Monster Hunter Wilds Unveils New Weapon Start and Hope Gear - IGN First

For many players, one of the most thrilling aspects of the *Monster Hunter* series is the process of crafting new equipment from the materials obtained during hunts. The satisfaction of assembling a complete armor set and matching weapon, often after numerous encounters with the same monster, is a joy that resonates with every hunter.

The core concept of equipment in the Monster Hunter series has remained consistent since its inception: defeat monsters and harness their power by crafting equipment from their remains. Players use their skills to overcome formidable beasts, then absorb those monsters' abilities through the gear they create, enhancing their own strength.

In an insightful interview with IGN, Kaname Fujioka, the Executive Director and Art Director of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, delved into the philosophy behind the series' equipment design. "While our design range has expanded, we used to focus heavily on the idea that if you're wearing Rathalos' equipment, you should resemble Rathalos," Fujioka explained. The latest installment introduces new monsters, each contributing to a diverse array of equipment. For instance, the Rompopolo, designed to resemble a mad scientist, features a unique head armor piece reminiscent of a plague doctor's mask. You can view this armor set in the hunt video below.

Amidst the array of unique monster-based equipment, the developers encourage players to take a closer look at the starting gear that your hunter wears at the beginning of the game.

Fujioka shared, "I designed the starting weapons for all 14 weapon types from scratch. This is a first for me. Traditionally, new hunters start with basic, primitive weapons. However, since the protagonist in this game is a chosen hunter, it didn't feel right for them to wield such plain gear. I wanted to make the starting equipment feel special, as if you're already a star hunter."

Yuya Tokuda, Director of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, added, "In *Monster Hunter: World*, weapon designs maintained a consistent form but varied in appearance based on the monster materials used. In *Wilds*, however, each weapon boasts a unique design."

These starting weapons are crafted to reflect the narrative of being an experienced hunter chosen to explore the Forbidden Lands. Tokuda also highlighted the meticulous design of the starting armor, ensuring it aligns with the game's story.

"The starting armor in this game is part of the Hope series," Tokuda noted. "Its design is so striking that you could wear it throughout the entire game without it feeling out of place."

The Hope armor set, with its deep emerald green base, transforms into a stylish outfit featuring a hooded long coat when fully assembled. Fujioka elaborated on the complexity of creating this set, emphasizing the challenge of ensuring each piece could stand alone yet contribute to a cohesive whole.

"We've devoted more attention to the Hope series than any other equipment in this game," Fujioka stated. "In previous games, upper and lower body armor were separate, and we couldn't create a flowing coat. Due to gameplay mechanics, each piece had to be distinct. However, I wanted to achieve a single, flowing hooded coat, and we made it happen by dedicating significant in-game resources. While players will discover various equipment throughout the game, and we encourage them to experiment with different weapons, the Hope series is designed to be elegantly understated yet cool."

Starting a game with such thoughtfully crafted equipment is a luxury. The 14 starting weapons and the Hope series are meticulously designed to reflect the gear of a distinguished star hunter. We eagerly anticipate exploring their intricate details in the final game.