Monster Hunter Wilds has made a striking debut with its inaugural title update, bringing forth a plethora of thrilling content showcased during a recent live event. Amid the excitement surrounding several newly revealed features, notable upcoming monsters like Mizutsune garnered less attention than anticipated.
The reveal of Lagiacrus, a long-awaited leviathan making its return in the fifth generation of Monster Hunter, overshadowed Mizutsune. While Mizutsune’s gameplay appearance may not have been particularly surprising—having been previously teased—the monster exhibited intriguing enhancements. Even for those who haven’t experienced Monster Hunter Rise, it’s clear that this iteration of Mizutsune presents a heightened level of ferocity, boasting new moves that distinguish it from its predecessor.
Mizutsune Will Pose a Greater Challenge with Its Soulseer Form
An Intriguing Variation of a Beloved Monster
In a surprise turn during the latest showcase, it was confirmed that Mizutsune will likely join the roster alongside its formidable Soulseer deviant form. Originally introduced in Monster Hunter Generations and featured in the Monster Hunter Stories 2 spinoff, the Soulseer variant is marked by an aggression that contrasts sharply with its standard form and is notable for its larger size and a brand-new skill set.
Characterized by scars that render it sightless, Soulseer Mizutsune initially moves and attacks at a slower pace. However, upon interacting with one of its signature bubbles or sustaining enough damage, this creature becomes enraged, unlocking a more potent arsenal of attacks. This transformation creates a status effect that increases vulnerability and damage for both the Soulseer and hunters alike, echoing the Frenzy mechanic associated with Gore Magala.
It’s plausible that Wilds will integrate Soulseer Mizutsune’s abilities into its tempered counterpart, enriching the hunting experience even further.
Beyond its usual water-based attacks, Soulseer Mizutsune offers an extraordinary twist with a variety of fire-infused abilities showcased in the trailer, including explosive bubble attacks and jets of blue flame. The presence of both standard and Soulseer Mizutsune in the trailer suggests a potential narrative strategy within Wilds, illustrating how tempered monsters can accumulate experience and evolve their combat styles.
The World of Monster Hunter Boasts Fascinating Deviant Monsters
Providing a Wealth of Challenges and Diverse Options
Soulseer Mizutsune is one of many exciting variants within the Monster Hunter universe. Unique iterations of classic monsters, like Rathalos and Gore Magala, add depth to gameplay. With Lagiacrus’ long-awaited return in Wilds—after its omission from Monster Hunter World—players are eagerly anticipating a possible DLC expansion that would introduce its more lethal forms, such as the Abyssal or Ivory variants, offering a new layer of challenge.
Specialized variations of pre-existing monsters have become a hallmark of the franchise, and Monster Hunter Wilds is pushing that boundary even further with the introduction of Guardian monsters. As these fit seamlessly into the narrative direction of Wilds, there’s ample opportunity for other captivating deviant monsters to make a comeback. While the inclusion of Soulseer Mizutsune is promising, fans also hope for fresh guardian variations of iconic creatures, fostering novel challenges for veteran hunters.
Title Update Monsters Are Set to Shine Even Brighter in Monster Hunter Wilds
Allowing Iconic Monsters to Distinguish Themselves
Despite the vibrant diversity of monster designs in Monster Hunter Wilds, some creatures inevitably suffer from overshadowing by a few standout monsters. While imaginative additions like Rompopolo and Balahara enrich the roster, the allure of classic monsters or exotic types such as Nu Udra and Xu Wu tend to dominate the spotlight, particularly when they offer equally impressive gear.
By strategically releasing iconic monsters such as Mizutsune and Lagiacrus in separate title updates, the game enhances their visibility and significance. This approach allows each monster to shine individually, transforming them into compelling challenges for players to tackle post-game, creating a lasting impact in the Wilds universe. With numerous possibilities for new and nostalgic monster types, the future of Monster Hunter Wilds looks incredibly promising.