Updating older games would require so many changes that they would lose their connection to the original. Capcom prefers to develop the series with new mechanics, such as crossplay in Monster Hunter Wilds. This makes the franchise more accessible to players and aligns with modern standards.
“One of the hurdles for trying to do a remaster or remake of a Monster Hunter game was the online multiplayer. Every generation of Monster Hunter was structured and built around the network capabilities of that generation, and in many cases, those can be outdated. Now we have a much better online infrastructure. Trying to go back to a 2004 game and update it so that it is enjoyable to play now would likely result in making so many changes that calling it a remake or a remaster of the first game would make no sense. So I think that is one of the main reasons why we usually move forward rather than look back at remakes.”
The friendly fire system will also change. In Wilds, players will not accidentally knock each other down with attacks like before. The developers want newcomers to feel more comfortable online.
Monster Hunter Wilds will be released on February 28, 2025, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
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Cover art author: Capcom. Cover art source: Steam