With just a few days to go until its release, Monster Hunter Wilds is already solidifying itself as one of the best-reviewed games of 2025. On Metacritic, Capcom's title achieved an average score of 90, surpassing Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, which led the ranking with 88. The positive reception reflects the praise from specialized critics, who highlight the evolution of the gameplay, the improved graphics and the new combat mechanics.
The game's impact is already evident 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 coming years.
A living, dynamic world like never before
Setting has always been one of the Monster Hunter franchise's strengths, but in Wilds, Capcom has taken this aspect to a new level. The game features dynamic ecosystems, where changing weather conditions directly affect gameplay. Sandstorms can restrict vision during a hunt, while heavy rains alter the terrain, making pursuits 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 great distances quickly and even switch weapons in the middle of combat. The map is immense and full of secrets, encouraging exploration and constant adaptation to environmental conditions.
The RE Engine, Capcom's graphics engine, delivers stunning visuals with detailed textures and realistic lighting. Each scenario conveys the feeling of a living world, where interaction with the environment is essential to the success of the hunt.
Relentless monsters and epic battles
The diversity of creatures in Monster Hunter Wilds is impressive. The game features a number of new monsters, including the fearsome Arkveld, a white dragon that takes on the role of flagship of the new adventure. Additionally, 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 packs, while others are solitary predators requiring specific approaches. Enhanced artificial intelligence makes 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, causing deep wounds and directly affecting their movement and behavior. Additionally, 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 focuses on a more elaborate narrative, featuring a story that follows a veteran hunter on an expedition into the mysterious Forbidden Lands. However, the hostile territory harbors never-before-seen creatures and ancient secrets that threaten the balance of the ecosystem.
For the first time, full voice acting is one of Capcom's biggest achievements, including dialogue for supporting characters and even Palico, the player's faithful companion. The soundtrack enhances immersion, with orchestral compositions that bring back classic franchise themes, such as "Proof of a Hero," featured in the official trailer.
Accessibility has also received special attention. Monster Hunter Wilds features adjustable difficulty settings, an intelligent healing system, and more integrated tutorials, making the experience easier for both newcomers and veterans. Furthermore, one of the biggest new features is the ability to pause the game in solo mode, a feature highly requested by players over the years.
A milestone for the franchise and a strong GOTY candidate
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 more fluid and engaging experience.
Capcom has already announced that Monster Hunter Wilds will receive free updates and new content over the coming months, ensuring the game's longevity. The title is expected to become a landmark in the franchise and a top contender for the Game of the Year award.
Set to launch on February 28th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, 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 big hunt promises to be one of the most epic in the series' history.
