What is Monster Hunter Really About? | Deep Dive on the Themes and Narrative of Monster Hunter

The narrative of Monster Hunter has often been overlooked due to its seemingly straightforward nature. However, a closer examination reveals a rich tapestry of themes and stories that merit a deeper exploration. Let's delve into the heart of what Monster Hunter is truly about.

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Evolution of Narratives in Monster Hunter

While the Monster Hunter series is not primarily known for its narrative, it does possess a story that unfolds through its mission-based gameplay. Players embark on quests, which might lead one to believe the narrative is secondary. Yet, beneath the surface, the series offers more than just a cycle of hunting monsters for rewards. Let's explore the narratives and themes that weave through the mainline series.

How It All Starts

The journey in Monster Hunter typically begins with the player as a novice Hunter, taking on quests from village elders or leaders. As you progress, you ascend the ranks, tackling increasingly formidable monsters, culminating in battles against iconic final bosses like Fatalis in the original game. This structure remains consistent across the series, even as newer titles like World, Rise, and their expansions introduce more pronounced storytelling elements.

Protecting the Natural Order

A recurring theme in Monster Hunter is the Hunter's role in maintaining ecological balance. For instance, in Monster Hunter 4, the Gore Magala's Frenzy Virus threatens the ecosystem, necessitating its defeat to restore harmony. However, the narrative becomes more nuanced in Monster Hunter: World and Iceborne, where the endings suggest that while humans have a role in nature, they must also learn from it. The portrayal of Nergigante as nature's balancer in Iceborne underscores this theme, emphasizing the delicate interplay between human intervention and natural processes.

The base game of Monster Hunter: World positions the player as the "Sapphire Star," a guiding light linked to the in-game creation myth, The Tale of the Five. This role signifies the Hunter's responsibility to guide and protect the New World. In contrast, Iceborne's ending reflects a more introspective tone, prompting the Research Commission to reconsider their impact on nature, highlighting the theme of human humility in the face of nature's resilience.

Monster in the Mirror

The narrative often mirrors the player's journey of growth and adaptation. In Monster Hunter 4, defeating the Gore Magala only leads to its transformation into the Shagaru Magala, symbolizing the ongoing challenge and evolution both the Hunter and the monsters undergo. This theme is further explored with the Ahtal-Ka in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, a unique monster that not only adapts but also mimics the Hunter's ingenuity by using human-made weapons and structures.

The Ahtal-Ka's battle mechanics, from piloting a mech to wielding a giant wheel, reflect the Hunter's own use of technology and strategy. This interaction suggests a deeper connection between the Hunter and the monsters, where both parties learn and adapt from each other, enriching the game's thematic depth.

Man Versus Wilds: Your Story

At its core, Monster Hunter is about the player's personal journey of growth and mastery. The series captures this through memorable encounters, such as the initial confrontation with the Tigrex in Monster Hunter Freedom 2, where the player is dramatically thrown off a cliff, setting the stage for a quest for revenge and improvement.

As players progress, they return to face the same challenges with newfound strength, embodying the theme of overcoming adversity. This personal narrative is what makes Monster Hunter resonate with players, much like the satisfaction derived from overcoming challenges in the Souls series.

While newer titles like Monster Hunter Wilds are leaning more into explicit storytelling, the series' strength lies in its ability to weave the player's experience into a compelling narrative. The Monster Hunter franchise may not boast the most intricate plots, but it excels in creating a memorable journey for each player, one that is both challenging and rewarding.