Monster Hunter Wilds: hands-on report – PlayStation.Blog

Explore a wild and restless new frontier Wild monster hunter releases February 28 on PS5. We recently went through the main missions of Chapter 1, fighting off giant enemies including the new monster Quematrice and exploring the Scarlet Forest.

Weapons now come with built-in Equip Skills

In previous series entries, various hunting support skills were primarily granted through armor, charms, and decorations that you combine to create your builds. However, in Monster Hunter Wilds, even the weapons available at the beginning of the game come with built-in Equip Skills appropriate to the weapon type. For example, Great Sword Buster Sword I features Critical Draw, while Bone Blade II provides Focus and Attack Boost. Since this game allows you to switch between two weapon types while hunting, it’s easier to take advantage of different skill combinations if you carry both melee and ranged weapons.

Confront the Brute Wyvern, Quematrice and its fiery attacks

The hunter, after escorting the brothers, encountered the Brute Wyvern, Quematrice. This monster is a new addition to Monster Hunter Wilds. They bite hunters when provoked, while spreading a flammable substance that is ignited by dragging their long tail along the ground. Being hit by this attack will cause the hunter to enter Fireblight state, causing health to gradually deplete over time. As part of the first main quest, the hunter learns how to deal with the disease by using Nulberry or skillfully evading it.

Seamless transition from the Windward Plains to the Scarlet Forest

Later in the mission, the hunters head to the Scarlet Forest to investigate Doshaguma. I was surprised that I could ride my Seikret all the way from the plains to the forest without returning to base. The area transitions are seamless without loading screens, and it shows you how vast and connected the ecosystem in this game really is.

The Scarlet Forest is characterized by towering trees and distinctive red water. Its landscape is completely different from the sandy deserts and rock formations of the Windward Plains, providing a refreshing change of scenery. Along the way, I came across creatures not found in the Windward Plains, as well as the hideout of a Lynian tribe called the Wudwuds. I’m especially excited to discover more about Scarlet Forest when the game launches.

Be careful of Lala Barina with her scarlet silk and dominating attacks

The first large monster you meet in Scarlet Forest is the Temnoceran, Lala Barina. This monster attacks from anywhere – from trees while hanging on its thread, or from the air ready to ambush. When it shoots red spores to attack, it opens its chest to reveal bright red plumes like a blooming rose. I managed to avoid all the spore attacks but getting hit risks paralysis.

Exciting hunt with Congalala

The next monster I encountered in Scarlet Forest was the Pink Feathered Beast, Congalala. Although absent from Monster Hunter World, this fanged beast has appeared in several previous entries in the series. Its distinguishing features include pink fur and, of course, stinky fart attacks that can inflict the Stink status.

In addition to flatulence, Congalala also causes strong burps, making its arsenal of foul odors especially troublesome. You should bring plenty of Deodorant to eliminate the Stink during battle. The rapid strikes of its arms, which grant surprising agility for such a large creature, also pack a punch. On top of that, it sometimes retreats into a smaller group of Congas and attacks in packs.

A life-and-death struggle against the apex predator of the Scarlet Forest, Uth Duna

Chapter 1 ends with the hunt for Uth Duna, a Leviathan who rules the Scarlet Forest as an apex predator. This monster frequently uses water-based attacks that cause Waterblight, making stamina recovery more difficult. Its most spectacular move is a devastating body slam after flying into the air, which not only causes massive damage but also knocks down large trees in its path. When Uth Duna launches this attack, it’s best to focus entirely on dodging.

Uth Duna is a formidable foe, but fortunately Olivia, a member of the Forbidden Lands Explorers, aids in this mission. With Uth Duna’s attention divided, it becomes easier to launch attacks from the sides or rear. However, Uth Duna also exhibits a unique behavior: it secretes bodily fluids that mix with water to form a protective veil around it and change its appearance. While in this state, the veil will reduce damage from the hunter’s attacks, so focus on targeting areas that are not protected by the veil. Using Focus Mode to target vulnerable spots will be key to success.

My playthrough this time focused on the main missions in Chapter 1, but I can’t wait to collect materials through optional missions and explore the beautiful, vast world of Monster Hunter Wilds when it launches on February 28 on PS5

*Video and images are from a work in progress and may differ from the final product.