Monster Hunter Wilds does a lot of things differently than previous entries in the Monster Hunter series. One innovation even makes the battles against the monsters even better than before, according to MeinMMO editor Alexander.
In Monster Hunter Wilds, there will be some new features that set the new title apart from its predecessors. In addition to major changes, such as the seamless world or the ability to take two weapons on the hunt, there are also some that are less noticeable at first.
One of these changes even makes the battles feel even better than in all previous installments – at least that’s how MeinMMO editor Alexander feels.
What innovation is being discussed? We are referring to the two new weapon actions “Powerclash” and “Offset-Attack”. Both provide hunters with new options to react to attacks from the monsters:
- Powerclash: With the Powerclash counter, you can initiate a duel between you and your opponent by deflecting certain attacks. If you win the encounter, you push it back and knock it off balance, allowing you to attack without interruption.
- Offset-Attack: If you attack a charging monster at the same time in mid-movement with a specific attack, your powers collide and throw your opponent back. This attack can be combined with other powerful attacks.
Both require good timing, which takes practice. However, once mastered, they provide not only powerful opportunities to deal high damage and give the team windows in which they can attack undisturbed – but they also feel extremely satisfying.
Much cooler and more satisfying than before
Why do these attacks make battles better? On the official homepage, you can watch an example of each weapon action using the Great Sword. In my opinion, they not only enhance the flow of battle but also look visually impressive. They pull the player deeper into the fight and give the feeling of being more powerful.
Both make the battles cinematic and highlight the hunter’s skills more than ever before. For example, how hunters can throw themselves at an opponent with the Great Sword during a Powerclash and push them back with all their strength just feels good.
You can seamlessly weave these new weapon actions into your flow, making them feel smoother and more coherent than, for example, the options given by the Clutch Claw or Wirebugs in the predecessors. This additionally provides a targeted way to knock monsters off balance, which was only partially available in the predecessors (via Reddit).
Because the precise timing for the weapon actions needs to be learned, it becomes even more enjoyable when it finally clicks and you successfully fend off these gigantic beasts.
Unfortunately, not all weapons have an Offset-Attack. Only the Great Sword, Morphing Axe, Hammer, Hunting Horn, Insect Glaive, and Heavy Bowgun offer this capability. Nevertheless, in my opinion, the new weapon actions make the battles feel much smoother, more coherent, and cooler than in the predecessors.
I’m not alone in this: Many fans on Reddit are celebrating these innovations as much as I am. BZRKRBUCK69 shares in their thread via Reddit: “Whoever came up with the idea for Offset Attacks deserves a damn raise! They make the hunt 3x more satisfying and cinematic. Honestly, I love it immensely.”
Below, there are many voices expressing similar sentiments:
- SirDenali writes via Reddit: “The mechanics are very well implemented with most weapons to keep the feel unique.”
- HairyTecolote86 comments via Reddit: “The cool thing about the HH Offset is that you can hold it for a while. This makes it easier to land the Offset just before the monster hits you.”
- AbyssWankerArtorias expresses via Reddit: “It is SOOO much better than Wirebug attacks or Clutch Claw attacks. It flows smoothly and just fits into the battle flow.”
Alongside the new weapon actions, Monster Hunter Wilds also brings a range of other innovations that make this installment better than its predecessors. Which features stand out the most in our opinion, you can read here: 8 new features that make Monster Hunter Wilds better than its predecessors
