How World's FFXIV and The Witcher 3 Collabs Inspired Monster Hunter Wilds - IGN First

Monster Hunter Wilds boasts numerous improvements and new features, but its development was subtly shaped by earlier crossover events in Monster Hunter World. Feedback from collaborations with Final Fantasy XIV and The Witcher 3 directly influenced key gameplay elements in Wilds.

Specifically, conversations with Final Fantasy XIV's director, Naoki Yoshida ("Yoshi-P"), during their crossover event inspired a change to Wilds' HUD: displaying attack names on-screen in real-time. This feature was initially hinted at in the 2018 FFXIV crossover, notably during the Behemoth fight where the boss's attacks were similarly labeled. Even the "Jump" emote, unlocked after defeating Behemoth, displayed "[Hunter] performs Jump," a precursor to Wilds' expanded HUD functionality. The collaboration also included memorable additions like catchable Cactuars, a Kulu-Ya-Ku hunt to Chocobo music, and the Drachen armor set.

Final Fantasy XIV's Influence on Monster Hunter Wilds

Yoshi-P's suggestion to show attack names as they're performed resonated with Wilds director Yuya Tokuda, leading to the implementation of this much-requested feature.

The Witcher 3's Influence on Monster Hunter Wilds

The positive player response to the Witcher 3 crossover in Monster Hunter: World, where players controlled Geralt and engaged in voiced dialogue, directly influenced the decision to include more dialogue options and a speaking protagonist in Wilds. Tokuda cited this crossover as a successful test of player reception to these features.

Tokuda revealed that while Wilds wasn't in active development during the World collaborations, these experiences heavily informed his vision for the future of the series. He actively pursued the Witcher 3 collaboration, resulting in a significant impact on Wilds' design.

For more in-depth information, including gameplay and interviews, check out this month's IGN First coverage of Monster Hunter Wilds:

• Behind Monster Hunter Wilds' New Approach to Starting Weapons and Hope Series Gear
• Monster Hunter Wilds Interview and Gameplay: Meet Nu Udra, Apex of the Oilwell Basin
• Evolving Monster Hunter: How Capcom’s Belief in the Series Made it a Worldwide Hit
• Monster Hunter Wilds: Gravios Returns in This Exclusive Gameplay