While every one of Capcom’sMonster Huntergames introduces a variety of new features to provide a fresh experience for players, they all remain true to the series' roots. The next game in the series,Monster Hunter Wilds, appears to be breaking several key franchise traditions, though it will likely maintain its DNA as aMonster Huntertitle. In fact,Monster Hunter Wildslooks more ambitious by the daywith its new Seikret mount, a voiced protagonist, named NPCs, and a dynamic weather system unlike any the series has ever seen. There is one traditionMonster Hunter Wildswill presumably honor, however, and its new weather system may have something to do with it.
The basic premise of almost everyMonster Huntergame is the same — something has happened to cause the monsters in the world to behave unpredictably, calling the player character, a Hunter, to action. IfMonster Hunter Wildsfollows this tradition, and it likely will, it could utilize its new dynamic weather system and environmental mechanics to push the plot forward. This would serve to make this new system an essential part of the story as opposed to just another gimmick. Furthermore, these environmental changes could allowMonster Hunter Wildsto observe a real-world problem that many other games have tapped into with their stories.
Monster Hunter Wilds' Environmental Mechanics Could Be Tied to Real-world Events
Monster Hunter Wilds' Changing Environments Are Likely the Source of Its Unrest
Explicit details aboutMonster Hunter Wilds' weatherand environmental mechanics have yet to be revealed by Capcom, but enough information has been disclosed to provide a general sense of what the game’s world will be like. According to a description onMonster Hunter Wilds' website, “Each hunting locale features an environment with two dynamically changing identities: one in which the region is harsh and unforgiving where ravenous monsters fight for limited resources — and another in which the region is vibrant and brimming with life.” It’s unclear how many “hunting locales” there will be in the game, but they will all evidently follow the same rules when it comes to their environments.
Just as there is an underlying source of unrest ineachMonster Huntergame, the “harsh and unforgiving” environments that will be periodically present withinMonster Hunter Wildsare likely going to be the cause of many of the game’s monsters behaving erratically. After all, the description explaining that these changing environments will cause monsters to “fight for limited resources” clearly implies monsters going into survival mode and doing whatever they can to live.
Monster Hunter Wilds' Environmental Mechanics Could Tie Into a Real-World Problem
There is no doubt thatthe issue of climate changehas been at the forefront of many discussions in the real world today. Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns are problems that the globe is facing and observing in one way or another, to the point that even video games have begun using the event as a core plot and worldbuilding device. The entire world of Hideo Kojima’sDeath Stranding, for instance, reflects the effects of climate change on the earth, should it persist.Monster Hunter Wildscould potentially touch on the same subject, as its environments seem to change regularly and directly affect the flora and fauna within its world.
WhetherMonster Hunter Wildswill use its living and dynamic world as an opportunity to address the issue of climate change remains to be seen. At the very least, it may indirectly reference the event without ever using the words “climate change.” Even with an indirect reference, however, it could stand to show the impact that such a drastic change in climate can have on the wildlife in any world while simultaneously serving as a solid backbone forMonster Hunter Wilds' story.
Monster Hunter Wilds
WHERE TO PLAY
The unbridled force of nature runs wild and relentless, with environments transforming drastically from one moment to the next. This is a story of monsters and humans and their struggles to live in harmony in a world of duality.Fulfill your duty as a Hunter by tracking and defeating powerful monsters and forging strong new weapons and armor from the materials you harvest from your hunt as you uncover the connection between the people of the Forbidden Lands and the locales they inhabit.The ultimate hunting experience awaits you in Monster Hunter Wilds.
