hunter, pushing boundaries further than Monster Hunter World did. While an open-world setting in MH Wilds is not confirmed, indications from its trailer suggest the possibility. The core of Monster Hunter's combat against large creatures in specific arenas is expected to remain, but the addition of a versatile mount for traversal and extended tracking mechanics could enhance the hunting experience in Wilds.
Examining the Potential Post-Launch Support for Monster Hunter Wilds
The expanded scope of Monster Hunter Wilds may lead to a departure from established series norms. It is speculated that MH Wilds might not follow the convention of receiving a G-Rank expansion like Iceborne and Sunbreak. While Wilds could introduce new arenas for formidable monsters, the addition of an entirely new open-world region with its ecosystem could be challenging.
Consequently, ongoing updates for Monster Hunter Wilds may be limited. While cosmetic collaborations are likely to continue, the prospect of introducing multiple new large monsters through patches, a practice seen in World and Rise, may be less feasible.
Leveraging Monster Hunter World's Live-Service Elements
Despite the potential shifts in the formula, there is an opportunity for another game to mitigate any perceived shortcomings. With its robust post-launch support, frequent events, and substantial content updates, Monster Hunter World and Rise excel in live-service aspects.
Exploring the Role of Monster Hunter World in Supporting MH Wilds
Given its outstanding sales performance, Monster Hunter World is well-positioned to provide continued support. The live-service features of Monster Hunter World should complement, rather than compete with, those of Monster Hunter Wilds, maintaining engagement for up to a year without overshadowing the new release.
Looking ahead, potential avenues for Monster Hunter World could include expansions inspired by Rise, updated content roadmaps with revamped hubs, or adaptations for the latest gaming platforms. Running Monster Hunter World alongside Monster Hunter Wilds may present a novel approach for the franchise, offering long-term benefits for fans and the series as a whole.