Here’s how Monster Hunter Wilds’ herds will completely change how you hunt, according to devs

Six years in the making, Monster Hunter Wilds is the much-anticipated new entry in the Monster Hunter series. The game is set to introduce dynamic changing environments and more natural monster behavior, but just how innovative will this be? In a recent interview session with the media, reported on by our sister site Automaton Japan, the game’s director Yuya Tokuda sheds more light on how Monster Hunter Wilds’ natural environments and herds of monsters will bring players more danger and more freedom. 

Monster Hunter Wilds is introducing herds of monsters and pack behavior for the first time in the series’ history – potentially putting players into situations where they could be battling multiple monsters at once. When asked why the dev team dared to implement this idea, Tokuda cited Monster Hunter Wilds’ concept, explaining that “The overall concept of the game is to fully depict nature- its threats, abundance and its relationship with humankind.”  To convey the harshness of nature and create a greater sense of danger, the devs came up with the idea of creating herds of monsters. “We had to revise the AI of the monsters themselves a lot in order to create natural-feeling herd-like behavior, while still allowing them to move individually to a certain extent.”  

Mixed with the game’s changing weather, which can result in different monsters appearing or even hindering your hunt, the concept of herds opens gameplay up to even more strategies. Tokuda explains that beginners, or those who want to hunt safely, can single out one monster and lure it away from the herd. Players who want more of a challenge can make use of the natural environment, as well as tools, to entrap monsters- by luring them into quicksand, for example. The game’s Focus Mode should also make it easier to target monsters’ weak points and inflict damage to specific body parts.  

Tokuda also revealed that the player will get more options for tackling these herds of roaming monsters as they advance. “We designed the game while conscious of giving the player as many options as possible. For example, at the beginning of the game, you can only hunt Doshaguma when they stray from the herd and are alone.” Tokuma explains, referring to Wilds’ new big Lion-like fanged beast. He adds that “We designed (the game) so that other playstyles will become available as you progress, such as being able to have Rey Dau follow you and round up whole herds.” 

This last point is particularly interesting. Rey Dau, an imposing wyvern that tends to pop up during stormy weather, is one of the games’ apex predators. The idea of being able utilize Rey Dau to lead an entire herd of prey monsters into an area in which you can easily attack them certainly adds a new dynamic to Monster Hunter Wilds. 

Monster Hunter Wilds is scheduled to be released on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam) on February 28, 2025.