Monster Hunter Wilds is set to elevate the visual appeal of in-game food to new heights, as confirmed by executive director/art director Kaname Fujioka and director Yuya Tokuda. The game will feature an extensive range of dishes, including meat, fish, and vegetables, all designed to look irresistibly appetizing. The developers have gone beyond mere realism, embracing a technique they call "exaggerated realism" inspired by food in anime and commercials. This approach involves using special lighting effects and exaggerated food models to enhance the visual allure of the meals.

Since the inception of the Monster Hunter franchise in 2004, cooking has been a core element, allowing players to enjoy meals made from the monsters they've defeated. Over the years, the importance of these meals and the variety of ingredients have grown significantly. With Monster Hunter World in 2018, the focus on food intensified, aiming to create dining experiences that players would genuinely crave. Monster Hunter Wilds, set to launch on February 28, 2025, will continue and expand upon this trend.

Dining Experience in Monster Hunter Wilds

In Monster Hunter Wilds, players will have the freedom to dine anywhere, shifting the atmosphere from a traditional restaurant setting to a more rustic camping grill experience. A preview in December showcased an enticing cheese pull, but the menu promises much more. Even a simple dish like roasted cabbage, which posed a significant challenge for Fujioka, is made appealing through effects like the cabbage puffing up as the lid is lifted, accompanied by a roasted egg topping.

On the meatier side of the menu, Tokuda, known for his love of meat both in-game and in real life, hinted at a secret "extravagant" meat dish. While keeping the details under wraps, he emphasized the game's commitment to a diverse array of dishes. The focus will also be on capturing the expressions of characters as they enjoy their meals around a cooking fire, enhancing the sense of food-related bliss through exaggerated yet realistic cooking cutscenes.