Monster Hunter Wilds Explains Cooking System

Enhanced Culinary Realism in Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds is revolutionizing in-game food presentation, prioritizing appetizing visuals through a blend of realism and stylized exaggeration. The development team, led by executive director/art director Kaname Fujioka and director Yuya Tokuda, aims to surpass the typical realistic approach, focusing instead on what truly makes food look delicious. This involves techniques inspired by anime and commercials, incorporating enhanced lighting and exaggerated food modeling.

The game expands on the franchise's long-standing cooking mechanic, introduced in 2004. While previous installments featured realistic depictions, Monster Hunter Wilds takes it a step further. Instead of a restaurant setting, players can enjoy meals anywhere, fostering a more casual, campfire-style dining experience.

This enhanced approach is evident in various dishes. Even simple fare like roasted cabbage, a significant design challenge for Fujioka, is presented with captivating detail, realistically puffing up as the lid is lifted. A preview showcased this, along with a visually appealing roasted egg topping.

Further enriching the culinary experience, director Tokuda hints at a secret, extravagant meat dish, adding an element of surprise and excitement. The game will feature a diverse menu, capturing the joyful expressions of characters enjoying their meals around a crackling fire, maximizing the sense of culinary satisfaction. This heightened focus on visual appeal aims to create a truly immersive and appetizing in-game dining experience. The game launches February 28, 2025.