For months now, anticipation has been steadily rising for Monster Hunter Wilds, driven by a string of promotions and an exciting playable beta. It’s evident that Capcom is riding high on the confidence that their latest game’s core gameplay will resonate well with players. Among a slew of new features, Focus Mode is a standout, merging technical prowess with visual flair in the combat system. This innovative addition lets players aim for specific monster parts, which can redefine the use of traditionally slower weaponry and offers a new dynamic across all weapon types.
Every weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds has been enhanced with a Focus Strike, a new ability linked to the game’s Focus Mode. This intriguing feature revolves around targeting a monster’s Wound, a fresh mechanic triggered by consistently striking the same area. Wounds, which when destroyed offer a significant damage payoff, seem set to become a mainstay in hunters’ strategies, rewarding players regardless of their weapon of choice.
Let’s dig into how these changes impact gameplay. The introduction of Focus Mode offers fresh layers of strategy to Monster Hunter’s typically straightforward heavy weaponry. Historically, weapons like the Switch Axe have provided nuanced melee options, but now, the Greatsword and Hammer can also utilize Focus Mode for more precision and control to create Wounds. Even with more intricate weapons, Focus Strikes enrich their abilities—serving as the sole path to Savage Axe mode for the Charge Blade, or acting as an Elemental Discharge Finisher for the Switch Axe depending on its Phial.
Some of the new Focus Strike moves include:
- Greatsword: Perforate – A dragging slash capable of hitting multiple Wounds.
- Hunting Horn: Reverb – A powerful slam that allows for performing five notes.
- Lance: Victory Thrust – A shield bash that transitions into a charge.
- Gunlance: Drake Auger – A drilling attack launching a Wyrmstake shot.
Focus Mode extends its influence by elevating the skill ceiling for Monster Hunter Wilds’ entire arsenal. Swift weapons like Dual Blades and Sword and Shield thrive on speed, and the precision offered by Focus Mode wonderfully complements their agile nature. It enables players to reposition during relentless combos, like the Dual Blades’ Demon Flurry, while keeping a bead on their quarry, thus offering a seamless defensive maneuver. Offensive opportunities also expand with moves like the Dual Blades’ Focus Strike, Turning Tide—an evolution of the classic midair Heavenly Blade Dance targeting specific Wounds. Similarly, the Insect Glaive benefits from a refined playstyle through its Leaping Strike, which zeroes in on Wounds while gathering an extract, combining mobility with strategy.
Ranged weapons lead the charge, having already integrated aiming into their core mechanics. Thus, Bowguns incorporate simplified Focus Blast attacks for striking Wounds. Meanwhile, the Bow makes full use of the mode with its new Tracer shots. The synergy with Focus Fire: Hailstorm allows Bow users to unleash a flurry of arrows that home in on monsters marked by a Wound or a Tracer shot, signifying the Bow as one of the most evolved weapons in the game.
Monster Hunter Wilds promises a riveting experience where the raw, unpredictable power of nature is your playground. As you step into the shoes of a Hunter, your mission is clear: track and conquer formidable monsters while crafting extraordinary new weapons and armor from your hunts. Uncover the secrets of the Forbidden Lands and their people as you navigate this vibrant world. With the game’s launch set for February 28, 2025, and available across platforms with cross-play functionality, Monster Hunter Wilds is poised to redefine the hunting genre.
