With excitement ramping up over the months through promotional content and a hands-on beta, Capcom’s confidence in the appeal of Monster Hunter Wilds is apparent. One of the standout features grabbing attention is Focus Mode, an innovation that effortlessly combines technical finesse with visual flair. This mode allows players to specifically target monster parts, breathing new life into some of the game’s slower weapons. The impact of this feature, however, extends well beyond, affecting the entire arsenal in interesting ways.
In addition to improved attack precision, every weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds gets a unique Focus Strike. These new moves are designed around targeting a monster’s Wound—a mechanic that’s activated by repeatedly attacking a specific area in Focus Mode. Destroying a Wound results in massive damage, thus rewarding players who master this new layer of strategy, regardless of which weapon they’re wielding.
Moving on to how this feature affects heavy weaponry, there’s a noticeable depth it brings to positioning the typically straightforward and hefty arsenal. The Switch Axe has long been known for its nuanced melee dynamics, shifting between states after building up gauges. Now, with Focus Mode, even weapons like the Greatsword or Hammer benefit from enhanced control, allowing them to deliver targeted Wound-inflicting strikes. Additionally, more complex weapons gain a new dimension, with Focus Strikes enabling paths to the Charge Blade’s Savage Axe mode and an Elemental Discharge Finisher for the Switch Axe.
Some unique Focus Strikes in Monster Hunter Wilds include:
- Greatsword: Perforate – A slashing move hitting multiple Wounds.
- Hunting Horn: Reverb – A strong hit that allows five musical notes to be played.
- Lance: Victory Thrust – A shield bash that transitions into a charging assault.
- Gunlance: Drake Auger – A drilling technique launching a Wyrmstake shot.
Focus Mode also enriches the gameplay for faster, more agile weapons. For instance, Dual Blades and Sword and Shield are already known for their speed, but now they gain precision in their rapid attacks. This mode also allows players to adjust their positions during sequences like the Dual Blades’ Demon Flurry, keeping them fluid and dynamic. In terms of offense, new moves like Turning Tide for Dual Blades revamp classic maneuvers such as the Heavenly Blade Dance by letting players specifically target Wounds. The Insect Glaive also benefits as its Leaping Strike directly aims for a Wound while gathering extracts, adding both focus and mobility.
Ranged weapons, having built-in aiming capabilities, adapt to Focus Mode differently. For Bowguns, simpler Focus Blast attacks target Wounds, while the Bow integrates fully with this mechanic, especially with its new Tracer shots. The synergy allows Bow users to utilize the Focus Fire: Hailstorm skill, sending volleys of arrows that seek out Wounds or marked areas, profoundly transforming the bow’s role in combat.
In this thrilling world, Monster Hunter Wilds encourages players to delve deep into a space where humanity and nature interact and evolve. With its environments and story intertwined, the game offers an ultimate hunting experience, unveiling the connections between people and the lands they inhabit. Set for release in February 2025 across multiple platforms, players can look forward to a rich multiplayer experience with the RE Engine enhancing every moment of gameplay.
