The developer of Palworld, Japanese studio Pocketpair, has generously granted its staff a day off to enjoy the launch of Monster Hunter Wilds. As reported by Automaton, the studio humorously noted on social media that several employees had mysteriously reported feeling unwell and unable to work on the game's release day, February 28. This playful gesture, while a clear nod to the excitement surrounding Monster Hunter Wilds, was accompanied by a reassurance from Pocketpair that their game updates would not be affected by this mini-holiday.
Monster Hunter Wilds has made a significant impact, achieving 1 million concurrent players on Steam, which places it among the top 10 most-played games on the platform, surpassing titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, Hogwarts Legacy, and Elden Ring. Despite this success, the game has received a 'mixed' user review rating on Steam, prompting Capcom to release official guidance on PC performance issues. Additionally, Capcom has teased the first title update for Monster Hunter Wilds, which will introduce an endgame social hub for players.
The global launch of Monster Hunter Wilds has had a profound effect, especially in Japan. A local indie developer humorously claimed on social media that they hadn't sold a single game on Steam since Monster Hunter Wilds was released, highlighting the game's dominance in the market. Interestingly, Pocketpair has a history of such gestures, having previously given staff a day off to play FromSoftware’s Elden Ring in 2022.
For those embarking on their Monster Hunter Wilds journey, there are numerous resources available to enhance your experience. From guides on what the game doesn't tell you, to detailed breakdowns of all 14 weapon types, a comprehensive walkthrough, and a multiplayer guide, players have a wealth of information at their fingertips. If you participated in one of the open betas, you can also learn how to transfer your Monster Hunter Wilds Beta character over to the full game.
IGN's review of Monster Hunter Wilds awarded it an 8/10, praising the game for smoothing out the series' rougher edges in smart ways, resulting in enjoyable fights, though noting a lack of real challenge.
