Monster Hunter Wilds Must Pick Up a Tradition that MH Rise Dropped

Monster Hunter Wilds is set to bring some changes to the formula of the popular Capcom action RPG series, but it’s unknown if this will encompass features beyond the game’s seemingly expanded world. As what could be the next mainline entry following several years of Rise‘s success, Monster Hunter Wilds is more likely to build upon one area of the franchise which has been the same for over a decade. While weapons have seen adjustments across the past few releases, the selection of them available to the player has remained untouched apart from removals ever since the beginning of the fourth generation.

It may be surprising to some players that there haven’t been any new weapon additions to the franchise since the release of Monster Hunter 4 in 2013, but it could be argued that the vast majority of offensive styles have already been represented in the existing arsenal. There has been a strong variety of offerings ever since the debut title that started it all, so it makes sense that many weapons which have since followed are far more unconventional and outlandish. A completely unaccounted for style is just as likely to appear as a new hybrid weapon or original concept, but Wilds should feature at least one of these.

Monster Hunter’s Identity Has Grown with Its Weapon Selection

The initial lineup of options which Monster Hunter introduced with its first entry has lasted over the years, but there are far more flashy weapons which were included in the subsequent years. The first seven types were straightforward takes on lighter and heavier styles of both melee and ranged approaches, but later games experimented with ideas that have become signature aspects of the series. If Wilds ends up adding a new type, it will need to find a way to stick out among the wide scope that is already covered by the franchise’s current offerings. While Monster Hunter Rise‘s Wirebug changes the overall feeling of its gameplay, it’s not a full weapon in the vein of what previous generations brought to the table.

First Generation (Monster Hunter)

• Great Sword
• Sword and Shield
• Dual Blades
• Hammer
• Lance
• Light Bowgun
• Heavy Bowgun

Second Generation (Monster Hunter Dos)

• Long Sword
• Hunting Horn
• Gunlance
• Bow

Third Generation (Monster Hunter Tri)

Fourth Generation (Monster Hunter 4)

New Weapons Could Make Monster Hunter Wilds Feel like a True Next Generation Title

Weapon Types Not Found in Modern Monster Hunter

The lack of numbered titles might make it less clear, but Wilds appears set to mark the sixth generation of its franchise following the era which began with World. Few other innovations would make this clearer than the introduction of an entirely new mode of combat, even if many of the bases in this realm are already covered. MMO title Frontier‘s expanded releases already featured Tonfas and the Magnet Spike, close-range combo and super heavy options respectively. Another slow hitter like the Great Sword or Hammer could seem redundant, but bringing back the Tonfas or leaning into a fist weapon could yield a well-received example of a returning weapon style in Monster Hunter Wilds.

The Potential for a New Ranged or Experimental Weapon

The Bow and Medium Bowgun are the last properly dedicated options to be introduced, so it’s natural that new ranged weapons in Monster Hunter feel overdue at this point. It’s admittedly difficult to iterate on the core concept of a gun, but middle ground like a weapon attached to a chain, a whip, or even a boomerang could still provide an option based around a longer-range approach. Even if melee stays just as prevalent, the return of something like the Magnet Spike’s technical ability and flashiness would still be an exciting inclusion to the next Monster Hunter.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds is the latest entry in Capcom’s decorated franchise, and the game is expected to launch in 2025.

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