Monster Hunter Wilds: A Deep Dive into the Starting Equipment
What excites Monster Hunter players? For many, it's the thrill of crafting powerful equipment from monster parts. The satisfaction of a complete armor set and matching weapon, earned through countless hunts, is a core element of the series' appeal.
The Monster Hunter series has always centered on this concept: defeat powerful creatures and harness their strength through crafted equipment. Players overcome challenges through skill, then incorporate their foes' abilities to become even stronger.
In an IGN interview, Executive Director and Art Director Kaname Fujioka explained this design philosophy: "While our designs are more diverse now, we were once very focused on the idea that wearing Rathalos equipment would make you look like a Rathalos." Wilds introduces new monsters, each with unique and visually striking equipment. Rompopolo, a mad scientist-inspired monster, boasts head armor resembling a plague doctor's mask (see the hunt video below).
However, the developers emphasize the importance of the starting equipment. Fujioka stated, "I designed all 14 starting weapon types from scratch. This is a first for me. Previously, new hunters began with rudimentary weapons. But, as our protagonist is a chosen hunter, simple weapons felt inappropriate. I wanted them to feel like a star, even with their initial gear."
Director Yuya Tokuda added, "Weapon designs in Monster Hunter: World generally maintained a consistent form, with variations based on materials. In Wilds, each weapon has a unique design."
This starting gear reflects the narrative: the hunter is experienced and selected to investigate the Forbidden Lands. Tokuda highlighted the detailed design of the starting armor: "The starting armor, the 'Hope' series, looks incredibly cool; you could use it until the end and it wouldn't feel out of place."
The Hope set, with its deep emerald green, forms a hooded long coat when complete. Fujioka explained the design process: "We paid more attention to the Hope series than any other equipment. Previous games had separate upper and lower body armor, preventing a coat design. We overcame this limitation by investing significant resources. While players will discover many equipment options, we aimed for the Hope series to be stylish yet not overly distracting, encouraging exploration of other weapons."
Starting with such meticulously crafted equipment is a luxury. The 14 starting weapons and the Hope series are designed to befit a seasoned, elite hunter. We eagerly anticipate experiencing their detail in the final game.
