# Monster Hunter Wilds: An Exceptional Open World Adventure
**Monster Hunter Wilds** is emerging as a novel and distinctive interpretation of the open-world genre, providing an experience that differentiates itself from titles such as *Assassin’s Creed* or *Red Dead Redemption*. While the closest comparison may be *Zelda: Breath of the Wild*, *Monster Hunter Wilds* motivates players to not only explore its universe but to engage with it actively in ways that enrich the primary hunting activities. This article explores what makes *Monster Hunter Wilds* such a gem for players, particularly those who took part in the open beta.
## A Realm Designed for Hunters
Essentially, *Monster Hunter Wilds* is a hunting-centric game, and its world embodies that principle. In contrast to conventional open-world games where exploration often revolves around uncovering hidden treasures or completing ancillary tasks, *Wilds* invites players to interact with their surroundings in ways that directly influence their hunts. The world serves as a tool, and only by learning to navigate it, adapt, and utilize it resourcefully will players realize its comprehensive potential.
This was particularly clear during the open beta, which occurred from October 29 to 30 for PlayStation Plus users on PS5, and starting November 1 for all players on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series. The beta offered a peek into the vast kingdom of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, and the experience proved to be enlightening for both seasoned *Monster Hunter* enthusiasts and newcomers.
## A Distinctive Kind of Open World
Differing from many open-world games that prioritize narrative exploration, *Monster Hunter Wilds* offers an environment that prioritizes function over form. The game doesn’t present one enormous open world but instead showcases multiple expansive regions, each with its own biome and ecosystem. For instance, the Wind Flat area is a sprawling desert characterized by prairie grasses, sand dunes, and intense thunderstorms that can significantly change the environment.
In *Monster Hunter Wilds*, players will not stumble upon treasure chests hidden amidst the rocks or find NPCs distributing quests. Rather, the world is meticulously crafted around the theme of hunting. Players can choose to accept assignments from their primary camp or set out independently to track monsters. The environment brims with resources like ores, herbs, and insects, which players can harvest to create potions, traps, and bombs—essential gear for successful hunts.
## An Active, Vibrant Ecosystem
What distinguishes *Monster Hunter Wilds* from other open-world experiences is the sense of life within its realm. The environment serves not just as a backdrop for the action but as a crucial element of gameplay. For example, when storms approach, creatures like the ceratonoths will look for shelter, with males using their spiked backs as lightning rods to shield the herd. This dynamic interaction between the environment and its inhabitants is what truly elevates *Monster Hunter Wilds*.
Territorial disputes among monsters further enrich the world. When two large beasts encounter one another, they might engage in fierce turf wars, presenting players an opportunity to capitalize on the chaos. Lesser creatures also contribute, often banding together against weaker foes in a survival struggle. The realm of *Monster Hunter Wilds* acts as a sandbox where players can manipulate their surroundings to gain the upper hand. Whether it’s setting a trap with fire to ensnare a herd of monsters or inciting a territorial fight to weaken a formidable adversary, the options are limitless.
## A Universe for the Inquisitive
The open world of *Monster Hunter Wilds* may not cater to everyone’s tastes. It rewards curiosity and experimentation. Players who thrive on the core mechanics of *Monster Hunter*—extended, strategic confrontations with colossal beasts—will find much to enjoy here. The environment is filled with chances to simplify battles, whether through crafting superior equipment or leveraging the terrain to one’s benefit.
However, those in search of a more conventional open-world experience, focusing on narrative, side quests, and exploration, might find it lacking. *Monster Hunter Wilds* is not designed to compete with titles like *Witcher* or *Horizon Zero Dawn*. Instead, it provides a more concentrated experience, where the environment primarily supports the hunting gameplay.
## A Visual Delight, Yet Not a Spectacle
Although the world of *Monster Hunter Wilds* boasts attractive visuals, it falls short of the stunning artistry found in games like *Red Dead Redemption 2* or *Horizon Zero Dawn*. The landscapes are crafted with practical gameplay in mind, presenting players with diverse terrains and environments that serve the overall experience. Nevertheless, the world is rich with small, intriguing details that create an immersive and vibrant atmosphere.
For example, flying wyverns may be struck by lightning if they soar too high during a storm, and certain weapons, such as the spark-spraying gun lance, can ignite prairie fires.