Monster Hunter Wilds: A Deep Dive into Starting Equipment
Many Monster Hunter players cite crafting new equipment as a major draw. The satisfaction of a complete armor set and matching weapon, painstakingly earned through repeated hunts, is a core element of the experience. This equipment crafting system, a cornerstone of the series since its inception, revolves around harnessing the power of slain monsters through their remains. Players conquer powerful beasts, then incorporate their strengths to become even stronger.
In an IGN interview, Kaname Fujioka (Executive Director and Art Director) explains the equipment design philosophy: "While our designs are now more diverse, we were once very mindful of the concept that wearing Rathalos equipment would make you look like a Rathalos." Wilds introduces new monsters, each with its own unique and visually striking equipment. Rompopolo, a mad scientist-themed monster, boasts head armor resembling a plague doctor's mask (seen in the hunt video below).
However, the developers emphasize the importance of the starting equipment. Fujioka states, "I designed all 14 starting weapon types from scratch—a first for me. Previously, starting weapons were primitive. But our protagonist is a chosen hunter; a plain weapon wouldn't fit. I wanted even the starting equipment to feel impactful."
Yuya Tokuda (Director) adds, "In Monster Hunter: World, weapon designs were largely consistent, with variations based on materials. In Wilds, each weapon has a unique design." The starting equipment reflects the player's status as an experienced hunter tasked with investigating the Forbidden Lands. Tokuda highlights the detailed design of the starting armor:
"The starting armor, the 'Hope' series, is incredibly stylish; you could use it until the end and it wouldn't feel out of place."
The Hope set, a deep emerald green, transforms into a hooded long coat when fully equipped. Fujioka explains the design complexity: "We dedicated more effort to the Hope series than any other equipment. Previous games had separate upper and lower body armor, preventing a cohesive coat design. We overcame this limitation in Wilds by investing significant resources. While players will discover many equipment options, we wanted the Hope series to possess elegant coolness without overshadowing later finds."
Starting with such meticulously crafted equipment is a luxury. The 14 starting weapons and the Hope series are designed to reflect the attire of a truly exceptional hunter. We eagerly anticipate examining their details in the final game.
