Monster Hunter Wilds: A Deep Dive into Starting Equipment

Many Monster Hunter players cite crafting new equipment from hard-earned hunt materials as a major source of enjoyment. The satisfaction of a complete armor set and matching weapon, painstakingly acquired, is a core element of the series' appeal.

The series' equipment design has always adhered to a specific principle: defeat monsters and harness their power through crafted gear. Players leverage their skill to overcome formidable beasts, then integrate those same beasts' abilities into their own arsenal to become even stronger.

In an IGN interview, Kaname Fujioka, Executive Director and Art Director of Monster Hunter Wilds, elucidated the design philosophy: "While our designs are more diverse now, we previously focused on the idea that wearing Rathalos gear would make you look like a Rathalos." This new game introduces new monsters, each contributing unique and visually striking equipment. Rompopolo, a mad scientist-inspired monster, for instance, yields head armor resembling a plague doctor's mask (seen in the hunt video below).

However, the developers emphasize the importance of the initial equipment hunters begin with. Fujioka states, "I designed all 14 starting weapon types from scratch. This is a first for me. Previously, new hunters started with rudimentary weapons. But, as our protagonist is a chosen hunter, plain weapons wouldn't fit. I wanted them to feel like a star, even with starting gear."

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

The starting weapons reflect the narrative of an experienced hunter tasked with investigating the Forbidden Lands. Tokuda highlights the meticulous design of the starting armor to align with this narrative.

"The starting armor is the 'Hope' series," he explains. "Its design is so cool; you could use it until the end and it wouldn't look out of place."

The Hope set, with its deep emerald green base, transforms into a hooded long coat when complete. Fujioka explains the complexity of its creation: each piece works independently while forming a cohesive whole.

"We dedicated more attention to the Hope series than any other equipment," he says. "Previous games had separate upper and lower body armor, preventing the creation of a coat. Gameplay limitations dictated separate pieces, but I wanted a flowing hooded coat. We achieved this by investing significant resources. Players will discover many equipment options, and we encourage experimentation. Therefore, the Hope series is designed to be subtly stylish yet elegant."

Starting with such meticulously crafted equipment is a luxury. The 14 starting weapons and the Hope series are designed to project the image of a truly exceptional hunter. We eagerly anticipate examining their details in the final game.