Monster Hunter Wilds Revamps Hitstop and Weapons After Beta Feedback

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Summary

  • Capcom improves hitstop & weapon mechanics in Monster Hunter Wilds based on beta feedback.
  • Hitstop was a major point of contention; players wanted the weighty hit feel back.
  • Changes include tuned up hitstops, reworked weapons, and reduced friendly fire for multiplayer hunter.

As a seasoned Monster Hunter veteran with countless hours spent slaying beasts across various iterations of this beloved series, I can confidently say that Capcom’s decision to rework the hitstop and weapon mechanics in Monster Hunter Wilds is nothing short of music to my ears (or should I say, the sound effects to my speakers?). The weighty, satisfying hitstop that has been a staple of the series since its inception was sorely missed during the open beta, and hearing that it’s making a comeback fills me with a sense of nostalgic excitement.

In response to player feedback gathered during the open beta testing, Capcom is refining significant aspects of Monster Hunter Rise (Wilds). For instance, the Switch Axe’s hacking motion has been made more fluid, and the updated hitstop gives players a more authentic hunting experience.

The apparent scaling back of the hitstop emerged as a significant point of contention among players following Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta in late October. For those unfamiliar, hitstop is a common fighting mechanic where a hit is perfectly paired with sound and visual feedback and pauses for a fraction of a second to signify a well-delivered and timed blow. Capcom director Tuya Tokuda explains:

It’s intriguing and pleasant to know that players worldwide have grown accustomed to the substantial, tactile feel of the hitstop action in Monster Hunter, which is a distinctive feature. Hearing that they’ve requested its return makes it even more interesting for me.

Improved Hitstop and Weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds

In the video demonstration provided, director Tokuda shared some updates anticipated in the final version of the game, based on player input during the beta testing phase. At approximately 33 minutes and 33 seconds, he showcased a fresh hitstop feature, which comes with an energetic sound design. The Great Sword’s True Charged Slash appears more powerful, refined, and accompanied by an impactful sound effect.

In the forthcoming hack-and-slash RPG from Capcom, they’re working on reducing unintended damage between team members, especially in intense multiplayer scenarios where it has caused issues. Hammer swings will now be more accurate and less likely to hit allies, promoting better cooperation during battles.

Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Rework

The latest pre-launch community update also revealed a whole host of other weapon changes that enhance attacks in Wilds. Insect Glaive mains now have access to the Vaulting Dance, which can increase their aerial power. Similarly, the Lance Charge Counter allows you to charge and guard simultaneously.

1) The Witch Axe can now be set to Sword mode, which prevents you from getting knocked back when performing a Full Release Slash. In addition, this dual Sword and Shield weapon allows you to execute the Rising Slash and swiftly dodge enemy attacks by sliding sideways.

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but share an intriguing tidbit from Director Tokuda. He subtly suggested there might be another beta round for The Wilds before its official launch. However, he cautioned that any improvements made since the initial beta won’t necessarily be part of this potential second chance. In other words, if a second opportunity does indeed materialize, it would be primarily for those who missed out on the first one.

Monster Hunter Wilds is set to be released for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on February 28, 2025.

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2024-12-20 20:08