Monster Hunter Wilds’ new Focus Mode looks like it will make capitalizing on monster weak points easier
Yesterday, Capcom shadowdropped three overview trailers for Monster Hunter Wilds. While the Basic Mechanics and Great Sword Weapon Overview videos introduced mechanics that have already been established in the franchise and upcoming game, the Focus Mode Overview video showcased a new way to accurately hit monster body parts.
When activating Focus Mode, a reticle appears in the center of the player’s screen. All guards and attacks in Focus Mode are aimed in the direction of the reticle – allowing for more precise actions. Based on the trailer, it looks as though Focus Mode can only be activated with a weapon drawn. This means that players will most likely be trading maneuverability for increased accuracy.
Focus Mode also capitalizes on the visual damage mechanic introduced in past Monster Hunter titles. Weak points in monsters’ anatomies and damaged body parts will be highlighted in Focus Mode, allowing players to target them for potential extra damage. While this isn’t the first time reticles have been implemented into the franchise (longtime weapons like the Light Bowgun and Heavy Bowgun have built-in reticles), having the option to use them on every weapon is useful; particularly for mouse-and-keyboard players.
Lastly, Focus Mode allows for Focus Strikes, which are attacks that deal a ton of damage to enemy wounds and weak points. It is still unclear if Focus Stikes will be exclusive to Focus Mode, but from the looks of things, each weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds will have its own Focus Strikes.
Monster Hunter Wilds is still a ways away, but you can bet Capcom will be revealing more details about the game as it nears release. The game is set to release on PC (Steam), PS5, and Xbox Series X|S in 2025.
