Monster Hunter Wilds devs focused on simple yet delicious-looking food, which reflects its harsher “living world”
If you have played Monster Hunter Wilds beta or have been watching its trailers, you likely noticed that the game features some seriously yummy-looking food that has you reaching for your phone to order takeout. However, at a recent preview event for the upcoming game’s most recent build, art director Kaname Fujioka and director Yuya Tokuda explained how Monster Hunter Wilds takes a different approach to food than its predecessors.
Of course, food has long been a key feature of the Monster Hunter series. Who can forget the Felyne cooks like Meowscular Chef and Grandmeowster Chef who treated us to sizzling, succulent-looking feasts in Monster Hunter World and Iceborn? What with the series’ legendary preoccupation with food, it came as no surprise when Fujioka revealed with a laugh that the scene of villagers enthusiastically tucking into a feast in Monster Hunter Wilds’ preview version was “The first thing we made.”
However, with Monster Hunter Wilds, the team’s approach to creating amazing-looking virtual meals has changed. “Up until now, food in the series has been very elaborate, with different dishes piled on top of each other.” Fujioka explains. “But in this game, it’s rather simple, and I focused on creating images in which you can really feel the textures and flavors.”
This was no simple task though. “It took many, many attempts to express aspects like the tearing of the naan bread and the melting of the cheese.” reveals Fujioka. “I really focused on this because I wanted to challenge myself to see how delicious I could make simple food look.”
However, the simplicity of Monster Hunter Wilds’ food and the villagers’ enthusiasm for it also tie into the story and the lore of the game. Food is a vital part of Monster Hunter Wilds’ worldbuilding- as food culture and its link to the ecosystem plays a big role in making Monster Hunter Wilds’ world feel more real and dynamic. Not only does the weather impact how you hunt monsters and which monsters appear, it also affects what sustenance the people have available. This “bakes in” the concept of ecosystems and their wide-ranging impact on all life in the game.
“In the Forbidden lands, the cycle of the periods of Fallow, Inclemency, and Plenty is tied to (each region’s) ecosystem, which includes humans.” Tokuda explains. “The storyline explores the mystery of why this cycle occurs.”
Therefore, Monster Hunter Wilds’ food is not just a visually pleasing stamina restorer and passive bonus giver for your next hunt. Its simplicity is an invaluable part of the story and the believability of its worldbuilding. We look forward to playing the game to find out what causes these extreme seasons.
For more new info about Monster Hunter Wilds, check out the devs’ insight into new monster Lala Barina, how AI hunters will support you, and the policy for balancing weapons in the final game.
Monster Hunter Wilds is scheduled to be released on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam) on February 28.
