Behind Monster Hunter Wilds' New Approach to Starting Weapons and Hope Series Gear – IGN First

Monster Hunter Wilds: A Deep Dive into the Starter Gear

Many Monster Hunter players cite crafting new equipment from hard-earned hunt materials as a major draw. The satisfaction of a complete armor set and matching weapon, painstakingly acquired, is a cherished experience for veteran hunters.

The Monster Hunter series has always centered on this concept: defeat monsters, then harness their power through crafted equipment. Players prove their strength by slaying powerful beasts, subsequently integrating those same beasts' abilities into their own arsenal for enhanced power.

In an IGN interview, Kaname Fujioka, Executive Director and Art Director of Monster Hunter Wilds, explained the design philosophy: "While our design range has expanded, we previously focused on the idea that Rathalos equipment should make you look like a Rathalos." Wilds introduces new monsters, each contributing unique and visually striking equipment. Rompopolo, a mad scientist-inspired creature, for instance, yields head armor resembling a plague doctor's mask (see the accompanying hunt video).

However, the developers emphasize the significance of the initial equipment. Fujioka stated, "I designed all 14 starting weapon types from scratch—a first for me. Previously, new hunters began with rudimentary weapons. But our protagonist is a chosen hunter; plain weapons wouldn't fit. I wanted even the starting equipment to feel exceptional."

Yuya Tokuda, Director of Monster Hunter Wilds, adds, "In Monster Hunter: World, weapon designs maintained a base form with cosmetic variations based on monster materials. In Wilds, each weapon boasts a unique design."

This starting gear reflects the narrative: the player is a seasoned hunter tasked with investigating the Forbidden Lands. Tokuda highlights the meticulous design of the starting armor: "The starting armor, the 'Hope' series, is incredibly stylish; you could use it until the end and it wouldn't look out of place."

The Hope set, with its deep emerald green, transforms into a hooded long coat when complete. Fujioka detailed the complexity: "We dedicated more effort to the Hope series than any other equipment. Previous games had separate upper and lower body armor, preventing a cohesive coat design. Gameplay limitations dictated this, but I wanted a flowing hooded coat. We achieved this by investing significant resources. While players will discover diverse equipment, we want them to experiment with weapons. The Hope series aims for elegant coolness without overshadowing later finds."

Starting with such thoughtfully crafted equipment is a luxury. The 14 starting weapons and the Hope series are designed for a seasoned, impressive hunter. We eagerly anticipate examining their details in the final game.