Monster Hunter Wilds DLC won't include any "pay-to-win items" but will remain cosmetic only, as "always" in the action RPG series

Monster Hunter Wilds trailer screenshot showing a young woman with long blonde hair tied back into a ponytail smiling slightly, pumping her left fist in the air
(Image credit: Capcom)

Monster Hunter Wilds continues to impress with action-packed gameplay, stunning visuals, and developers who stay true to what makes the action RPG series so great, like its lack of any pay-to-win DLC.

Speaking in an interview with YouTuber Rurikhan, Monster Hunter series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto confirms that the upcoming game will indeed steer clear of any pay-to-win DLC or optional purchases that would significantly impact a player's experience with Monster Hunter Wilds. The reassuring statement arises when Rurikhan points to the direction that other new titles, namely "western games," that take toward selling "pay-to-win items," and asks if Capcom will do the same.

Inside Monster Hunter Wilds: Exclusive Interview with the Lead Developers - YouTube Inside Monster Hunter Wilds: Exclusive Interview with the Lead Developers - YouTube
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As the YouTuber says, Monster Hunter DLC has historically remained "aesthetic only," with no monster materials or other such items that would disrupt the in-game balance available to buy with real money. Thankfully, Monster Hunter Wilds isn't any different - as Tsujimoto reveals, "Yeah, we're sticking with the same direction we've always had." Judging by the series' past entries, fans can expect costumes and hairstyles - but nothing essential.

Not everyone is completely satisfied with Capcom's approach, though. Tsujimoto and company cite plans to "make some extra special layered armor that will be available as paid DLC" during the interview, prompting comments expressing dissatisfaction with "DLC armor" from fans. To some, it's reminiscent of past games and the controversy their own DLC sparked: "Still not fan of an extra special layered armor as paid DLC. Essentially what ruined my enjoyment of Rise Sunbreak."

One commenter writes that it's "a bit of a shame" regarding layered gear, but they're "still glad" Capcom is keeping "the DLC purely cosmetic." Another fan simply leaves a tearful emoji beside their response: "Confirmed layered DLC." While it's undeniably annoying to not have access to cool cosmetic features without paying, I'm personally happy that the Monster Hunter DLC is just that - cosmetic.

Read our Monster Hunter Wilds preview to learn why we love the game already after just 30 minutes.

Anna Koselke
Staff Writer

After spending years with her head in various fantastical realms' clouds, Anna studied English Literature and then Medieval History at the University of Edinburgh, going on to specialize in narrative design and video game journalism as a writer. She has written for various publications since her postgraduate studies, including Dexerto, Fanbyte, GameSpot, IGN, PCGamesN, and more. When she's not frantically trying to form words into coherent sentences, she's probably daydreaming about becoming a fairy druid and befriending every animal or she's spending a thousand (more) hours traversing the Underdark in Baldur's Gate 3. If you spot her away from her PC, you'll always find Anna with a fantasy book, a handheld video game console of some sort, and a Tamagotchi or two on hand.