Monster Hunter Wilds: A Deep Dive into the 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 through repeated hunts, is a core element of the series' appeal.
The Monster Hunter series has consistently adhered to a core design principle: defeat monsters and harness their power through equipment crafted from their remains. Players use their skill to overcome formidable beasts, then integrate those beasts' abilities into their own arsenal to become even stronger.
In an interview with IGN, Kaname Fujioka, Executive Director and Art Director of Monster Hunter Wilds, elaborated on this design philosophy: "While our design range has expanded, we were once very mindful of the idea that wearing Rathalos equipment would make you look like a Rathalos." Wilds introduces new monsters, each offering unique and visually striking equipment. Rompopolo, a mad scientist-inspired monster, for instance, boasts head armor resembling a plague doctor's mask, showcased in the hunt video below.
However, the developers emphasize the significance of the starting equipment. Fujioka states, "I designed all 14 starting weapon types from scratch. This is a first for me. Previously, new hunters started with basic weapons. But our protagonist is a chosen hunter; plain weapons wouldn't fit. I wanted them to feel like a star, even with their initial gear."
Yuya Tokuda, Director of Monster Hunter Wilds, adds, "In Monster Hunter: World, weapon designs generally maintained a consistent form, with variations based on monster materials. In Wilds, each weapon has a unique design."
The starting weapons reflect the narrative: the player is a seasoned hunter tasked with investigating the Forbidden Lands. Tokuda highlights the meticulous design of the starting armor: "The starting armor, the Hope series, is incredibly stylish; 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 fully equipped. Fujioka explains the complexity of its creation: "We dedicated more effort to the Hope series than any other equipment. Previous games had separate upper and lower body armor; we couldn't depict them forming a coat. Gameplay limitations restricted us, but I wanted a flowing hooded coat. We achieved this by investing significant resources. Players will discover many equipment options, and we encourage experimentation. The Hope series is designed to be subtly stylish, not overpowering."
Starting with such meticulously crafted equipment is a significant advantage. The 14 starting weapons and the Hope series are designed to reflect the attire of a truly exceptional hunter. We eagerly anticipate examining their details in the final game.
