Monster Hunter Wilds is set to revolutionize the visual appeal of in-game food, pushing the boundaries of what players have come to expect from the Monster Hunter franchise. The game, launching on February 28, 2025, aims to make its array of meat, fish, and vegetable dishes not just realistic, but irresistibly appetizing. According to executive director/art director Kaname Fujioka and director Yuya Tokuda, the focus is on creating food that goes beyond mere realism to evoke a sense of deliciousness, drawing inspiration from anime and commercials that use special lighting effects and exaggerated food models.
Since the inception of the Monster Hunter series in 2004, cooking has been a core mechanic, evolving from simple monster meat meals to a broader, more significant culinary experience. The trend of emphasizing food realism and appeal, which started with Monster Hunter World in 2018, is set to be amplified in Monster Hunter Wilds. The developers are committed to ensuring that the food not only looks good but also enhances the overall gaming experience.
Monster Hunter Wilds: A New Approach to Dining
In Monster Hunter Wilds, players will have the freedom to dine anywhere, embracing a camping grill atmosphere rather than a traditional restaurant setting. This shift allows for a more immersive and flexible dining experience. A standout moment from a December preview was the tantalizing cheese pull, which has already captured fans' attention. Even simpler dishes like roasted cabbage are given a gourmet touch, with Fujioka highlighting the realistic puffing effect as the lid is removed from the pan, accompanied by a roasted egg topping that adds to the visual appeal.
On the meatier side of the menu, director Yuya Tokuda, known for his love of meat both in-game and in real life, hinted at a secret "extravagant" meat dish that promises to be a highlight. The game aims to showcase a diverse range of dishes, capturing the joy and satisfaction of dining around a campfire through exaggerated yet realistic cooking scenes. These scenes are designed to enhance the overall sense of food-related bliss, making every meal a memorable part of the Monster Hunter Wilds experience.
