Anticipation for Monster Hunter Wilds is steadily building, marking a significant milestone for the franchise as it becomes the first game released natively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series. This leap represents the first generational shift since Monster Hunter World achieved widespread success. The fifth generation has introduced Monster Hunter to a new wave of fans, and after six years, these fans are eager to see Monster Hunter Wilds venture into uncharted territory.
Despite the excitement for the new installment, the player population of Monster Hunter World began to climb even before the announcement of Wilds, leading to an official “Return to World” event by Capcom. As MH World and its Iceborne expansion experience a resurgence, it would be a fitting tribute for Monster Hunter Wilds to acknowledge this by reintroducing one of World's formidable monsters in a grand manner.
A Nostalgic Reunion with Zorah Magdaros
The standout candidate from Monster Hunter World to make a return in Wilds is the flagship Nergigante, an imposing Elder Dragon renowned for hunting others who have overstepped their boundaries. While the return of Nergigante is easily justifiable given the escalating hunt targets in each Monster Hunter installment, numerous fan-favorite creatures from World, including Great Jagras, Anjanath, Pukei-Pukei, Tobi Kadachi, Bazelgeuse, Kulve Taroth, and Velkhana, could also be reintroduced in Wilds.
However, one creature stands out among the rest—the monumental Elder Dragon, Zorah Magdaros, which played a pivotal role in Monster Hunter World's narrative, posing a significant threat to the New World with its enigmatic migration. While Zorah Magdaros' repetitive hunts in Monster Hunter World received mixed reception from the community, its inclusion in Monster Hunter Wilds could provide an opportunity for the creature to shine in a new setting.
Embracing Zorah Magdaros in Monster Hunter Wilds
While the level design of Monster Hunter Wilds remains undisclosed, the teaser trailer suggests the possibility of an expansive open-world. With vast traversable terrain and a new mount aiding navigation, the inclusion of colossal creatures like Zorah Magdaros seems inevitable. Siege missions akin to those for Kulve Taroth, requiring players to collaborate with NPCs or a human raiding party to repel a massive target, could be a perfect fit for Zorah Magdaros due to its sheer size.
Unifying Zorah Magdaros Hunts in Monster Hunter World and Wilds
Zorah Magdaros could thrive in Monster Hunter Wilds' open environment, offering a stark contrast to World's confined arenas. The creature might traverse specific regions of the map, allowing players to swiftly maneuver with their versatile mounts. While retaining elements of traditional Monster Hunter battles, encounters with Zorah Magdaros in Wilds could be reimagined, potentially incorporating references to its original equipment-heavy confrontations, such as battling another Nergigante atop the colossal beast.
Furthermore, Zorah Magdaros seamlessly aligns with the stampedes and implied weather effects in Monster Hunter Wilds. Its nature as a mobile, erupting volcano effectively merges these elements, presenting the opportunity to base an entire weather condition around its presence. The inclusion of Zorah Magdaros in Monster Hunter Wilds not only offers ample room for the creature but also evokes fond memories of Monster Hunter World, enriching the overall experience.