Why Monster Hunter Wilds’ New Crossover Is a Major Letdown for Fans!

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The action-packed game, Monster Hunter Wilds, has consistently delivered substantial content updates that keep players engaged with its captivating gameplay mechanics. Although we have a few months left before the highly anticipated summer update, the anticipation lessens considerably with the imminent arrival of Wilds‘ first collaboration event. Jumping back into Monster Hunter Wilds always excites me, but I can’t help but feel that this new update could have been a more impactful moment for the series.

The Monster Hunter series frequently involves teaming up with other franchises, boasting numerous collaborations spanning everything from minor aesthetic changes to complex quests and new monsters to battle. Over time, these crossovers have grown increasingly intricate, featuring partnerships that might initially seem unlikely. Even though the initial crossover update was confirmed to be with another Capcom franchise, some fans were left feeling a bit let down by this decision.

Monster Hunter Wilds Is Getting Yet Another Street Fighter Collaboration

An Announcement That’s All Too Common For Monster Hunter Fans

It hasn’t set a specific date, but Monster Hunter Wilds has made it clear through their X account that they are planning another Street Fighter collaboration for an upcoming crossover event. If there was any doubt after the initial teaser, subsequent posts have given us further clues about the nature of this collaboration. These include fighting game combos and a mannequin depicting Chun-Li wielding a Greatsword.

Although there’s no denying that Street Fighter is among Capcom’s most prominent and well-known series, choosing it as an exciting option becomes less enticing due to its frequent appearances in the past. Notably, Street Fighter has been a part of every one of the last five Monster Hunter installments, dating back to 2015. Given the extensive history of Street Fighter crossovers, it seems like a missed chance for the inaugural collaboration celebrating the success of Monster Hunter Wilds, even if it’s now more of a tradition than an innovation.

On the social media platforms for Monster Hunter Wilds, disenchanted fans are expressing their frustration over the continuous repetition of crossover events, yearning for a fresh collaboration. Although there remains a glimmer of hope that Monster Hunter Wilds could deliver an engaging partnership like the Akuma outfit in Monster Hunter Rise, which introduced innovative animations and special features, it’s challenging to maintain optimism.

Instead of offering a wide variety of customizable costumes, many Street Fighter’s cosmetic outfits are complete character transformations that cannot be combined with other layers of armor, limiting their use to the specific characters they are designed for. Despite my admiration for Street Fighter and its significant influence on Capcom and gaming, I find myself growing tired of repeatedly collecting costumes for Chun-Li or Ryu that I may not end up using due to this limitation.

Capcom Has No Shortage Of Franchises That Deserve A Monster Hunter Crossover

Limitless Options For An Exciting And Fresh Collaboration

In a different wording: While I’m not implying that using Street Fighter is a poor decision by any stretch, it does serve as a nostalgic beginning for the new era of Monster Hunter, which should delight the numerous newcomers to the series. However, from a veteran’s perspective, I might have preferred another Street Fighter collaboration if other franchises had been given priority first, considering the abundance of fantastic choices Capcom has at their disposal.

One idea that popped up when considering potential crossovers was Dragon’s Dogma. Its 2024 sequel, with its medieval fantasy backdrop and growing popularity, provides a wealth of elements to draw from. Interestingly, Dragon’s Dogma has never been part of the Monster Hunter series before. If Capcom were to opt for another crossover similar to Street Fighter, it might be more fitting to incorporate either Resident Evil or Devil May Cry. These franchises have a more realistic style, which aligns better with the gritty feel of Monster Hunter Wilds, as opposed to the flashier fighting styles showcased in Rise.

Although there was a sense of letdown about the recent announcement, it’s important to remember that the Street Fighter collaboration is merely the beginning for Monster Hunter Wilds. While I personally hope for collaborations like Lost Planet or another event similar to Capcom’s Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker in Wilds, the success of crossovers in Monster Hunter World suggests that we can anticipate more extravagant collaborations in the future. No matter what the series brings next, I have faith that Monster Hunter Wilds will save the most exciting crossover content for later.

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2025-05-21 21:07