Monster Hunter Wilds' wound mechanic is a powerful new feature, but it might not be the best idea that the game introduced. Players will undoubtedly see the wound mechanic in action a lot duringMonster Hunter Wilds, and in that time, they will undoubtedly benefit from it time and time again. However, while wounds are definitely useful, it may be worth questioning how well the mechanic fits intoMonster Hunter. The game just came out, so there’s plenty of time to see how it works. However, it remains to be seen ifMonster Hunter Wildswill be its sole appearance.
Taking onhunts inMonster Hunter Wildsrequires a solid strategy, just like in past games. Every monster has their own threats that players have to look out for, and every weapon gives players a different set of skills to deal with them. These are in addition to general skills such as dodging and knowing when to back away to heal or sharpen the hunter’s weapon.Monster Hunterhas a lot of intricacies, and players will only find more the longer they play the game. WithMonster Hunter Wilds, players will have even more elements to experiment with against the game’s roster of monsters.
Wounds Are Powerful, but Easy to Exploit in Monster Hunter Wilds
Wounds Are a Reliable Damage Source in Monster Hunter Wilds
With the newwound mechanic inMonster Hunter Wilds, monsters will receive visible injuries as they take damage. By hitting a wound, players will be able to deal bonus damage with each hit. Hitting a wound enough will cause it to explode, dealing heavy damage and momentarily stunning the monster. Using Focus Mode will make wounds more visible while also enabling the player to use powerful Focus Strikes, which hit incredibly hard, but will instantly remove the wound after completion. Wounds introduce a new element toMonster Hunter Wildsthat players can easily use to their advantage in almost any hunt.
Exploiting Wounds Makes Monster Hunter Wilds' Hunts Easier
The usefulness of wounds is evident even in theearliest stage ofMonster Hunter Wilds. Since wounds occur naturally during a hunt as long as the player is dealing damage, they present a clear target for the player to focus on. With the bonus damage and eventual staggering from the wound explosion, it offers a significant reward for simply attacking the same area repeatedly. The mechanic makes sense, and the player has to keep up their attacks lest the opportunity pass them by. However, utilizing wounds is much easier than most methods of inflicting stuns or heavy damage that they arguably make the hunts less challenging.
Wounds introduce a new element toMonster Hunter Wildsthat players can easily use to their advantage in almost any hunt.
Monster Hunter Wilds Has Other Tricks More Intricate Than Wounds
Historically, the main ways to stun monsters have involved usingMonster Hunter’s crafted traps, or using environmental hazards to ensnare them. For instance, Paratoads can temporarily paralyze both monsters and hunters, and certain net-like grounds can entrap a monster. These options leave the monster open for whatever combos the player has in store. These methods require planning and positioning, but it’s incredibly rewarding to pull it off. In comparison, attacking wounds is easy, although the stun from wound explosions is much shorter. Simply put, attacking wounds doesn’t teach players to be resourceful, whileMonster Hunter’s other tricks teach that in spades.
Wounds are undoubtedly a major aspect ofMonster Hunter Wilds' strategy. However, while players juststarting inMonster Hunter Wildswill benefit greatly from them, they do admittedly make plenty of hunts easier than anticipated. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with the game being welcoming to new players. At the same time, a lot ofMonster Hunter’s appeal comes from the long, challenging hunts that players can throw themselves into. With wounds being an easily-available source of damage andd stuns,Monster Hunter Wilds' monsters seem a little less intimidating.
