In 2025, we have access to some of the best action-adventure game releases. This includes Clair Obscur Expedition 33, Doom The Dark Ages, Splitfiction, Elden Ring Nightreign, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, among many others. All these titles have been well-received and captured the hearts of players worldwide. However, in contrast, there’s one game that was released in February 2025 and has been receiving overwhelmingly negative reviews. So let’s explore what went wrong with this biggest 2025 game release.
What Went Wrong With This Biggest 2025 Game Release?
We don’t often see what’s happening right now. A game that initially received highly positive reviews and attracted more than 1.38 million concurrent players on Steam shortly after its launch. This milestone made it the largest PC launch in the history of Capcom’s action RPG franchise. However, it has now lost more than 98% of its players on Steam, amassing over 100,000 negative reviews, which accounts for nearly half of all reviews.
This title is none other than Monster Hunter Wilds, the latest entry in the Monster Hunter series. An action-adventure RPG that took the world by storm, it sold over eight million units in its first three days. Below are some potential reasons for the decline of this 2025 game release.
Reasons for the Decline of the Biggest 2025 Game Release
- Technical Issues: One of the main factors contributing to the negative reviews for Monster Hunter Wilds is the optimization issues on PC. Many users have criticized its poor performance across a wide range of hardware configurations, even those that exceed Capcom’s recommended system requirements.
- Limited Content: Players have also noted that the game lacks new content and has a slow update rhythm. They expected more frequent content drops, new monsters, or game modes to maintain their excitement, but the slow update pace has left the game feeling stale too soon.
- Too Few Monsters at Launch: The game launched with only 29 large monsters, comprising 20 new and 9 returning ones. This falls short compared to previous Monster Hunter titles, and many fans were anticipating a larger roster from the start.
- No Elder Dragons: In contrast to earlier Monster Hunter games, Wilds was released without any Elder Dragons. These powerful monsters usually serve as significant highlights and fan favorites. Their absence left the endgame feeling less engaging, incomplete, and easy.
- Lack of Strong Monsters to Battle Later: After completing the main story, players are left with only a handful of strong monsters to fight, such as Arkveld and Gore Magala. Once these monsters are defeated, there isn’t much left to entice experienced players back.
- Missing Important Features: Key elements like the Arena, Canteen, and Gathering Hub, essential components from previous games, aren’t present in Wilds yet. This makes the game feel unfinished and lacking some of the enjoyable side content players had come to love.
- Game Runs Out of Activities Quickly: Many players have stated that after roughly 40 to 60 hours, they’ve exhausted all the game has to offer. There’s little incentive to continue playing, especially with the absence of significant monsters or new areas to explore.
Summary
No one expected this to happen to one of the best action-adventure RPG games from Capcom, Monster Hunter Wilds. Released on February 28, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, this addition to the Monster Hunter series might have had potential, but it has ultimately been disappointing. The slow pace of updates and optimization issues on PC have contributed to this game losing nearly all of its players.
What are your thoughts on Monster Hunter Wilds? Let us know in the comments below. And for more gaming news, guides, tips, and more, check out Driffle Blog.
