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Monster Hunter Wilds: A First Look at the Scarlet Forest and Its Apex Predators
December 4, 2024Prepare to face off against ferocious beasts and navigate awe-inspiring landscapes as Monster Hunter Wilds gears up for its February 28 PS5 release. In a hands-on preview, the first chapter delivers a tantalizing glimpse into the game’s seamless exploration, evolved mechanics, and towering new monsters that promise to challenge even veteran hunters.
Table of Contents
Revolutionary Gear Mechanics
One of the standout changes in Monster Hunter Wilds is the introduction of built-in Equipment Skills on weapons. These bonuses were tied primarily to armour, talismans, or decorations in previous titles. Even entry-level weapons like the Great Sword Buster Sword I feature potent skills such as Critical Draw, while Bone Blade II offers Focus and Attack Boost.
Switching between two weapons during hunts opens up new strategic possibilities, encouraging hunters to pair melee and ranged options for maximum efficiency. These innovations empower players to adapt mid-battle, using complementary skill sets to dominate encounters.
Quematrice
The hands-on session begins with an encounter against Quematrice, a Brute Wyvern that sets the stage for Monster Hunter Wilds’ brutal intensity. This towering foe ignites the battlefield by dragging its tail across the ground, creating trails of flame. Hunters afflicted with Fireblight from these attacks must either consume Nulberries or rely on precise evasions to survive.
Quematrice doesn’t just introduce a physical challenge—it teaches the importance of reading attack patterns and leveraging the environment to turn the tide of battle.
Scarlet Forest
Transitioning from the Windward Plains to the Scarlet Forest highlights Monster Hunter Wilds’ seamless exploration. Gone are the loading screens that fragmented previous games, replaced by a cohesive world that feels alive and interconnected.
The Scarlet Forest is a visual masterpiece with towering trees, crimson-hued waters, and hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered. Along the way, players encounter the Lynian Wudwud tribe, whose presence suggests deeper lore to explore. This shift in scenery is more than aesthetic—it signals a game brimming with diversity in ecosystems and creatures.
Meet the Scarlet Forest’s Inhabitants
Lala Barina: Grace and Danger in the Trees
The Scarlet Forest introduces Lala Barina, a Temnoceran that embodies elegance and menace. This monster uses scarlet silk to strike from above, employing surprise attacks that keep hunters on their toes. Its spore-based offensive can paralyze unwary players, emphasizing the need for precise movement and strategic counters.
Congalala: A Return of Chaotic Mischief
Fans of the series will recognize the Pink Fur Beast, Congalala, whose flatulence-infused attacks make a stinky comeback. Beyond its comical belches, Congalala packs a powerful punch with swift strikes and group attacks alongside smaller Congas. Stocking up on Deodorants is non-negotiable for this encounter, as Stench can severely limit your ability to heal or fight effectively.
Uth Duna: Apex Predator of the Scarlet Forest
The chapter climaxes with a breathtaking battle against Uth Duna, the Scarlet Forest’s apex predator. This Leviathan wields devastating water-based attacks that inflict Waterblight, hampering stamina recovery. Its signature move—a crushing body slam—destroys trees and demands absolute focus on evasion.
Uth Duna’s ability to secrete a protective veil adds a unique twist to the fight. This fluid, mixing with the forest’s water, reduces incoming damage and alters its appearance. Hunters must adapt by targeting exposed areas, using Focus Mode to pinpoint vulnerable spots for maximum damage.
Support comes in the form of Olivia, a member of the Forbidden Lands Expedition Team, whose presence divides Uth Duna’s attention and opens opportunities for tactical strikes.
This hands-on preview of Monster Hunter Wilds showcases a game that redefines the hunting experience. With seamless exploration, innovative mechanics, and unforgettable encounters, February 28 can’t come soon enough. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a newcomer, the Scarlet Forest promises a wild adventure that will test your skills and immerse you in its untamed beauty.
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