In Monster Hunter Wilds, there are several innovations regarding combat and weapons. One feature that brings a new ability is now increasingly causing discussion in the community. Because for some, this optional feature is already considered essential.
Which feature is it? The subject of discussion is the new focus mode. This allows attacks to be placed more precisely, and wounds inflicted on monsters are visually highlighted.
With a special attack, these wounds can then be maximized through the focus mode, resulting in increased damage. It also helps players better position their character towards the opponent and facilitates the namesake focus on specific monster parts.
For some weapons, however, the mode also brings another advantage, making it even more essential for some players than it already is due to its benefits. The community is therefore discussing whether it would make sense not to leave the mode at all.
Some players also sadly miss a new weapon type. Why there isn’t one in Wilds can be seen here:
The focus mode can increase range
What advantage makes the mode additionally essential for players? In a thread on Reddit, the community discusses another function that the mode brings. According to them, the mode increases the attack range of some weapons significantly, allowing players to attack directly from a great distance to the monster without having to walk.
This function seems particularly relevant to players of the gunlance, insect glaive, and great sword, as seen in this video:
As user heavenpunch also reports under his video, this “jump” through the focus mode seems to work even when standing far from the target, such as at the entrance of the training area.
Does the mode also have disadvantages? Players are questioning why one should not play in focus mode all the time, as it would provide numerous advantages. However, user Summonest points out that this mode is definitely only suitable for targeted attack phases, making it essential to switch between on and off modes.
For using the mode would reduce dodge range, shorten invulnerability windows, and decrease movement speed. This means that, especially against fast and agile monsters, the focus mode can be more of a hindrance in the long run.
Many players still see it as a kind of “mandatory mode”, as the advantages it brings should definitely be utilized – even if not excessively and only well-placed. A thoughtful switch between focus mode and free mode is also deemed necessary from their perspective.
Some players feared that the focus mode would become essential like the clutch claw in the predecessor Monster Hunter World, to play the game effectively.
As it stands currently, this doesn’t seem to be the case with the new focus mode, which is meant to serve as a fresh approach to this mechanic. This also pleases MeinMMO editor Alexander Schürlein, who felt that the clutch claw nearly ruined the fun of playing: A useful feature in Monster Hunter stole my gaming fun for years – In the sequel, it is finally gone
