For those doing the Monster Mash, a showcase has been dropped to get people up to speed on what to expect when Monster Hunter Wilds first title update releases in early April – showing off a new foe, new challenges and a hot new place to hang out.
The fantastic bubble beasty in the video is none other than Mizutsune, first introduced in Monster Hunter Generations and recently spotted being a menace in Monster Hunter Rise. With fun attacks like a high pressure water stream and soapy sud-bubbles, Mizutsune will find himself hanging out in the Scarlet Forest and trying to steal the limelight from local Apex creature Uth Duna. Eagle-eyed viewers are also pretty sure they saw the variant Soulseer Mizutsune in the trailer too in a blink-and-you-will-miss-it capacity, so there might even be an additional challenge waiting for hunters down the line.
The other enormous addition is the new Gathering Hub, known as the Grand Hub. This is a centralised location for hunters to hang out, socialise and prep for their grand hunting adventures. New to the Grand Hub however, appears to be a unique minigame opportunity where players roll their barrel bombs down a hill to try and hit targets. There is also dinner entertainment, with the Wyverian Diva doing regular shows with her incredible voice. Hang out and give her a listen.
Players will also get to revisit some old foes, with the mid-narrative boss Zoh Shia returning with a scarier fight and the ability to carve our materials for gear and weapons. And the drip from that armour is off the chain, given the creatures angelic/demonic appearances.
Alongside Zoh Shia coming back with a vengeance, there will also be an opportunity to fight the living railgun, Rey Dau, in a hot new ‘Arch Tempered’ difficulty. That means more boom, more bang – and very likely, more beaten hunters.
Take a look at the sizzle reel for all these goodies:
As for things coming in the future, Ryozo Tsujimoto also makes mention of how the Grand Hub will enjoy festivals – updating the décor and giving players new foods to enjoy. The first of these will come towards the end of April, with the Blossomdance festival celebrating spring in the forbidden lands.
But what is a Monster Hunter update video without some kind of small teaser to amp people up?
Of course, the end of the video gives a tiny taster of what is coming in title update number two, with a familiar roar and a hulking claw slamming down on some unfortunate prey. For people who know their watery leviathans, this of course confirms none other than Lagiacrus, first seen all the way back in Monster Hunter 3. Now there is no water combat in Monster Hunter Wilds (and casually, I hope it stays that way) for which Um Jammer Laggy is known for – so it will be super neato to see how the modern incarnation fights our hunters.
A final note is that there was no mention of an Ambush/Invading monster. For those out of the know, usually a monster will join the game that is known for gatecrashing your hunts – much like the humble Deviljho, or Bazelgeuse. They turn up unannounced and make a mess of things, but in an endearing way. Many players are still clinging to the hope that a popular pest will make their way back to the game, with most accepting that the lack of any confirmation in the video just means “it will be a surprise” when the update goes live. Hopium? Maybe. But I do love a good gremlin throwing a spanner in my huntering works.
All this will come to Monster Hunter Wilds on April 4, AEST – so prep your Palico for a bubblebath, courtesy of your local Mizutsune.
Will I see you in the Grand Hub? Wanna armwrestle? Let me know in the comments, or on our social media.
