Gaming

The Emotional Side of Hunting In Monster Hunter Wilds

March 5, 2025

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The primary gameplay in Monster Hunter Wilds basically revolves around hunting formidable creatures to harvest their parts, which are then used to enhance weapons, armor, and other gear.

Players often engage in this cycle for countless hours, continually improving their equipment as they tend to progress.

The game offers you a task with slaying even more massive creatures and turning their remains into powerful gear. While the ethical questions linger, millions of players are clearly content with this aspect of the game, as shown by the high player count.

While playing Wilds with friends and family, I’ve discovered that many aren’t as accepting of a game centered around hunting animals and disturbing their natural habitats.

We are basically dealing with virtual creatures here, and it’s important to recognize that no real-life animals are being harmed. In the context of the game, we’re only fighting those that pose a real threat due to their rampages.

Monsters Must Be Sacrificed for Survival in the Forbidden Lands

The game explores the delicate balance between monsters and humans in the world. While they generally maintain a fragile peace, with each side respecting the other’s territory and resources, they’ve found ways to coexist without provoking unnecessary conflict

However, there are times when this fragile harmony breaks down. Carnivorous monsters, driven by their hunger, will pursue prey, whether it’s other creatures or unfortunate humans who happen to cross their path.

When such situations arise, it’s only expected that a local hunter would be called upon to take action.

If someone I cared about in real life were attacked by a wild animal with harmful intentions, there’s no way I’d hesitate to step in and protect them.

The morality of harming an animal doesn’t come into play when it’s a matter of survival, and I believe those criticizing the gameplay in Monster Hunter are overlooking this simple truth.

They also seem to forget that the game is designed as an over-the-top, fantastical adventure, not meant to be taken too seriously.

Monster Hunter Wilds — Image Credit: gamerant.com

As you can see, the story of Wilds basically follows a group of scouts as they explore a newly discovered land and make contact with a society that has a similar relationship with monsters.

In this world, these creatures are seen as both dangerous predators, vulnerable prey, and even sources of resources, much like the role animals play in our own world.

In contrast to our world, where animals are known to get tamed or left to roam freely, Monster Hunter presents a less developed world where hunting and controlling monster populations are simply part of everyday life for its people. The act of taking down monsters is a regular responsibility for the common folk in this setting.

The Disconnect Between Gameplay and Narrative

In games like Wilds, Stories, Rise, and World, the narrative generally expresses sympathy for monsters’ existence, yet a clear disconnect emerges between the messages Capcom aims to create actions players choose to take.

If you choose, you can track down and gather resources from every monster you cross paths with, essentially becoming the in-game equivalent of a Big Game Hunter—this time wielding a crossbow instead of traditional weaponry.

The core gameplay revolves around constantly hunting to collect resources for upgrading armor and weapons.

What initially feels like meaningful battles with iconic monsters gradually turns into a repetitive grind, where you and your fellow players relentlessly pursue the same singular goal.

Having spent so many years immersed in video games, especially those where the virtual killing of animals is part of the experience, I’ve developed a certain level of emotional detachment.

The idea of taking down creatures for the sake of achieving some in-game objective no longer holds the same weight for me.

However, not everyone can easily shake off these emotions, particularly in a game like Monster Hunter, where the entire premise revolves around the methodical hunting and killing of creatures as the core gameplay experience.

Monster Hunter Wilds

The raw power of nature flows uncontrollably, with environments changing abruptly at every turn. This story follows the ongoing struggle between monsters and humans as they attempt to coexist in a world of opposites.

Embrace your role as a Hunter by tracking and slaying formidable monsters, crafting powerful new weapons and armor from the resources you gather.

Along the way, unravel the deep connection between the inhabitants of the Forbidden Lands and the regions they call home. Embark on the ultimate hunting journey in Monster Hunter Wilds