Monster Hunter Wilds Review Roundup
With Monster Hunter Wilds hitting PS5 on February 28, 2025, critics have been sharpening their blades—and their opinions. Here’s what the last 48 hours of reviews reveal about Capcom’s latest beastly adventure....
IGN – "The latest Monster Hunter continues to smooth off the rougher corners of the series in smart ways"
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Score: 8/10
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Summary: IGN praises Monster Hunter Wilds for refining the series’ formula, making it more accessible with a faster, flexible hunting experience and a likable cast of characters. The combat feels better than ever, though it’s noted as lacking significant challenge at launch, even for veterans. Technical performance on PS5 Pro showed minor texture pop-in issues in late-game areas, but it ran smoothly overall. The campaign’s shorter 15-hour runtime is seen as a boon for newcomers but might disappoint seasoned players craving more difficulty.
Here's the link to the full review - Monster Hunter Wilds Review - IGN
GamesRadar+ – "The new peak of the series and an early contender for game of the year"
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Score: 4.5/5
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Summary: GamesRadar+ calls Wilds the pinnacle of Monster Hunter, lauding its combat, narrative depth, and monster designs. Reviewed on PS5, it ran flawlessly in performance mode with no FPS dips or crashes, though minor character model glitches were noted. The 47-hour playtime to Hunter Rank 86 showcased its depth, with a rich story and seamless co-op making it a standout. It’s hailed as one of 2025’s best so far.
Here's the link to the full review - Monster Hunter Wilds review: "The new peak of the series and an early contender for game of the year" | GamesRadar+
Polygon – "Monster Hunter Wilds is gorgeous but seems soulless"
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Score: No numerical score, but mixed (~6-7/10 implied).
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Summary: Polygon offers a critical take, appreciating Wilds’ visual splendor on PS5 but finding it narratively hollow. The shift to a streamlined, mainstream-friendly experience sacrifices the series’ quirky soul, with forced walking segments and a lack of community feel in hubs. It’s easy for veterans, potentially alienating them, though the spectacle of hunts remains a highlight. The review suggests a trade-off between accessibility and depth.
Here's the link to the full review - Review: Monster Hunter Wilds is gorgeous but seems soulless | Polygon
Push Square – "A Timeless Formula Refined to Near Perfection"
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Score: Not explicitly quoted, but strongly positive (~9/10 implied).
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Summary: Push Square celebrates Wilds as peak Monster Hunter combat, with crunchy, satisfying battles and a fluid open-world structure on PS5. The lack of load times and dynamic hunts enhance immersion, though the 20-hour story feels overly guided and narratively weak. Performance is solid, with Prioritize Framerate mode recommended for smoothness, despite some visual compromises. It’s a love letter to fans, tempered by a slightly oppressive campaign.
Here's the link to the full review - Monster Hunter Wilds Review (PS5) | Push Square
Overall ReceptionIn the last 48 hours, Monster Hunter Wilds has garnered largely positive reviews, with critics praising its refined combat, accessibility, and visual spectacle. Scores (where implied) range from 8-10/10, with GamesRadar+ and Push Square among the most enthusiastic, touting it as a series peak. However, Polygon’s mixed take highlights concerns about a loss of soul and depth, giving it a lower implied score (~6-7/10). Performance on PS5 is widely noted as improved from betas, with smooth frame rates in most modes, though minor graphical hiccups persist. The story divides opinion—some appreciate its ambition, others find it shallow or intrusive. For fans, it’s a triumph; for newcomers, it’s the most welcoming entry yet, though not without flaws.
This roundup reflects a strong critical consensus tempered by a few dissenting voices, making Wilds a must-play for PS5 owners as it launches on February 28, 2025, with room for post-launch growth.