Just a week after its highly anticipated release, Monster Hunter Wilds has erupted onto the gaming scene with the force of a volcanic Teostra, breaking sales records and captivating both veteran hunters and newcomers alike. As PC multiplayer gaming enthusiasts, we’ve been tracking this title since its announcement, and now that we’ve had some hands-on time with the final product, it’s time to share our initial impressions.
Record-Breaking Release
Monster Hunter Wilds officially launched on February 28, 2025, for Windows PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, with full cross-platform play support – a first for the series. Within just three days of release, the game sold over 8 million copies worldwide, making it Capcom’s fastest-selling game to date.
The game’s massive success has extended to digital platforms as well, achieving over 1.3 million concurrent Steam players on launch day – the highest ever for a Capcom title and the sixth-highest for any game on Steam in history. In Japan, Wilds set new records with 1.5 million physical copies sold in its first week, establishing it as the largest physical launch for any PlayStation 5 title.
A New Frontier in Monster Hunting
The game introduces players to the “Forbidden Lands,” an uncharted territory with a fascinating duality. These lands shift between harsh, unforgiving environments where monsters struggle for resources, and vibrant ecosystems teeming with life. Unlike previous entries in the series, Wilds moves away from the “excursion” model in favor of a larger, seamless open world that encourages deeper interaction with the game’s various systems.
Among the most significant additions is the Seikret – a bird-like mount that not only allows for convenient traversal but enables hunters to carry two weapons into the field for the first time in the series’ history. Players can set a destination on their map, and the Seikret will automatically take them there, making exploration more accessible.
Gameplay Innovations
Monster Hunter Wilds introduces several gameplay innovations while preserving the core hunting experience fans love. New mechanics include a wound system that allows targeting specific weak points on monsters for increased damage, pop-up camps that can be established in the open world, and dynamic weather patterns that dramatically affect monster behavior.
For the first time in the series, the player-controlled character and their feline companions (Palicos) are fully voiced, adding a new layer of immersion to the storytelling.
The Story of the White Wraith
The narrative follows the discovery of a boy named Nata near the border of the Forbidden Lands, an area believed to be uninhabited. Nata recounts how his village was attacked by a mysterious creature known as the “White Wraith.” In response, the Guild organizes an expedition to investigate this threat and rescue Nata’s people, known as the Keepers.
Players take on the role of a hunter assigned to one of the research units tasked with investigating this mysterious threat that lies at the center of the story.
Technical Performance and Early Reception
In its first week, Monster Hunter Wilds has received generally positive reception for its stronger focus on storytelling and enhancements to the open world design. However, some players have reported technical issues, particularly with the Windows version. The current reception on Steam (with about 63% positive reviews according to recent data) suggests that while the core experience is solid, optimization could still be improved.
Capcom has already acknowledged some of these issues and has promised upcoming patches to address performance concerns, particularly for PC players.
The Road Ahead
Capcom has committed to supporting Monster Hunter Wilds with free content updates, similar to previous entries in the series. The first Title Update is planned for release in April, with additional updates scheduled throughout the year.
These updates will add new monsters with associated gear to craft, new quests and events, and expand the game with features like a multiplayer Grand Hub for interacting with other hunters online.
Our Initial Verdict
After a week of intensive hunting, we’re thoroughly impressed with what Monster Hunter Wilds brings to the table. The combination of cross-platform multiplayer, the innovative Seikret mount system, and the more seamless open world creates an experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
For PC multiplayer enthusiasts, the cross-platform functionality is a game-changer, allowing hunting parties to form regardless of platform preferences. The early performance issues on PC are somewhat concerning, but if Capcom’s history of post-launch support is any indication, these will likely be addressed in the coming weeks.
We’ll be diving deeper into specific aspects of the game in the coming weeks, including weapon balance, multiplayer strategies, and the most efficient farming routes. For now, if you’re a fan of cooperative monster hunting or just looking for a deep, engaging multiplayer experience, Monster Hunter Wilds is shaping up to be one of the must-play titles of 2025.