Monster Hunter Wilds Devs Detail Weapon Changes - IGN

Evolution of the Hunt

With every Monster Hunter release, players eagerly anticipate how their preferred weapons will handle in the newest installment. The series' 14 weapon types all maintain distinct identities while adapting to each game's innovations - from Monster Hunter: World's seamless maps to Rise's Wirebug mechanics. Now, Monster Hunter Wilds brings another paradigm shift with its focus on continuous hunting experiences. What design philosophies guided the weapon balancing for this ambitious new entry?

To uncover the strategic considerations behind these gameplay-defining decisions, we spoke with Monster Hunter Wilds' art director and executive director Kaname Fujioka (original Monster Hunter director) and director Yuya Tokuda (Monster Hunter Freedom veteran).

IGN First: Monster Hunter Wilds Oilwell Basin Concept Art

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Rethinking Combat for a Living World

Tokuda reveals that Wilds' seamless ecosystems and dynamic weather necessitated fundamental changes to weapon mechanics, particularly for ranged options: "The Light/Heavy Bowguns and Bow underwent substantial revisions," he explains.

Previous games enforced resupply breaks between quests, but Wilds' uninterrupted gameplay meant ranged weapons' ammunition economy required reinvention. "We implemented infinite basic ammo types - Normal, Pierce, Spread shots and Bow coatings - while maintaining resource management through gauge systems," Tokuda clarifies. "Players can still utilize pre-prepared specialty ammo and crafted munitions for tactical versatility."

Focus Mode: Precision Redefined

The new Focus Mode represents Wilds' most significant mechanical innovation, transforming combat rhythm and tactical positioning: "We envisioned hunters executing precise, continuous attacks while maintaining directional control," Fujioka elaborates.

This system also enables Focus Strikes - devastating wound-targeting attacks with unique animations per weapon type. "Each weapon's signature flair was prioritized over raw performance metrics during development," Tokuda notes. "While balancing revealed some overpowered implementations during beta testing, we're refining these to ensure satisfying viability across all options."

Great Sword: The Series' Development Benchmark

Remarkably, the Great Sword continues to serve as the franchise's development benchmark. "It establishes the core combat tempo we want players to experience," Tokuda explains. "The measured cadence of its attacks creates that quintessential Monster Hunter rhythm."

Fujioka adds: "When Focus Strikes worked beautifully with the Great Sword, we knew we could achieve exciting results with every weapon. That first successful implementation became our quality standard."

Preserving Weapon Identity

The team remains committed to maintaining each weapon's distinctive playstyle despite balancing challenges. "Rather than homogenizing ease-of-use, we amplify what makes each option unique," Fujioka emphasizes.

Tokuda illustrates this with the Hunting Horn redesign: "We reinforced its area-control identity through Echo Bubble mechanics, ensuring it remains viable without becoming just a buffing tool."

Armor Skill System Revamp

Addressing a common World frustration, Tokuda confirms: "Our decoration system now guarantees skill accessibility through deterministic crafting, eliminating the endless grind for specific jewels." Fujioka laughs while recalling his World experience: "I completed the entire game without ever obtaining a Shield Jewel 2."

Developer Weapon Preferences (And Promised Improvements)

While Tokuda utilizes bowguns and Sword & Shield for testing purposes, Fujioka proudly declares his Lance allegiance. "The introduction of micro-positioning adjustments has been transformative for Lance mains," he enthuses.

Tokuda acknowledges beta feedback revealed significant Lance deficiencies: "We're overhauling its counterattack responsiveness and guard mechanics for launch based on player reports."

As development continues, both veterans reaffirm their commitment: "We're approaching these refinements not just as developers, but as hunters who want every weapon to deliver that signature Monster Hunter satisfaction."