Monster Hunter Wilds: Ranking the 5 Biomes by How Much Time I Spent in Them

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I think it’s high time Monster Hunter Wilds had a ranking for its biomes. We need something more positive instead of the usual drama about the game being too easy or lacking content. After all, we gave Monster Hunter Wilds a perfect score in our review.

We’ve already ranked the best new monsters based on how cool they are to fight. Now, let’s rank the five maps by how content-rich they are. Of course, this is a personal list, so everything here is based solely on my opinion.

From least to most favorite, here’s my ranking of all the biomes in Monster Hunter Wilds.

Oilwell Basin

This tar-covered realm isn’t the best place to take in the sights—it’s packed with noxious fumes and intense heat. The Oilwell Basin is my least favorite as the game’s third biome. While visually striking, the monsters feel like they could have more impact on the area, especially the region’s Apex, the Nu Udra.

During the Firespring Inclemency, the environment becomes even more hostile, with flames erupting across the land and aggressive Ajarakans and Nu Udras emerging. The one upside to this weather event is that Azuz hosts a festival that rewards you with free Crafting Ores for your Artian weapons.

During Plenty Season, the Basin takes on a softer appearance as sunlight filters through the mist, casting a gentle glow and causing the waters to chill and adopt a captivating blue shade. This sight is truly breathtaking, but it’s only visible during this specific weather pattern. It’s possible that you could even catch a glimpse of native species unique to this region, such as the incredibly elusive Peony Sparklerjelly.

Although it may not be particularly aesthetically pleasing, this map excels in its functionality due to its smithing abilities. If Gogmazios is placed here by Capcom, it will undoubtedly rise in popularity and esteem.

Iceshard Cliffs

Monster Hunter Wilds’ frozen biome is an odd one. It serves no real function beyond acting as a gateway to Suja and as the battleground for Gore Magala and Jin Dahaad. There’s little in the way of lore or story to flesh it out.

Even its Inclemency, Frostwinds, doesn’t add much—it’s merely a signal that Jin Dahaad has taken its throne atop the peaks. It’s a baffling biome that needs further improvement. I’m pretty sure that Capcom has plans to expand on it, possibly introducing more Frenzied Monsters and additional cold-dwelling creatures.

This biome isn’t the most disliked by me, thanks to its amazing battle tunes. I just can’t resist grooving along with its rhythms.

Ruins of Wyveria

The last playable biome in Monster Hunter Wilds is a refreshing change of pace. Unlike the usual Desert, Snow, Jungle, and Plains settings, it presents something distinctive—an urban landscape that serves as a relic of a fallen civilization that attempted to dabble in divine powers.

The ancient ruins of Wyveria are brimming with undiscovered tales and surprisingly, Wyvern Milk. The encounters with Guardian Creatures and interplay with the game’s Wylk Bionergy contribute to its enigmatic ambiance. The battle against Xu Wu is particularly striking, as his nest is filled with decomposing bones and developing cephalopod larvae.

Among the highlights of this biome that I particularly enjoy is the interactivity of the Construct Pods. Sprinkled across the ruins, these hatcheries can be destroyed to summon a Guardian Creature. It’s somewhat similar to a gachapon machine—the surprise element never fades away.

Windward Plains

The game’s initial setting, where we spent a significant amount of time during the open beta, is known as the Windward Plains. This area combines lush greenery and barren deserts. It might not be the most visually stunning location, but the countless hours I’ve invested in it have given it a unique sentimental value. The view of the Wind’s Gasp always leaves me in awe.

Its Inclemency, Sandtide, was Capcom’s first big flex with its weather systems. The pounding storms and shifting sands create an intense, immersive atmosphere. Battles against Rey Dau, Arkveld, and Balahara here feel smooth and uninterrupted by broken terrain, making every fight an exhilarating experience.

When the Plenty Season arrives after these grueling battles, the landscape transforms into a thriving paradise teeming with wildlife. Small reptiles return, and Vigorwasps resurgence. It becomes the perfect place to relax, gather Fulgurites, or stock up on Honey if you’re in a contemplative mood.

Scarlet Forest

The Scarlet Forest is, without a doubt, my favorite biome in Monster Hunter Wilds. A dense jungle brimming with deadly flora and fauna constantly keeps you on your toes.

During the Fallow Season, the eerie sight of scarlet-hued waters raises all kinds of questions about what caused them. Then, in the Plenty Season, the forest is bathed in golden sunlight, transforming it into an emerald jewel waiting to be explored… and fished.

Speaking of fishing, Area 17 is where I spent most of my time trying to catch Whoppers and rare aquatic life. The fishing minigame in this biome is surprisingly addictive, and I’ve probably spent more hours here than in any other region.

It’s a breathtaking place to explore and an incredible setting for a monster hunt.

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2025-03-18 18:08