Many of the creatures in Monster Hunter Wilds are brand-new, offering players a fresh experience while retaining the essence of the series. With each generation, advancing technology helps Capcom move closer to their vision of the perfect Monster Hunter game, and Monster Hunter Wilds marks a significant step forward.

During a recent Monster Hunter Wilds preview event, Game Rant spoke with Kaname Fujioka, the game’s executive director and art director (via translator), about how Capcom designs both new and returning monsters. Fujioka highlighted how modern technology has allowed the team to bring their creative visions to life in ways that were previously impossible.

Keeping Players Engaged with Fresh Challenges

According to Fujioka, advancements in technology have enabled Capcom to refine every aspect of the Monster Hunter experience, from how the game feels to how monsters behave. Building on the success of Monster Hunter World, Wilds takes things to the next level with new tools and techniques.

“As technology evolves, we gain the ability to illustrate ideas that were once beyond our reach. Earlier titles had designs and animations we dreamed of creating but couldn’t achieve due to technical constraints. Now, we can finally realize many of those concepts,” Fujioka explained.

One striking example of this evolution in Wilds is its dynamic weather system, which influences monster behavior, creates environmental hazards, and even affects NPC activities in settlements. Long-time fans will also appreciate the increasingly detailed cooking animations, with the game’s cheese-pulling moment being a standout feature.

Perfecting the Hunt in Wilds

The monsters remain the heart of the Monster Hunter series, and Capcom is committed to making each encounter exciting and unique. As Fujioka explained, the development team has ensured that both new and returning creatures feel fresh while staying true to the series’ identity.

“When creating new monsters, we consider how they interact with their environment and ecosystem. For returning monsters, we revisit what made them iconic and use modern technology to enhance their original designs.”

This balance between familiarity and innovation is central to Monster Hunter Wilds. One of the confirmed returning monsters is Rathalos, a fan-favorite that has appeared in 18 mainline games and even crossed over into titles like Final Fantasy 14 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Watching Rathalos evolve over the years showcases Capcom’s dedication to perfecting their craft. Each iteration brings the creature closer to its ideal form, providing seasoned hunters with new challenges while preserving the nostalgia of familiar foes. Fans won’t have to wait long to experience Rathalos and other returning monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds, which launches on February 28.

Source: GameRant