The latest installment in Capcom's iconic Monster Hunter series, Monster Hunter Wilds, has shattered records, achieving over 675,000 concurrent players within just 30 minutes of its Steam release. This surge propelled the game to surpass 1 million concurrent players shortly thereafter, marking it as the most successful launch not only within the Monster Hunter franchise but across all of Capcom's titles. To put this into perspective, the previous record holder, Monster Hunter: World (2018), had peaked at 334,000 players, while Monster Hunter Rise (2022) reached 230,000. Despite these impressive numbers, the game has encountered a backlash on Steam due to technical difficulties, including bugs and frequent crashes, leading to a wave of negative reviews.
Monster Hunter Wilds introduces a standalone storyline, making it an excellent starting point for new players. Set in a world teeming with perilous creatures, the game follows the protagonist's journey through the mysterious Forbidden Lands. Players will encounter the legendary "White Ghost," a mythical creature central to the lore, and interact with enigmatic Guardians, enhancing the narrative's depth and intrigue.
While pre-release reviews were largely positive, some critics have pointed out that Capcom has simplified certain gameplay mechanics in an effort to appeal to a wider audience. However, many players and reviewers have praised these modifications, noting that they enhance the game's accessibility without compromising its depth and quality.
Monster Hunter Wilds is now available on modern consoles, including the PS5 and Xbox Series, as well as on PC.