Summary
Regardless of how players feel about the game’s inclusion of microtransactions, the fact remains thatDragon’s Dogma 2is going down as one of the most talked-about releases of 2024 and proving to be every bit the cult classic that its predecessor was. Capcom continues to exhibit a seemingly unstoppable hot streak in the wake ofDragon’s Dogma 2’s success, and the publisher is gearing up for an even bigger 2025 with the upcoming release ofMonster Hunter Wilds. This is the perfect timing, then, for the latest entry in the long-runningMonster Hunterseries to borrow one of the most important combat mechanics from theDragon’s Dogmafranchise.
Capcom fans have always been quick to point out the obvious similarities betweenMonster HunterandDragon’s Dogmaas both essentially frame their gameplay loops around the hunting and slaying of giant creatures roaming semi-open environments. Where the two series differ, though, is in the ability for players to interact directly with those monsters during combat.Monster Hunter Riseintroduced Wyvern Riding through the use of the Wirebug, and now it’s time forMonster Hunter Wildsto take the logical leap of includingDragon’s Dogma’s monster climbing and targeting of weak points.
Dragon’s Dogma’s Climbing is a Perfect Fit for Monster Hunter Wilds' Chaotic Framework
While there hasn’t been much information to go on regardingMonster Hunter Wilds, the game’s reveal trailer and official website do at least shed some light on the nature of the title.Monster Hunter Wildswill be the next evolution intheMonster Hunterfranchise, taking the foundation ofMonster Hunter Worldand building on it in significant ways, specifically with how players go about tracking and either capturing or killing monsters.
The nameWildsindicates that the very nature of the game’s world is intended to be chaotic and unpredictable, which seems to incorporate dynamic weather events and other new wrinkles to keep players on their toes.
Stamina management and methodical encounter design are cornerstones of bothMonster HunterandDragon’s Dogma’s combat, and the addition of a climbing mechanic toMonster Hunter Wildswould effectively serve as the next logical evolution fromMonster Hunter Rise’s Wyvern Riding. If players are constantly on their toes and coming face-to-face with the prey of their hunts in a dynamic, open-world setting, being able to climb and then mount monsters would add the same kind of unpredictability that it does toDragon’s Dogma 2, embracing the nextMonster Hunter’s emphasis on the untamed wild (whether that be nature or beast).
Monster Hunter Wilds' Incorporation of Climbing Could Shift the Game’s Resource Economy
In addition to embracing the game’s title and emphasis on chaotic hunts, the incorporation ofDragon’s Dogma’s monster climbing inMonster Hunter Wildscould potentially transform the core gameplay loop and in-game economy. TheMonster Hunterseriesis predicated upon the act of slaying or capturing monsters, collecting their parts, and then using those parts to craft stronger equipment that allows the player to take on more challenging hunts. Being able to climb monsters and target specific parts for resources could negate the need to capture or kill monsters and instead allow players to interact with creatures on a freeform basis.
There’s also a strong possibility ofMonster Hunter Wildsbeing a fully open-world game. If so, it would make sense for players to forego the need for a hub area from which to take on hunts. With a name likeWilds, there at least seems to be an indication that nowhere in the game’s world will be truly safe from encountering monsters. ImplementingDragon’s Dogma’s key mechanic could push the series in an exciting new direction, with players climbing monsters, targeting specific body parts, and then being free to walk away with the spoils and take on new challenges at their discretion.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Set forth on your grand adventure, Arisen!Dragon’s Dogma is a single player, narrative driven action-RPG series that challenges the players to choose their own experience – from the appearance of their Arisen, their vocation, their party, how to approach different situations and more. Now, in this long-awaited sequel, the deep, explorable fantasy world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 awaits.On your journey, you’ll be joined by Pawns, mysterious otherworldly beings, in an adventure so unique you will feel as if accompanied by other players while on your own adventure.All of these elements are elevated further through physics technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and the latest in graphics, to create a truly immersive fantasy world in Dragon’s Dogma 2.
