Monster Hunter Wilds has been stirring up quite a debate among fans due to its approach to microtransactions, particularly those that influence cosmetic aspects of the game. While not everyone is up in arms about these additional purchases, the fact they exist hasn’t sat well with everyone. Interestingly, Monster Hunter Wilds isn’t blazing new trails in this regard, as similar practices were seen in previous titles of the series.
Launched globally on February 28, right at the stroke of midnight EST, Monster Hunter Wilds was met with great praise even before its release. Critiques began pouring in when the embargo lifted four days earlier, showcasing an enthusiastic reception reflected by an impressive “Mighty” rating on OpenCritic. This rating is backed by an average score of 89 and a 95% recommendation rate. However, the game’s initial release didn’t include any microtransactions. This changed with its day-one update, which introduced a range of them.
Now, some fans are vocal about their dissatisfaction with the DLC packs offered in Monster Hunter Wilds. The inclusion of microtransactions that require real money for mechanics like character and Palico editing has particularly drawn criticism. These edits rely on vouchers, which Capcom sells in packs of three for $6.99. It’s important to note that Palico vouchers and character vouchers are not interchangeable, and while players receive one free voucher of each to start, subsequent edits require purchasing more.
In response to player apprehension, Capcom does provide some character editing options free of charge. While a $9.99 bundle includes both voucher packs at a discount, some fans still express disapproval over the paywall barrier for reusing these game mechanics. Thankfully, basic customization, such as changing hair, fur colors, and outfits, remains accessible via the Appearance menu. Yet, any attempt to revisit initial character creation choices demands a paid voucher.
The voucher-based editing system isn’t new for fans, as previous games like Monster Hunter: World and Rise implemented similar approaches using paid tokens. It’s likely why, despite some grumbles, the backlash has been relatively muted. On Steam, the game currently holds a “Mixed” rating from over 14,000 users, with complaints more frequently concerning performance issues, particularly on PC. Interestingly, console players have had a much smoother experience, rating the game highly on both the PlayStation and Xbox platforms.
Despite this wrinkle in the game’s fabric, Monster Hunter Wilds is making waves on Steam. Its debut saw it surge to become the platform’s top seller, quickly drawing in over 1.3 million concurrent players, thereby claiming its spot among the most popular games on Valve’s service.
Ultimately, even with its share of controversy over microtransactions and some technical hiccups, Monster Hunter Wilds seems to be resonating well enough with its audience, continuing the franchise’s tradition of immersive, action-packed gameplay.
