Monster Hunter Wilds: New Weapon Woes Solved

The challenge of crafting new weapon types in the Monster Hunter series is significant, as revealed by developers. This article delves into the weapon balancing process for each game and the upcoming MH Wilds x MH Now collaboration event.

Monster Hunter Wilds: A New Weapon Type?

The Elusive 15th Weapon

After over a decade with the same 14 weapon types (unchanged since Monster Hunter 4's Insect Glaive addition), the possibility of a new weapon is being considered. In a February 16, 2025, interview with PCGamesN, Monster Hunter Wilds Director Yuya Tokuda discussed the potential. While not ruled out, Tokuda highlighted the considerable difficulty in designing a weapon that doesn't overlap excessively with existing options. He emphasized the significant resources and time invested in refining existing weapons for each title, prioritizing comprehensive improvements over simply adding a new one.

Capcom's Weapon Refinement in Monster Hunter Wilds

Capcom's commitment to innovation is evident in MH Wilds' additions like Focus Mode and Power Clash. While incorporating community feedback from the beta, Tokuda stressed maintaining the core feel of each weapon, avoiding drastic alterations. Weapon balancing is a meticulous process, with a conceptual vision for each weapon's feel in each game, a vision only truly tested through player experience. The challenge in Wilds was particularly acute, given Iceborne's expansion of existing weapons' high-level moves and abilities. Wilds, however, represents a fresh start, with a focus on ensuring each weapon aligns with the game's overall design philosophy.

Monster Hunter Now x Monster Hunter Wilds Collaboration Event Phase 2

To celebrate Wilds' release, Monster Hunter Now's collaboration event enters Phase 2 on February 28, 2025. This includes the appearance of Chatacabra, 12 Hope weapons from MH Wilds, and two new layered armors (Hope armor style and a Seikret mount-themed armor). Players can also earn vouchers for MH Wilds items (Mega Potion, Dust of Life, etc.) through limited-time quests, redeemable across all platforms. Niantic's Sakae Osumi hinted at future collaborations, expressing interest in incorporating more monsters from Wilds.

Monster Hunter Wilds launches February 28, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.