The Latest Monster Hunter Release Falling Behind Its Predecessor in Sales Figures
The developer revealed that Monster Hunter Wilds has sold 10.7 million copies following its release on February 27. Although this seems substantial, the latest installment is being outsold by the earlier game from four years ago, Monster Hunter Rise, which sold approximately 150,000 more units in Capcom's previous fiscal quarter.
Sales Comparison Between the Two Titles
At the end of June, Capcom reported Monster Hunter Wilds had sold roughly 10.5 million units. Now, the total stands at 10.7 million. Meanwhile, Monster Hunter Rise had reached 17.5 million at that time and currently sits at 17.8 million. Many acknowledge that the series often have long sales tails. For instance, Rise sold 7.5 million copies in the initial half-year, but needed two years plus releases on multiple platforms to reach the 12 million mark. Still, it's unusual for a previous game to outsell a new release, particularly in the early post-release period.
Player Reactions and Common Complaints
Capcom did not comment on the unusual trend in the earnings document. Yet, a quick look at fan discussions across platforms offers clues into the preference for earlier games. Frequent complaints include:
- Expansive areas lacking reasons to explore
- Hunts considered too easy by veterans
- Weak endgame content
- Minimal challenge and advancement feeling
- Ongoing performance issues on PC
Post-Launch Support Comparison
Above all, infrequent post-release support stands out. Capcom maintained a steady flow of patches for Monster Hunter Rise after its debut. By the time it reached 7.5 million sales in September 2021, Rise had received six major patches that introduced new monsters, enhanced challenge options, and weekly quests. During a comparable period, Wilds has had five updates, some of which only added cosmetics or minor adjustments to current content.
Sure, a portion of the earlier game's patches only included collaboration events, but Wilds has seen few collaborations. Rise featured Mega Man, Okami, Street Fighter, and Monster Hunter Stories events in the initial months. Wilds has seen just a fighting game collaboration and a Final Fantasy XIV crossover.
It's been four months since a new creature was introduced to Wilds, and only three fresh critters have appeared post-release. Rise got three new monsters in month two and more following the PC launch. Capcom announced Rise's expansion, Sunbreak, in the autumn of 2021, and there's no indication of a Wilds expansion yet. The message is clear.