The *Monster Hunter* series has long been celebrated for its deep combat mechanics and diverse arsenal of weapons. However, with *Monster Hunter Wilds*, the development team at Capcom is facing a unique challenge—introducing a new weapon type isn't as simple as it sounds. Despite fan speculation and developer interest, no new weapon will be added to the lineup in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. This decision comes down to a mix of creative difficulty, balancing concerns, and resource allocation—all of which play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the game.
15th Weapon Type Not Off The Table
Since the introduction of the Insect Glaive in Monster Hunter 4, the series has maintained a consistent list of 14 weapon types. For over a decade, these options have remained unchanged, yet they continue to evolve with each new entry. In a recent interview with PCGamesN on February 16, 2025, Monster Hunter Wilds Director Yuya Tokuda revealed that the possibility of adding a new weapon has been considered during the development of both Monster Hunter World and now Wilds.
Tokuda clarified, “It’s not off the table for any particular reason—it’s just that we never really decided that we wanted to for the recent titles.” He further explained that while the idea of a 15th weapon is appealing, the real challenge lies in designing something that feels truly distinct without overlapping too much with existing options.
Each Monster Hunter title brings refinements to the current weapon set through new combos, moves, and gameplay mechanics. According to Tokuda, the effort required to develop a completely new weapon often outweighs the benefits when compared to enhancing the entire arsenal as a whole. "The resources and time that it takes to do that is something that, in every case since the last weapon was added, we’ve always decided were better spent bringing the whole lineup to a better place than to simply start adding another new one in."
Capcom On Tweaking Weapons For Monster Hunter Wilds
While Monster Hunter Wilds doesn’t introduce new weapons, it does feature significant adjustments aimed at refining each weapon's identity and feel. The development team incorporated features like Focus Mode and Power Clash to enhance combat dynamics and player engagement. These changes were also influenced by community feedback from the MH Wilds beta, although Tokuda emphasized that balance changes must remain true to each weapon’s core identity.
“We don’t want to change anything so drastically that it doesn’t feel like that weapon anymore,” he said. Each title starts with a clear concept for how each weapon should perform. “We have a concept in mind for each title where we think, ‘This is how the Insect Glaive will feel, this is how the Great Sword will feel.’” However, Tokuda noted that only after players get their hands on the game can the team determine whether those concepts align with reality.
Balancing decisions were especially complex due to the influence of previous titles like Iceborne, where advanced moves and abilities were introduced under the assumption that players had already mastered the basics. With Wilds, the team opted for a fresh approach, rethinking mechanics from the ground up. Tokuda elaborated, “That was something that I took a lot of care to decide—not just to keep things because players liked it in the last game, but [ask if] it actually fits in with my concept for the play feel of this game.”
Monster Hunter Now x Monster Hunter Wilds Collaboration Event Phase 2
Even though Monster Hunter Wilds doesn't feature new weapons, fans still have plenty to look forward to through the ongoing collaboration with Monster Hunter Now. Phase 2 of the event launches on February 28, 2025—the same release date as Monster Hunter Wilds itself—and introduces Chatacabra into MH Now. Players will also gain access to 12 Hope weapons from Wilds, along with two new layered armor sets: the Hope armor style and a Seikret mount-themed armor.
Additionally, completing limited-time quests in MH Now grants players vouchers redeemable for items in Monster Hunter Wilds. These include consumables such as Mega Potion, Dust of Life, Energy Drink, Well-done Steak, and Dash Juice. Vouchers are platform-agnostic, allowing players to use them regardless of where they play Wilds.
In a press briefing for Season 5 on February 18, 2025, Niantic Senior Producer Sakae Osumi hinted at future collaborations between Monster Hunter Wilds and Monster Hunter Now. “This is the beginning of the collaboration between Monster Hunter Wilds and Monster Hunter Now, and we are planning to do more down the road,” she stated. “I would like to get more monsters from Wilds. We will work on it closely with Capcom.”
With Monster Hunter Wilds launching on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on February 28, 2025, fans can expect a refined combat experience rooted in familiar mechanics while looking ahead to potential innovations in future titles. As always, stay tuned for more updates directly from the field.
