In just 30 minutes, Monster Hunter Wilds sold me on the action-RPG series I've never played

GamesAction RpgMonster HunterIn just 30 minutes, Monster Hunter Wilds sold me on the action-RPG series I’ve never playedWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. GamesAction RpgMonster HunterIn just 30 minutes, Monster Hunter Wilds sold me on the action-RPG series I’ve never playedWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Capcom) For fans of beating up big ol' creatures and exploring a thriving world,Monster Hunter Wildsis easily one of the most anticipated games of 2025, and after only half an hour playing, it’s even convinced me – a total Monster Hunter newbie – that it’s not one to miss. Aside from giving the free trial ofMonster Hunter Risea whirl on Switch, I’ve never actually given the series a proper go. But while I didn’t have any massive expectations of my own, the reputation of the series alone means Wilds has a lot to live up to. Ever since its reveal, it’s lookedgorgeous, and 30 minutes into the game I can safely say that, yes, slashing and smashing monsters is – believe it or not – fantastic fun. Get equipped (Image credit: Capcom) King of monsters(Image credit: Capcom)Monster Hunter Wilds interview: The future of the franchise, new tricks for all 14 weapons, and the “seamlessness” that really started with Monster Hunter World King of monsters (Image credit: Capcom)Monster Hunter Wilds interview: The future of the franchise, new tricks for all 14 weapons, and the “seamlessness” that really started with Monster Hunter World (Image credit: Capcom) Monster Hunter Wilds interview: The future of the franchise, new tricks for all 14 weapons, and the “seamlessness” that really started with Monster Hunter World This hero work is only the beginning, though, as once rescued, the girl lets me know that her brother is in danger, kickstarting the first main mission. At this point, I’m given some time to try outthe action-RPG’s different weapons. The demo was timed, so I didn’t spend anenormousamount of time doing this, but I gave the Great Sword a whirl on a training dummy before switching to the speedy Dual Blades, which let me feel the difference between the heavy, hard hits and fast, fluid slashes of the two respective loadouts. (Image credit: Capcom) When the demo ends, all I wanted to do is go back for more. I’d have loved to spend hours testing out the different weapons and their moves, as well as get the chance to explore the world, which I wasn’t able to do in such a short amount of time. Certainly from a fresh perspective, Monster Hunter Wilds is looking promising – here’s hoping that the final product will be able to deliver for series veterans, too. Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more GamesRadar+ is in Cologne playing the most anticipatednew games of 2024, and speaking to the developers bringing them to life. For more of our hands-on previews and exclusive interviews, visit theGamescom 2024coverage hub. CATEGORIESPS5Xbox Series XPC GamingPlatformsPlayStationXbox CATEGORIES PRODUCTSGamescom 2024Monster Hunter Wilds PRODUCTS More about monster hunterPutting beta feedback into action, Monster Hunter Wilds devs show off improved hitstop and reworked weapons that feel how you remember themFinal Fantasy 14 devs would love to do a Monster Hunter Wilds collab: “There are many fans of the Monster Hunter series within the FF14 team, and I am one of them” More about monster hunter Putting beta feedback into action, Monster Hunter Wilds devs show off improved hitstop and reworked weapons that feel how you remember themFinal Fantasy 14 devs would love to do a Monster Hunter Wilds collab: “There are many fans of the Monster Hunter series within the FF14 team, and I am one of them” Putting beta feedback into action, Monster Hunter Wilds devs show off improved hitstop and reworked weapons that feel how you remember them Putting beta feedback into action, Monster Hunter Wilds devs show off improved hitstop and reworked weapons that feel how you remember them Final Fantasy 14 devs would love to do a Monster Hunter Wilds collab: “There are many fans of the Monster Hunter series within the FF14 team, and I am one of them” Final Fantasy 14 devs would love to do a Monster Hunter Wilds collab: “There are many fans of the Monster Hunter series within the FF14 team, and I am one of them” Latest See more latest► Most PopularPatton Oswalt and Jordan Blum explain why comics are still the perfect medium for superhero stories - “Visuals that will never be achieved in TV or movies can be achieved in comics"Team Asobi’s gigantic 2024 proves it’s time to free Astro Bot from PlayStation’s pastWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was the favorite shooter of the year, and it also made me fall even harder for my fiancé17 years on, Sam Barlow reflects on Silent Hill: Origins: “To pull it out of the bag with a seven-out-of-ten game was incredibly rewarding"Here’s our Black Ops 6 multiplayer playlist to 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