Capcom takes hunting to a whole new level in Monster Hunter Wilds. It’s no longer just about tracking and fighting monsters — you’ll also be up against the whims of nature itself. During the Capcom panel at PAX West 2024the developers behind the game emphasized how important the weather will be in Wilds.
Ryozo Tsujimoto, the game’s producer, announced, “For Wilds, we aimed to create a two-dimensional two-faced look where you can see the dangerous aspects as well as nature and cherish the peaceful side.” I really like the juxtaposition of this, seeing the duality of nature while you are out and about hunting sounds amazing.
Weather will change your hunts in Monster Hunter Wilds
You will never have the same experience twice when you go out hunting. Community director Joe Bustos said during the panel that “Weather conditions will change between locations, and every hunt will feel different.”
One minute you might be fighting through a dusty, “late 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 after the storm passes, you’ll find yourself in the “abundant period,” where the sky is bright and the world feels relatively peaceful.
This dynamic weather isn’t just for show. It has a direct impact on the monsters you will face and the strategies you will need to survive. Tsujimoto revealed that certain monsters will appear during certain weather conditions, and there are mechanics that you can only play in those weather conditions. For example, each location’s apex monster will usually spawn when the area experiences unpleasant weather. And here’s a cool twist: you can even use lightning from storms to help you in your battles!
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, were created to feel “real life”, 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 debut in 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via steam.
Want to read more about Monster Hunter Wilds on Pro Game Guides? Watch the Monster Hunter Wilds trailer reveal Lala Barina, a new settlement and more and Monster Hunter Wilds may introduce a brand new weapon.
