Julio Neves
Get ready to venture into uncharted lands when Monster Hunter Wilds drops on February 28 for PS5. I recently had the chance to dive into the opening chapter of this highly anticipated installment, tackling thrilling missions, discovering breathtaking environments, and battling colossal new monsters like the fearsome Quematrice. With fresh gameplay mechanics and seamless exploration, Monster Hunter Wilds promises to be an unforgettable addition to the series.
Reimagined Gear with Built-In Skills
One of the first things I noticed during my playthrough was the revamped approach to equipment. In past Monster Hunter games, building your perfect setup often revolved around mixing and matching armor pieces, talismans, and decorations to unlock helpful skills. But in Wilds, weapons themselves now come with built-in Equipment Skills right from the start.
For instance, the trusty Great Sword Buster Sword I is imbued with Critical Draw, while the Bone Blade II offers both Focus and Attack Boost. This shift simplifies early-game builds and adds strategic depth to hunts. Players can even bring two weapons into a mission, making it easier to swap between melee and ranged options on the fly to leverage complementary skills.
Quematrice: A Fiery New Foe
The highlight of my Chapter 1 experience was the showdown with Quematrice, a new Brute Wyvern in the franchise. This hulking beast lurks in the wild, waiting for an unwary hunter to stray too close. Once provoked, it attacks with snapping jaws and a unique ability: dragging its tail across the ground to ignite a flammable substance, creating explosive bursts.
Quematrice’s fire-based assaults are no joke, often leaving hunters afflicted with Fireblight, which drains health over time. Thankfully, I had a stockpile of Nulberries to counter the effect and relied on evasive maneuvers to stay in the fight. Learning its attack patterns and timing my strikes carefully was crucial to overcoming this early-game trial.
Seamless Exploration from Plains to Forest
After my battle with Quematrice, the hunt transitioned to the Scarlet Forest. One of the most exciting new features in Wilds is how seamlessly you can move between biomes. Riding my trusty companion Seikret, I traversed directly from the Windward Plains into the lush Scarlet Forest—no loading screens, no interruptions. This fluidity really underscores the game’s emphasis on creating a vast, interconnected world.
The Scarlet Forest itself is a feast for the eyes, with towering trees, vibrant flora, and eerie red-hued waters. It’s a stark contrast to the sunbaked sands of the Windward Plains. As I explored, I encountered unique wildlife, stumbled upon hidden treasures, and even discovered a Lynian tribe called the Wudwuds. Their secluded hideout hints at deeper mysteries waiting to be unraveled.
A Deadly Dance with Lala Barina
My first major challenge in the Scarlet Forest was the Lala Barina, a massive Temnoceran spider-like creature. True to its arachnid nature, it attacked with incredible agility, using threads to hang from trees and ambush me from above. Its scarlet silk strikes were as beautiful as they were deadly, with its thorax opening to reveal vibrant tufts of red hair resembling a blooming rose.
The battle required constant vigilance, as getting hit by its spores risked Paralysis. Dodging its attacks and timing my own counterstrikes was an exhilarating test of skill, and it left me eager to face more monsters in this enigmatic forest.
The Mischievous Congalala Returns
No trip to the Scarlet Forest would be complete without a run-in with the Congalala, a fan-favorite Fanged Beast making its return to the series. This pink-furred troublemaker is as mischievous as ever, known for its infamous gas attacks that inflict Stench, temporarily preventing item use. I quickly learned to keep plenty of Deodorants on hand to avoid being caught unprepared.
Beyond its flatulence-based arsenal, Congalala surprised me with its surprising speed and strength. It’s not afraid to throw in swift arm strikes or retreat into a pack of smaller Congas for backup. Despite the hilarity of the encounter, the battle proved to be a serious test of my endurance and adaptability.
A Showdown with Uth Duna, Apex of the Scarlet Forest
Chapter 1’s climactic hunt was against Uth Duna, a Leviathan that dominates the Scarlet Forest as its apex predator. From the moment I entered its territory, the tension was palpable. Uth Duna’s water-based attacks, including torrents that inflict Waterblight (slowing stamina recovery), demanded constant awareness. Its most devastating move, a thunderous aerial body slam, flattened trees and left me scrambling for cover.
Thankfully, I wasn’t alone in this showdown. Olivia, a member of the Forbidden Lands Expedition Team, joined me in the fight, drawing the monster’s attention and providing crucial support. Even with her help, Uth Duna’s unique defensive mechanism—a watery veil that reduced incoming damage—kept me on my toes. The key was targeting exposed areas while using Focus Mode to capitalize on vulnerable moments.
The battle was intense, chaotic, and ultimately rewarding—a perfect capstone to the first chapter.
Final Thoughts and What’s Ahead
My brief time with Monster Hunter Wilds left me thoroughly impressed. From the seamless transitions between biomes to the diverse and challenging monsters, the game feels like a step forward for the franchise. The introduction of built-in weapon skills adds depth and accessibility to the gameplay, while the stunning environments invite endless exploration.
With just Chapter 1 under my belt, I’m eager to dive back into this world, gather materials, and tackle optional quests when the game launches on February 28. Whether you’re a veteran hunter or new to the series, Monster Hunter Wilds promises an adventure like no other. Get ready to sharpen your blades and saddle up—this is one hunt you won’t want to miss.
