Will Monster Hunter Wilds Be the Dawn of the Forge Stans?

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In Monster Hunter Wilds, cooking sequences often receive the most attention, and it’s no surprise why. Capcom has always nailed the delicious details. Hearing the food sizzle in the pan is one of the warmest comforts within the Monster Hunter universe, a feeling that’s been present for years. However, with Wilds, I can’t help but question if I’ve underestimated something: the forge. Crafting weapons and armor is a significant aspect of this franchise, and it’s where the series’ dramatic flair really shines. Have culinary enthusiasts hogged the spotlight for too long? Is the rise of the forge imminent? While this debate may be fictional, these comforting cutscenes warrant a closer examination.

Forging Something Even Tastier Than Food in MHW

How engaging is the process of creating items in Monster Hunter Wilds? It’s an intriguing question, and the forge plays a significant role in this engagement. The immersion comes from hunting monsters to obtain specific materials, then painstakingly extracting essential resources bit by bit. However, once back at camp with a bag full of monster scales, crafting becomes a matter of navigating through menus and clicking confirmations. In terms of gameplay interaction, it’s no more dynamic than Minecraft’s crafting system. If that were the only aspect, the forge in Wilds wouldn’t stand out. But there’s more to it – this is just one layer.

In this game, during cutscenes, you don’t get to physically hammer the metal yourself, but you do get to witness the entire forging process. Sparks fly from cold metal as Gemma strikes a glowing piece of steel with her blacksmith’s hammer. With thick goggles shielding her eyes, she then sharpens the cooled blade on a whetstone. The result is a new Great Sword with an edge as sharp as Rathalos fangs. These cutscenes showcasing key moments in the smithing process are quite effective.

Bending Metal and Hearts in Monster Hunter Wilds

In Monster Hunter Wilds, I found myself enjoying the blacksmith’s forge just as much as the cooking pot. Given that the blacksmith is vying with Grammeowster Chef for the title of coziest corner, this is quite a statement. There’s no contest here; it’s perfectly fine to appreciate both or neither. Whether Monster Hunter Wilds could benefit from a more interactive approach is debatable. On the other hand, Vintage Story, known for its engaging crafting system, takes a different route by emphasizing careful workmanship. The blacksmithing scenes in Monster Hunter Wilds serve as a reminder that taking different paths can lead to the same charming conclusion.

In Monster Hunter Wilds, the forge scenes are captivating, not just because they showcase the creation of powerful weapons, but also due to the attention to detail that makes the game feel authentic. The sparkling special effects, subtle motion capture, and overall warm atmosphere add to this immersive experience. While I’d still play for the thrill of acquiring a new weapon, the way these scenes are crafted makes me appreciate them beyond their DPS potential. It’s like stepping into a world that feels alive with history and realistic environments, and seeing the transformation of a Great Sword from its basic components is just one more aspect that makes it feel real. I’d choose this immersive experience over a fried fish buff any day.

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2025-03-03 22:37