Capcom is taking hunting to a whole new level in Monster Hunter Wilds. It’s not just about tracking and battling monsters anymore — you’ll also be up against the whims of nature itself. During the Capcom panel at PAX West 2024, the developers behind the game emphasized just how important the weather will be in Wilds.
The game's producer Ryozo Tsujimoto announced, “For Wilds, we aimed to create a two-dimensional two-faced aspect, where you can see the dangerous aspects as well as the nature and like the peaceful side.” I quite like the juxtaposition of this, seeing the duality of nature while you're out and about on a hunt sounds awesome.
You’ll never have the same experience twice when you go out hunting. Community manager Joe Bustos said during the panel that “Weather conditions will shift between the locales, and every hunt will feel different."
One minute you might be battling through a dusty, "fallow period" with sand swirling around you, and the next, you’re in the middle of a chaotic storm that makes the world feel completely unpredictable. But once the storm passes, you’ll find yourself in the “plenty period,” where the skies are bright and the world feels relatively peaceful.
This dynamic weather isn’t just for show. It has a direct impact on the monsters you’ll face and the strategies you’ll need to survive. Tsujimoto revealed that some monsters will appear during certain weather conditions, and there are mechanics that you can only play in those weather conditions. For instance, the apex monster of each locale will typically show up when the area is experiencing unpleasant weather. And here’s a cool twist: you can even use lightning from storms to help you in your fights!
The devs are clearly excited about how these weather changes will keep players on their toes. Bustos hinted at “crazy surprises,” which makes you wonder what other wild weather-related mechanics might be in store. Imagine being ambushed by a herd of monsters (which is absolutely possible with some of the monsters traveling in herds), or setting up a pop-up camp during a sudden downpour. With seamless quests that start the moment you engage your target, the experience feels more alive than ever.
The Forbidden Wilds, the lands your Hunter will explore, have been crafted to feel “truly alive,” and it’s clear that Capcom is serious about making every hunt in Monster Hunter Wilds a unique adventure. Expect to see Monster Hunter Wilds make its debut in 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Want to read more about Monster Hunter Wilds at Pro Game Guides? Check out Monster Hunter Wilds trailer reveals Lala Barina, new settlement, and more and Monster Hunter Wilds may introduce brand-new weapon.
Lyssa Chatterton has been a freelance writer for over 7 years, ever since graduating from their Master's degree in Transliteration & Screenwriting. They have worked with clients in practically every industry, including iGaming and TCG/Tabletop news. Lyssa prefers cozy games and indie games, but that doesn't stop them from going all out with a great fantasy RPG or digging out old retro games. An avid fan of Pokémon, Animal Crossing, the Witcher, and Persona, you'll be seeing a wide range of writing from this freelancer.