The recent open beta for Monster Hunter Wilds has been a mixed bag, revealing both excitement and challenges for players. While the thrill of encountering new monsters and engaging with fresh mechanics was palpable, significant performance issues marred the experience on both PC and console platforms.
Performance Insights from the Preview
During an exclusive preview event at Capcom’s Osaka headquarters, I had the opportunity to spend five hours with a more refined build of the game, specifically on the PS5. This version showcased a marked improvement in performance compared to the beta, which had been plagued by various technical difficulties. Attendees who had previously experienced the beta on PS5 echoed my sentiments, noting a smoother gameplay experience devoid of major hangs or framerate dips.
Interestingly, the beta’s low-poly origami monsters, a byproduct of its LOD struggles, have captured the hearts of the Monster Hunter community. These unintended creations have been affectionately embraced as quirky additions to the game’s lore. In a light-hearted exchange with my colleague Austin Wood from GamesRadar, executive director and art director Kaname Fujioka, along with series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto, expressed their amusement at the fanart and enthusiasm surrounding these accidental designs. However, they gently urged players to adhere to the game’s recommended specifications to fully appreciate the intended experience.
“It was a nice thing to see that people were enjoying it in a way, that they were having fun with it,” Tsujimoto and Fujioka remarked through an interpreter. “Obviously, when you play on the PC, the specs vary widely depending on what kind of environment you have. So our suggestion is for people to please play on the recommended specs to get the full experience.”
With the official launch of Monster Hunter Wilds set for February 28, 2025, anticipation is building. Players are hopeful that the performance enhancements promised by game director Yuya Tokuda will deliver a more polished and immersive experience upon release.
