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Monster Hunter Wilds dominates pre-release reviews

Stefani Couto
Journalist by training, gamer by passion! I write about games, trivia, and guides to help other players explore this incredible universe.

With just a few days until its release, Monster Hunter Wilds is already establishing itself as one of the highest-rated games of 2025. On Metacritic, the Capcom title achieved an average score of 90, surpassing Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, which previously led the ranking with 88. The positive reception reflects praise from specialized critics, who highlight the improved gameplay, enhanced graphics, and new combat mechanics.

The game's impact is already visible in the market. On Steam, Monster Hunter Wilds is the best-selling game of the year, surpassing highly anticipated titles like Civilization VII and Avowed. This success translates into high expectations for Capcom, which projects 13 million copies sold in the current fiscal year alone and a total of 50 million over the years.

Monster Hunter Wilds
Photo: Press release/Capcom

A vibrant and dynamic world like never before

The setting has always been one of the Monster Hunter franchise's strong points, but in Wilds, Capcom has elevated this aspect to a new level. The game features dynamic ecosystems where weather changes directly affect gameplay. Sandstorms can limit visibility during a hunt, while heavy rain alters the terrain, making chases more challenging.

Furthermore, the new exploration system promises to make the game more fluid. Players now have the Seikret, a fast mount that allows them to cover large distances quickly and even switch weapons in the heat of combat. The map is immense and full of secrets, encouraging exploration and constant adaptation to environmental conditions.

The RE Engine, the graphics engine used by Capcom, delivers stunning visuals with detailed textures and realistic lighting. Each environment conveys the feeling of a living world, where interaction with the environment is essential for a successful hunt.

Monster Hunter Wilds dominates reviews
Photo: Press release/Capcom

Ruthless monsters and epic battles

The diversity of creatures in Monster Hunter Wilds is impressive. The game features a series of brand-new monsters, including the fearsome Arkveld, a white dragon that takes on the role of flagship in the new adventure. In addition, familiar faces return, such as Mizutsune, which will be added in the first major free update scheduled for spring 2025.

Each monster has unique behaviors, dynamic reactions to the environment, and different attack strategies. Some hunt in groups, while others are solitary predators that require specific approaches. Enhanced artificial intelligence makes the creatures react more naturally, creating unpredictable encounters and increasingly intense battles.

Combat has received significant improvements with the introduction of the Focus system. This new mechanic allows hunters to target monsters' weak points, inflicting deep wounds and directly affecting their movement and behavior. Furthermore, the wound system adds an extra layer of strategy, making each encounter even more challenging and rewarding.

An engaging and accessible narrative for everyone

Unlike previous titles in the series, Monster Hunter Wilds features a more elaborate narrative, telling the story of a veteran hunter on an expedition to the mysterious Forbidden Lands. However, this hostile territory harbors never-before-seen creatures, as well as ancient secrets that threaten the balance of the ecosystem.

For the first time, full voice acting is one of Capcom's major bets, including dialogue for secondary characters and even for the Palico, the player's faithful companion. The soundtrack reinforces the immersion, with orchestrated compositions that bring back classic themes from the franchise, such as Proof of a Hero, featured in the official trailer.

Accessibility also received special attention. Monster Hunter Wilds features adjustable difficulty options, an intelligent healing system, and more integrated tutorials, making the experience easier for both newcomers and veterans. In addition, one of the major new features is the ability to pause the game in single-player mode, a feature highly requested by players over the years.

Monster Hunter Wilds dominates reviews and sales ahead of release
Photo: Press release/Capcom

A milestone for the franchise and a strong contender for GOTY

The combination of stunning graphics, refined mechanics, and a dynamic open world makes Monster Hunter Wilds one of Capcom's most ambitious games. The company has adjusted the pace of the hunts, balancing the speed of Monster Hunter Rise with the strategic depth of Monster Hunter World, ensuring a smoother and more immersive experience.

Capcom has already announced that Monster Hunter Wilds will receive free updates and new content over the next few months, ensuring extensive longevity for the game. Therefore, the expectation is that the title will become a landmark in the franchise and one of the main contenders for the Game of the Year award.

With a release date set for February 28th on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, Monster Hunter Wilds is now available for pre-order, with the standard edition costing R$ 331.90 on the PS Store, R$ 332.00 on Xbox , and R$ 279.00 on Steam. The wait is almost over, and the next great hunt promises to be one of the most epic in the series' history.