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

For many *Monster Hunter* players, crafting new equipment from hard-earned hunt materials is a core source of excitement. The satisfaction of completing a full armor set and matching weapon, painstakingly acquired through repeated battles with the same monster, is a feeling shared by countless hunters.

Equipment in the *Monster Hunter* series has always followed a unique design philosophy: conquer monsters, then harness their power through crafted gear. Players use their skill to defeat formidable beasts, transforming those beasts' strengths into their own to become even stronger.

In an interview with IGN, *Monster Hunter Wilds* Executive Director and Art Director Kaname Fujioka explained this concept: "While our designs have expanded, we used to focus on the idea that wearing Rathalos equipment makes you look like Rathalos." This new title introduces new monsters, each contributing unique and visually striking equipment. Rompopolo, a monster designed to evoke a mad scientist, for example, provides head armor resembling a plague doctor's mask. You can see this armor set in the hunt video below.

However, the developers emphasize the significance of the starting equipment. Fujioka states, "I designed the starting weapons for all 14 weapon types from scratch. This is a first for me. Previously, starting weapons were primitive. But, as the protagonist is a chosen hunter, plain weapons wouldn't fit. I wanted them to feel like a star, even with starting equipment."

Director Yuya Tokuda adds, "Weapon designs in *Monster Hunter: World* generally maintained a form, customized by monster materials. In *Wilds*, each weapon has a unique design." These starting weapons reflect the narrative of an experienced hunter investigating the Forbidden Lands. Tokuda highlights the detail in the starting armor: "The starting armor, the Hope series, is incredibly cool; you could use it until the end and it wouldn't feel out of place."

The Hope set, with its deep emerald green, transforms into a hooded long coat when completed. Fujioka explains the complexity of its creation: "We paid more attention to the Hope series than any other equipment. Previous games had separate upper and lower body armor, preventing a coat design. We overcame this by investing significant resources, creating a flowing hooded coat. While players will discover diverse equipment, we wanted the Hope series to be elegantly cool without overshadowing other finds."

Starting with such meticulously crafted equipment is a luxury. The 14 starting weapons and the Hope series are designed to portray an impressive, star hunter. We eagerly anticipate examining their details in the final game.