With the second title update forMonster Hunter Wildsright around the corner, Capcom finally unveiled some exciting new details about what to expect from the largest update coming toWildsyet. Even if the largest reveals like Layered Weapons and the return of the fan-favorite Lagiacrus had already been teased beforehand, the showcase unveiled a feature that’s been missing from the franchise for over 16 years. AlthoughWildshas been wearing itsMonster Hunter 4inspirations on its sleeve since launch, one unmistakable inclusion comes from an even older entry in the series.
Monster Hunter Wildsis getting more ambitious with every updatethanks to aplethora of technical improvementscoming to the game. Even if it’s hard to overlook all the flaws that still plagueWildsmonths after release, the latest title update feels like a breath of fresh air for the series. Although the newest feature might not be exactly what I was hoping for, it looks like a great balance between nostalgia and innovation for the series.
Wilds Is Finally Adding Underwater Hunting For Lagiacrus
The Wait Is Finally Over For The Return Of Limited, But Freeform Swimming
Nearly two decades since its inception, underwater hunting is finally making a return to the series inMonster Hunter Wildsthanks to the addition of Lagiacrus. Rather than reintroducing the heavily controversial underwater hunting fromMonster Hunter 3in its entirety, you can’t use your weapons underwater, but you’ll still have plenty of options to fight with. When facing monsters like Lagiacrus underwater,you’ll be able to dodge attacks, grapple onto underwater monsters, and interact with the environment to create devastating damage effects.
While the full extent of how the underwater mechanics will play into the standard hunting loop for monsters like Lagiacrus is still somewhat vague,the changes feel like an excellent way to incorporate one of my favorite mechanics while avoiding the outdated and clunkier aspects of underwater combat. Whether forcing you into the depths or adding a new way to deal extra damage during a hunt, Lagiacrus will likely prove aformidable challenge to face, both on land and sea.
Underwater Mechanics Are Essential For Sea Monsters Like Lagiacrus
Some Monsters Are Even Deadlier In Their Natural Element
As one of the most highly requested monsters that hadn’t made an appearance in the fifth generation yet,Lagiacrus had more than its share of design troubles before arriving inWilds. While the biggest hurdle preventingMonster Hunter 3’s flagship was the complicated skeleton of leviathan-type monsters, Lagiacrus, originally designed primarily around underwater combat, needed more than a few simple adjustments.
Similar to its appearance inMonster Hunter Generations,Lagiacrus will predominantly be fought on land rather than underwater, with a revamped moveset to make up for its deficiencies. WhereGenerationslost some of the charm of the fan-favorite flagship, the deadly Lord of the Seas will have several new moves to keep things fresh while still being able to unleash powerful attacks underwater. Acting as"an accent to the fight"rather than the main event, according toCapcom,Wildsis bringing several underwater-only mechanics, like the returning Clutch Claw fromWorld,to make the fight even more engaging.
Monster Hunter Wilds Could See The Return Of Even More Aquatic Monsters
Setting The Stage For Some Iconic Monster Reveals
Despite the absence of full underwater combat making the inclusion of monsters like the massive Ceadeus an impossibility, there are plenty of other options that can take fantastic advantage of the new swimming mechanics.It feels incredibly unlikely that Capcom would put significant effort into developing a new swimming mechanic with its own animations and attacks exclusively for a single monster. Although swimming already exists in the form of on-rails sections, where you may collect resources or fish on a set path, the freeform movement coming toWildsstill hasn’t been seen sinceMonster Hunter 3,roughly 18 years ago.
WhileMosnter Hunter Wilds’second title update brings plenty of othergameplay changes and improvements, it’s hard not to speculate about even more monsters that could be just beyond the horizon. Even if aquatic monsters like the infamous Plesioth or Gobul are the first that come to mind,recently seen water-themed monsters like the Royal Ludroth could take great advantage of the new swimming mechanics. Hopefully,Monster HunterWildscan take full advantage of its swimming mechanics, incorporating unique encounters with monsters like Gobul, potentially ambushing or trapping players underwater, keeping you on your toes with fewer options for defense.
