Massive wave of criticism hits Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds, Capcom's highly anticipated 2025 installment in the long-running franchise, launched globally on February 28 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Built on the RE Engine and featuring full cross-platform multiplayer, the game was initially met with strong critical acclaim. Reviewers praised its cinematic boss battles, dynamic environments, and visual ambition, with The Guardian calling the narrative “15 hours of escalating epic battles.”

However, just weeks after release, a wave of negative user reviews has hit the game’s Steam page, citing a range of technical and gameplay concerns. On PC, players have reported frequent crashes, outdated textures, and inconsistent frame rates—some comparing the visuals to games from the late 1990s.

Console users, including those on high-end systems like the PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X, have echoed similar complaints, pointing to frame drops, stuttering, and muddy graphics. Multiplayer functionality has also drawn criticism, with widespread reports of unstable connections, matchmaking problems, and lag in cross-platform sessions.

Beyond technical issues, long-time fans have voiced disappointment over gameplay changes that prioritize accessibility over challenge. Wilds has been described as the easiest entry in the series, with simplified mechanics, fewer punishing encounters, and streamlined systems for tracking and gathering. Many players argue that these adjustments undermine the core appeal of the franchise—its emphasis on preparation, difficulty, and strategic progression.

The game’s opening hours have also drawn criticism for a heavily scripted narrative sequence that restricts exploration and forces players through long stretches of unskippable dialogue while riding the Seikret, the game’s new mount. Combined with a limited monster roster and environments some players describe as “unfinished,” these elements have contributed to a perception that Wilds may have launched before it was fully polished.

Despite the ongoing backlash, some reviewers continue to commend Monster Hunter Wilds for its ambitious design and fresh direction. But for many veteran hunters, the changes mark a departure from the identity that has defined the series for decades. If the new entry of Monster Hunter interests you, we suggest our comparison website for the best deal on Monster Hunter Wilds.