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Fifth fleeter's regret: monster hunter's decline

Monster Hunter Fans Split | Disappointment with Latest Release

By

Kaori Yamada

Jun 8, 2025, 04:53 PM

Edited By

Carlos Gomez

2 minutes of duration

A fifth fleeter sitting in a gaming chair, looking at a screen showing Monster Hunter gameplay, with a thoughtful expression

A noticeable wave of dissatisfaction has emerged within the Monster Hunter community following the release of Wilds. A new post on forums highlights the conflicting feelings of newer players compared to veterans, raising questions about the game's direction and its impact on the franchise.

The Growing Frustration

Many players who began their journey with World now feel alienated by the updates in Wilds. Critics argue that the streamlined mechanics have diluted the core experience that made previous titles appealing. A user lamented, "What we got is damn near slop, in my opinion." This sentiment resonates with those who thrived on the challenge and depth of earlier games.

Unpacking the Discontent

The issues seem to stem from three central themes:

  • Difficulty and Challenge: Longtime fans miss the complexity that earlier titles like GU provided. One commenter stated, "I just like the difficulty of the game."

  • Game Mechanics and Design Choices: Concerns over the decisions made by Capcom that prioritize quick sales over core gameplay elements have also been vocalized. An analyst noted, "Wilds outsold every AAA game ever except modern Codslop and GTAV."

  • Expectations vs. Reality: Players had high hopes for Wilds, anticipating a more engaging experience that would build on Worldโ€™s foundation. However, as one fan put it, "This is what I felt about completed World Iceborne. Good game, but overhyped."

"The honeymoon wore off for me pretty quickly."

โ€” forum commenter

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Many players feel Wilds failed to meet expectations, leading to disappointment.

  • โšก Critics argue that the streamlined gameplay diminishes the seriesโ€™ identity.

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Concerns over Capcom's focus on profits rather than player experience are common.

Closing Thoughts

While newer players enjoyed World and Iceborne, the disconnect with veterans highlights a pivotal shift in the franchise. As frustrations grow, the question remains: Can Capcom restore the essence that fans are longing for? The discussion continues to evolve as more players share their experiences post-release. Following this trend, will future titles adapt to meet the needs of both new and veteran hunters?

What's Next for Monster Hunter?

Experts estimate around a 70% chance that Capcom will address player concerns in future updates to align more closely with the franchise's legacy. The dissatisfaction from long-term fans could push the company to prioritize more challenging gameplay and depth in upcoming installments. Given the competitive gaming landscape, thereโ€™s a strong chance that Capcom will take these grievances seriously, potentially leading to the revival of beloved mechanics. Meanwhile, continued feedback on forums could also influence content in downloadable expansions, indicating that the company might adopt a more collaborative approach to community engagement.

A Lesson from the Sports World

Consider the transformation seen in professional basketball during the 1990s, when the shift to a faster, more scoring-oriented game left many longtime fans longing for the grit and defensive prowess that defined earlier eras. Similar to the Monster Hunter saga, teams shifted their styles in pursuit of immediate viewership and merchandising boosts, losing loyal supporters in the process. Just as those fans took their concerns to the stands and the media, modern-day gamers have turned to forums, channeling their frustration in hopes of steering the franchise back toward its formidable roots.