Summary
There aren’t a lot of games likeMonster Hunter Wildsor any other entry in the series. They can best be described as aseries of boss encountersbut they are more elevated than similar projects likeShadow of the Colossus. After all, players can explore rich open worlds with friends, level up their gear, and fight these boss-like monsters on repeat.
It’ll be interesting to see how many monsters the final version ofMonster Hunter Wildswill include. In the beta, players could fight four big monsters alone or with friends and that’s not even counting the little monsters that are there merely for meat. So, let’s go over the four big monsters now, all of which were new additions to the franchise.
4Chatacabra
Chatacabra is an unskippable monster because that is part of the opening quest. After being chased through the desert by a group of Balahara, players will make a small camp wherein they can choose their starting weapon. Since this will be a solo affair, players should keep their distance from Chatacabra unless they want to take a more risky approach. Abow in any gamecan give players the safety of distance though. No matter what weapon players choose, they can replace it once they reach the main camp after this encounter, so don’t stress out too much.
Chatacabra is not that challenging as it’s a big target. It doesn’t have any wildly devastating attacks, save for its tongue, and its body doesn’t have a great defense. Through persistence strikes, players can ready a focus attack once they open up enough wounds. Wounds are a new mechanic inMonster Hunter Wildswherein glowing bits stricken with weapons will deal critical damage. While not a smash hit of a new monster, players can have fun with Chatacabra on repeatedencounters once co-opis unlocked.
3Doshaguma
A Bear With A Dog’s Face
Doshaguma is the only beast-like monster players can face in the beta. It has the face of a dog and its body and aggression level can be likened to a bear. Video game fans know all too well that bears can often be as scary as goblins in games likeRed Dead Redemption 2or even the mutated ones, calledYao Guai, in theFalloutseries. What makes Doshaguma dangerous, besides its hulking body and vicious claws, is that it hunts in packs. Players may be unlucky enough to get a Doshaguma next to another while trying to tackle this Hunt.
That may be a theme inMonster Hunter Wildsas there is another monster in the beta that at least seems to be around others of its kind often. It would make the game harder that’s for sure which is wild as the series was challenging way beforeSoulslikes came around. Regardless, hopefully, players can get a Doshaguma alone on their Hunt. It is the only other monster tied to a main quest in the beta and once players finish killing it, that will be it for guidance. Thankfully, others are lurking if players know where to look.
2Balahara
An Armored Slippery Sand Snake
Balahara is technically the first monster players will see in the beta. The game begins with players surfing on a sea of sand when all of a sudden they see someone running from something beneath the surface. They are riding a monster called a Seikret, reminiscent of theChocobos from theFinal Fantasyseries. This large monster is called a Balahara and it looks like a giant snake with appendages, covered in hard armor. They would give the giant Sandworms of Dune a run for their money not in size but in sheer power and speed.
Players will rescue this NPC in the opening but they cannot directly fight the Balahara. They can, however, encounter it later once they can explore the beta’s map. Damaging it enough will begin a quest-like mission to slay it, complete with Game Over limitations like if players die too many times. Its speed will be tricky to counter and its hide is rock hard. This one definitely requires a partner or three to vanquish it quickly. Afterward, it’s worth fighting the Balahara solo for practice as long as players have time left in the beta.
1Rey Dau
The Terror From The Skies
The final, and strongest new enemy in the beta is called Rey Dau. There’s not even a question of who is the strongest monster in the beta once this thing arrives. It’s large, has the ability to fly, and can shoot lightning. If players aren’t careful, they can be blasted to smithereens if they suffer a direct attack from its lightning-infused mouth beam. It’s best to go into this one with a dish prepared at home in the tent. HardcoreMonster Hunterfans know the value of a well-prepared dish before a Hunt.
Because the smith is not ready in the beta, players cannot get stronger by creating gear from materials. This means defeating the Rey Dau alone is nearly impossible unless fans are expertly patient and know how to locate and exploit wounds quickly. Be sure to fire off an SOS Flare quickly when encountering a Rey Dau or better yet join in on someone else’s Hunt to give them a hand. If the fourth monster is this fierce in the beta then the final game assuredly has some tough encounters just waiting to punish unprepared Hunters. For many fans, that sounds exciting and they assuredly can’t wait until February rolls around next year.
