Behind Monster Hunter Wilds' New Approach to Starting Weapons and Hope Series Gear – IGN First

Ask any *Monster Hunter* fan what fuels their passion for the series, and many will mention the thrill of crafting new gear from the spoils of their hunts. The joy of piecing together a complete armor set and matching weapon, after repeatedly taking down the same formidable beast, is a cherished experience among hunters.

The core concept of the *Monster Hunter* series has always been clear: defeat monsters and harness their power through equipment crafted from their remains. Players must rely on their own skills to conquer these powerful creatures, then use the harvested materials to enhance their arsenal, becoming even more formidable in the process.

In an exclusive interview with IGN, Kaname Fujioka, the Executive Director and Art Director of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, shared insights into the series' equipment philosophy. "While our design range has expanded, we initially focused on ensuring that if you wore Rathalos' equipment, you'd embody the essence of Rathalos," Fujioka explained. The latest installment introduces new monsters, each contributing unique and visually striking gear. For instance, the monster Rompopolo, designed to resemble a mad scientist, offers head armor reminiscent of a plague doctor's mask. You can witness the armor set in action in the hunt video below.

Amid the plethora of unique monster equipment, the developers emphasize the significance of the starting gear your hunter dons at the outset of the game. Fujioka elaborated on this, saying, "I designed the starting weapons for all 14 weapon types from scratch. It's the first time I've done this. Traditionally, new hunters start with basic, primitive weapons. However, in *Monster Hunter Wilds*, as the protagonist is a chosen hunter, starting with a plain weapon felt incongruent. I wanted the starting equipment to reflect the protagonist's star quality."

Yuya Tokuda, Director of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, further noted, "In *Monster Hunter: World*, weapons maintained a consistent form but were customized based on the monster materials used. In *Wilds*, each weapon boasts a distinct design." The starting weapons are crafted to signify the player's role as an experienced hunter chosen to explore the Forbidden Lands. Tokuda also praised the detailed craftsmanship of the starting armor, ensuring it aligns with the game's narrative.

"The starting armor in this game is the Hope series," Tokuda revealed. "It's designed to look so stylish that it could be worn throughout the entire game without feeling out of place."

The Hope set, characterized by its deep emerald green base, transforms into a sophisticated outfit featuring a hooded long coat when fully assembled. Fujioka highlighted the meticulous effort invested in the Hope series, stating, "We've focused more on the Hope series than any other equipment in this game. In previous titles, upper and lower body armor were separate, preventing us from creating a cohesive garment like a coat. But in *Wilds*, we dedicated significant resources to achieve a flowing hooded coat. While players will discover various equipment throughout their journey, we aimed for the Hope series to maintain an understated elegance."

Starting a game with such thoughtfully designed equipment is a rare treat. The 14 starting weapons and the Hope series are tailored to reflect the prowess of a star hunter. We eagerly anticipate exploring their intricate details in the final game.