Monster Hunter Wilds: A Deep Dive into the Starting Equipment

Many Monster Hunter players cite crafting new equipment as a major draw. The satisfaction of a complete armor set and matching weapon, painstakingly earned through repeated hunts, is a core element of the series' appeal. This equipment design philosophy, central since the franchise's inception, centers around harnessing the power of slain monsters. Hunters conquer powerful beasts, then incorporate their 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 this design concept: "While our designs have broadened, we were once very conscious of the idea that if you're wearing Rathalos equipment, you'll look like Rathalos." Wilds introduces new monsters, each contributing unique and visually striking equipment. Rompopolo, a mad scientist-inspired monster, for instance, boasts head armor resembling a plague doctor's mask (see the accompanying hunt video).

However, the developers emphasize the significance of the starting equipment. Fujioka explains, "I designed the starting weapons for all 14 weapon types from scratch. This is a first for me. Previously, starting weapons were primitive. But our protagonist is a chosen hunter; plain weapons wouldn't fit. I wanted even the starting equipment to feel impactful."

Yuya Tokuda, Director of Monster Hunter Wilds, adds, "In Monster Hunter: World, weapon designs retained a certain form, customized by monster materials. In Wilds, each weapon has a unique design." The starting weapons reflect the narrative of an experienced hunter tasked with investigating the Forbidden Lands. Tokuda notes that the starting armor, the "Hope" series, also embodies this narrative focus.

The Hope set, a deep emerald green, transforms into a hooded long coat when fully assembled. Fujioka describes the design process as challenging, requiring each piece to function independently while forming a cohesive whole. "We invested more in the Hope series than any other equipment. Previous games had separate upper and lower body armor; we couldn't create a coat. But I wanted to. We achieved this by dedicating significant resources. We want players to experiment with new weapons, so the Hope set is stylish yet understated."

Starting with such meticulously crafted equipment is a unique luxury. The 14 starting weapons and the Hope series are designed to reflect a seasoned, elite hunter. We eagerly anticipate experiencing their detail in the final game.