Monster Hunter Wilds: Protagonist Aims Beyond Extinction

The Monster Hunter series is renowned for its thrilling battles against colossal beasts, yet Capcom is eager to highlight a deeper theme: the intricate relationship between hunters and the natural world. Dive into the details of what's on the horizon for Monster Hunter Wilds!

Monster Hunter Wilds Will Focus On Humans And Nature

In the world of Monster Hunter, your role as a skilled hunter is not just about defeating monstrous creatures; it's about maintaining a symbiotic balance with the environment. Capcom's development team is keen on showcasing this theme more prominently in Monster Hunter Wilds (MH Wilds), along with adding more depth to the player character's personality.

The central theme of MH Wilds revolves around the intricate relationship between nature, the people inhabiting it, and the role of hunters within this ecosystem. "The relationship between people, nature, and monsters, and the specific role of a hunter in such a world... We wanted to convey this not just through gameplay, but also through a rich narrative. We have many other plans aligned with the concept of Monster Hunter Wilds, and we believe this game successfully embodies what we aimed to express," explained game director Yuya Tokuda in an interview with PC Gamer.

To bring this vision to life, Monster Hunter Wilds will feature enhanced dialogue, allowing players to infuse their hunter characters with more personality. Tokuda highlighted that the game's world is inhabited by diverse individuals, each with unique backgrounds and viewpoints. Using characters like Nata and Olivia as examples, he emphasized their different approaches to dealing with the monster situation. "There are many people with various perspectives living together. We wanted to explore how a hunter would feel and think in such a world. Everyone is different, so we incorporated these elements into Monster Hunter Wilds."

This approach marks a departure from the series' traditional use of silent protagonists and limited dialogue. However, for those who prefer a quieter, more action-focused experience, the shift towards narrative depth will not compromise the robust combat system.

"We understand that some players might want to skip the narrative elements and focus solely on hunting monsters. That option remains available. The amount of text in the game won't affect the number of monsters you can hunt, ensuring that we cater to all types of players," Tokuda assured. This is just the beginning, as the director teased "many other things planned down the line" that will further explore the bond between humans and nature.

For a deeper dive into the underlying themes and narratives of Monster Hunter, be sure to check out Game8's featured article on What Monster Hunter Is Really About.