Oh my God, it’s happening: Monster Hunter Wilds is finally bringing Lagiacrus home from the war

Today, Capcom unveiled a presentation for Monster Hunter Wilds, highlighting the upcoming Grand Hub, Arena Quests, and other additions in the game’s initial update due in early April. At the stream’s conclusion, Capcom offered a sneak peek into Monster Hunter’s future with a brief trailer for a second title update planned this summer—a teaser that longtime hunters have eagerly anticipated for years.

Lagiacrus is finally returning to Monster Hunter.

In 2009, the watery adversary Lagiacrus was introduced as the mascot for Monster Hunter 3. This long, serpentine beast is known for its lightning-based attacks. It became a standout feature in MH3’s underwater combat, offering an exciting and unique battle that soon became a fan favorite. Over time, Lagiacrus has maintained its popularity: In the monster popularity poll held for Monster Hunter’s 20th anniversary, it ranked third among the series’ total of 229 monsters.

Regrettably, since 2009, Lagiacrus has been quite distinctive, perhaps even excessively so. Although Monster Hunter abandoned underwater combat after MH3U and Lagiacrus reappeared in Generations for a land-only battle, it has missed every Monster Hunter release since World – despite the community’s persistent requests to bring back their big, wet companion once more.

The problem, quite simply, is that Lagiacrus is shaped weird.

2022 saw Capcom acknowledging the lingering longing for Lagiacrus among fans, as series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto shared with IGN that while they truly wish to bring him back, Lagiacrus is a challenging monster to incorporate in today’s Monster Hunter games due to its complexities.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that one creature in Monster Hunter feels particularly snake-like, with its parts occasionally brushing against the ground at various instances, giving off a writhing, ground-based monster vibe. However, as the game’s level geometry evolved in World and Rise, this design posed challenges. Reflecting on it retrospectively is something we might consider, but the technological hurdles involved are quite intimidating.

Initially, early previews of Wilds fueled the anticipation of hunters who are fond of Lagiacrus. This is because Balahara, the latest sandworm Leviathan, bears a striking resemblance in body structure to Lagiacrus. It seems that Capcom has managed to overcome the technical challenges that previously prevented serpentine monsters from fitting seamlessly with modern geometric designs.

The initial optimism subtly transformed into cautious excitement as players utilizing customizable camera modes and free access uncovered hidden regions within the Wilds’ terrain maps, hinting at an enclosed space reminiscent of a Lagiacrus nest.

Today, we receive conclusive evidence. Towards the end of the title update video, Capcom offers a brief sneak peek at another update arriving in summer. In a powerful scene, a Lagiacrus stomps on a defeated Dalthydon, with its entire body visible. As the trailer ends and the words “Summer 2025” appear, we can hear the distinctive roar of the Lagiacrus echoing. It’s indeed happening.

I can’t wait to have a real encounter with Lagiacrus; my Monster Hunter journey began with MH4U, but I didn’t delve too deeply into Generations to battle the leviathan before becoming an avid Monster Hunter fan from World onwards. I’m excited to get better acquainted, and I’m sure I’ll receive a shock in the process!

In the meantime, you can catch me working on my barrel bowling in the Grand Hub.

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3. Weapon Rankings in Monster Hunter Wilds: Clearly Organized

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5. All Creatures in Monster Hunter Wilds: The Complete Lineup

6. Special Quests in Monster Hunter Wilds: Time-Limited Prizes

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2025-03-25 18:33