The first public beta forMonster Hunter Wildshas been released, and player impressions are largely positive. Plenty of technical issues are impacting the experience, but for a game releasing in a few months, it’s better to find them now so the worst can be fixed before launch. Otherwise,Monster Hunter Wildshas treated players very well, with its considerable changes toMonster Hunter’s traditional structure and tweaks to all 14 weapon types being celebrated by many. It can’t replace the old games entirely, butMonster Hunter Wildsshould have no trouble establishing its distinct generation in the series’ history.
Aiding it in that endeavor is a host of new monsters to hunt. While players will need more time to decide theirfavorite new beasts inMonster Hunter Wilds, there are plenty to choose from thanks to a noticeable push towards having more new creatures than old ones. Only Rathalos, Rathian, Yian Kut-Ku, and Congalala, have been confirmed as returning hunts so far, but thanks to a leak straight fromWilds’ beta files, that may change soon. In addition to a status effect list hinting at Mizutsune’s return alongside Bubbleblight,Monster Hunter Wildshas all but officially added four familiar faces via their legacy ID numbers.
Gravios — 0005
First among the returning monsters is the Flying Wyvern Gravios, whose legacy dates back to the very firstMonster Hunter. Having appeared in everyMHgeneration but the third, and even gaining special variants in thespin-offsMonster Hunter Frontier ZZandMH Online, Gravios and its juvenile form Basarios are respected veterans of theMonster Hunterfranchise. Boasting high defenses and nigh impenetrable stone armor, these Wyverns can’t do much flying, but make up for it with fireballs and the occasional beam attack. Basarios represented its family alone inMonster Hunter Rise, soMH Wildsmight be Gravios’ time to return the favor.
Gypceros — 0009
Joining Gravios as another first-generation monster is the eccentric Bird Wyvern Gypceros. Having only appeared in thefirst, second, and fourthMonster Huntergenerations, it’s high time for this turkey-like oddity to update its bag of tricks forWilds’ sixth generation. Previously, it had poison, a blinding flash, immunity to Shock Traps and Flash Bombs, a whip tail, the ability to play dead, and even item theft in its repertoire, with wall and ceiling running debuting inMonster Hunter 4. Gypceros are always a handful, so players will have to keep an eye out for whatever stunts they pull this time.
Nerscylla — 0070
Unfortunately for Gypceros, its return, combined with the introduction of the new Temnoceran Lala Barina, means its predator Nerscylla is back as well. These giant spiders specialize in poison as well as a variety of other status effects, and have a Shrouded Nerscylla subspecies that exchanges Gypceros’ poison for a Khezu’s paralysis. Nerscylla’s other specialty is mobility, which may make for some exciting action sequences when players need to pursue the web-slinging arachnid atopMonster Hunter Wilds’ new mount Seikret. These Temnocerans were previously exclusive to fourth-generationMonster Huntertitles, so it’s good to have them back.
Gore Magala — 0071
The star of this leak, however, is undoubtedly Gore Magala. Hailing fromMonster Hunter 4as its flagship, Gore Magala causedMH4’s plot thanks to producing the pivotal Frenzy Virus. It is one ofMonster Hunter’s few flagship Elder Dragons, and holds the honor of beingMH4’s final boss as well by way of its evolved form, Shagaru Magala. This will also be the third consecutiveMonster Huntergeneration Gore Magala appears in thanks to its role inMH Rise: Sunbreak. On top of all that, Gore Magala may bring together all theMonster Hunter 4references dottingMonster Hunter Wildsfor a nostalgic climax, and that alone is ample reason for this menace to return.
