Monster Hunter Wilds’ Layered Weapons Can Atone for One of the Game’s Biggest Sins

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Players are excitedly looking forward to the implementation of the layered weapons feature in Monster Hunter Wilds‘ Title Update 2, as it allows them to customize the appearance of their weapons according to their outfits. Since Artian weapons have often been problematic for players trying to maintain a cohesive hunter aesthetic within Monster Hunter Wilds, these eye-catching weapons are likely to be the first to receive personalized makeovers using the new system. This means that players can now hunt with flair without compromising their gameplay builds.

Since its launch, players have been eagerly asking for the capability to transform weapons, often placing it among their top requests. Recognizing this demand, Capcom has decided to act. Anticipated Title Update 2 for “Monster Hunter Wilds” is scheduled for Summer 2025. This update will bring balance tweaks, user-friendly enhancements, game stability upgrades, new challenging 8-star hunts, and not forgetting the addition of layered weapons.

Monster Hunter Wilds’ Artian Weapon Dilemma

The Best Weapons in Monsters Hunter Wilds are Also the Most Divisive

In the world of Monster Hunter, the style of hunters has consistently held significance within the community. However, the limited customization options for weapons have often been a point of contention among players who prioritize aesthetics. Particularly problematic are Artian weapons, high-end weapons that are frequently top picks for build strategies. While monster-based weapons can occasionally serve as viable alternatives, they may continue to be staples in meta builds due to the game’s end-game loop focusing on farming Artian Parts for the RNG-based crafting system.

Visually, only a limited number of attire pairings complement Artian Weapons effectively. The matte chrome and green finish that most of them possess seems to detract from their appeal rather than enhance it. It’s not surprising that many players prioritize the weapons’ stats over their appearance. Given the vast array of outfit options, color schemes, and layered armor available in Monster Hunter Wilds, weapon customization appears to be the primary factor hindering the fashion scene within the game.

Layered Weapons Solve More Than Just Artian Weapons

In many games, players frequently find themselves in a dilemma: should they opt for the functional yet unattractive Artian weapons or prioritize aesthetics and potentially miss out on effective gameplay? However, with the introduction of customizable weapon designs, this quandary may soon be alleviated. This predicament isn’t exclusive to Artian weapons; it applies to any monster-based weapon that has a predetermined color scheme and style. Even if these weapons aren’t as visually displeasing as Artian weapons, players are still limited in their outfit choices, often having to select an attire that complements the weapon’s appearance, which may not align with their preferred style.

Why Layered Weapons Came so Late to Monster Hunter Wilds

Historically, the Monster Hunter series has been known for its strategy of tantalizing players with layered weapons and armor, choosing to unveil them through significant DLC expansions rather than including them in the initial game release. For instance, in Monster Hunter World, layered weapons didn’t arrive until 1.5 years after the game’s launch with the Iceborne DLC. This trend continued in Monster Hunter Rise, where layered weapons were introduced in the Sunbreak Title Update, around the same timeframe as World.

It’s unfortunate how often game developers withhold content for later DLC releases in the gaming industry, and it’s clearly evident in this case. Thankfully, the community’s demand for customizable weapons in Monster Hunter Wildlands was particularly strong this time, leading to the early release of this much-requested feature. Here’s hoping that future Monster Hunter games learn from this situation, but I fear it might be wishful thinking.

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2025-06-04 18:34