Capcom’s latest Monster Hunter game, Wilds, has undergone significant changes behind the scenes. In a recent demo, developers discussed their new equipment skill system, which separates skills into two categories: Weapon Skills and Armor Skills. This change aims to improve player choice and flexibility during hunts.
The Equipment Skill system allows players to choose from various skills that affect actions and damage output for weapons (Weapon Skills) or provide support for armor (Armor Skills). For example, the support skill “Speed Eating” is exclusive to armor, while “Divine Blessing” can be applied to both armor and certain weapons. The new system also affects slot usage, with decorations restricted to specific types of skills.
Director Yuya Tokuda explained that the previous equipment skill system led to players struggling with specific armor pieces that required a corresponding weapon type. This has been addressed by separating the two categories, allowing for greater flexibility during hunts.
Monster Hunter Wilds now enables players to take two weapons on a hunt, which can be swapped mid-hunt using the sub-weapon mechanic. This change makes it easier to maintain skills and increase damage output while hunting.
Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto confirmed significant changes to weapon balance in Wilds. The development team has tweaked values related to damage, overall balance, and endgame content. They have also put a focus on rebalancing specific weapons like the Lance, Switch Axe, Insect Glaive, and Sword and Shield.
Notably, the Insect Glaive’s “Vaulting Dance” action is making its return after being temporarily removed. This was done to cater to player feedback that Vaulting Dance is an essential part of the Insect Glaive’s identity. The developers have also made adjustments to improve the controls for the new charge attack.
The Switch Axe’s direction has been revamped, with the team focusing on balancing it to make it more attractive to players. Tokuda acknowledged that some aspects of the weapon were not effectively conveyed in previous gameplay and emphasized the team’s commitment to rebalancing it.
Overall, Capcom is committed to listening to player feedback and making necessary changes to ensure a satisfying experience for Monster Hunter Wilds players. With significant updates to equipment skills and weapon balance, fans are eagerly awaiting the game’s release in February 2025.
Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/behind-monster-hunter-wilds-surprising-skill-and-weapon-changes-preview