Summary
One of the most important design principles of aMonster Huntergame is that its monsters behave in such a way that offers players a significant challenge to overcome. WhileMonster Hunter Wilds' might be on the more accessible side when it comes to other mainlineMonster Huntergames, it still raises the bar for monster AI in gaming, as its monsters behave in a much more natural and realistic way than any installment before it.
Video games can certainly get away with featuring bland enemy monsters that are simply fodder useful for little more than impeding the player’s progress toward their main objective. However, if there were ever a series that should place more of an emphasis on realistic monster behavior, it’sMonster Hunter, andMonster Hunter Wildseffortlessly accomplishes that with monsters that exhibit complex behaviors and contribute to what feels like a real, dynamic ecosystem.
Monster Hunter Wilds' Monsters Behave Realistically
Monsters Adapt Their Strategies Based on Player Actions
Firstly,Monster Hunter Wilds' monsters adapt their strategies based on player actions, making each fight a bit more unpredictable than the last. This has always been a core principle of theMonster Hunterseries, with monsters performing actions like fleeing if they feel they are in danger and need to rest and recover. However,Monster Hunter Wilds' new mechanicstake this unpredictability up a notch by featuring monsters that will change their attack patterns based on the actions of the player and even call for or retreat to allies for assistance.
This is whereMonster Hunter Wilds' herd mechanics come into play, as they can really shake up the dynamics of a fight right when players think they’ve got the upper hand. Occasionally,Monster Hunter Wilds' monsterswill flee to a herd in the middle of a fight, strongly encouraging players to focus on breaking up the herd with Pods before they reengage their primary target.
Monsters Have Enhanced Sensory Perception
Monster Hunter Wilds' monsters also have enhanced sensory perception, allowing them to be portrayed in a more realistic light and encouraging players to be more wary of their actions. If players wish to avoid triggering a fight with a nearby monster, they need to remain constantly aware of their surroundings and ensure they don’t do anything out of the ordinary, as many ofMonster Hunter Wilds' monsters may react to sudden movements, loud noises, or the smell of the hunter.
Even calling theSeikret inMonster Hunter Wildscan alert a monster nearby and trigger a fight.
Predator-Prey Relationships and Territorial Disputes Occur More Naturally
Monster Hunter Wilds' monsters are even more lifelike in their predator-prey relationships and territorial disputes. Of course, this is not necessarilynew to theMonster Hunterfranchise, asMonster Hunter: World’s Turf Wars mechanic is responsible for first introducing true predator-prey mechanics to the mainline series. However,Monster Hunter: World’s take on the feature was largely static, with scripted monster animations, behaviors, and interactions.Monster Hunter Wilds, however, removes that script for more organic relationships between monsters.
InMonster Hunter Wilds, monsters will actively hunt, stalk, and chase prey more naturally rather than just engaging in scripted battles. Smaller creatures also have better survival instincts, reacting more intelligently to threats, looking for cover, or even cooperating to evade predators. The time of day andweather inMonster Hunter Wildscan also affect monsters, making some predators more aggressive at certain points and thereby increasing the natural activity in the world.
Monster Hunter Wilds' monsters adapt their strategies based on player actions, making each fight a bit more unpredictable than the last.
Monster Hunter Wildshas taken major leapstoward offering a living, breathing ecosystem where monsters are more than just obstacles. From their ability to alter strategies mid-fight to their heightened sensory awareness and challenging herd dynamics, these creatures feel more lifelike than ever before. By foregoing the rigid scripts of past entries and applying a more emergent approach to monster behavior,Monster HunterWildsdelivers an experience that challenges players to think, adapt, and respect the world they hunt in.
