Use the in-game Binoculars to screen monsters before you fight: a crown indicator appears beneath a monster’s name when its size qualifies. Hunt that monster to record the crown in your hunting log. For the most repeatable method, save a qualifying target as an investigation so you can hunt the same-size monster again.
How to check a monster for a crown
- Equip and use the Binoculars. PowerPyx’s February 26, 2025 guide says to get within roughly 50 meters, then look at the monster through the Binoculars.
- Read the indicator below its name. If the monster qualifies as exceptionally small or large, a crown indicator appears there. This lets you skip a hunt when the size is not what you need.
- Hunt the qualifying monster. The crown is recorded when you complete the hunt; check the hunting log to confirm it.
Crowns mark very small or very large specimens. A silver size marker is not the same as a gold crown, so check the log entry rather than assuming every size distinction counts toward a gold-crown objective. The PlayStation starter guide also describes the Binoculars check: PlayStation’s Monster Hunter Wilds starter guide.
Save a qualifying monster as an investigation
When you find a crown-sized monster, save it as an investigation before moving on. PowerPyx reports that this preserves the same-size target for repeat hunts, with up to three additional hunts described in its 2025 guide. That makes an investigation more controllable than waiting for another random encounter. The guide also says players can share crown investigations with friends, allowing a group to benefit from a rare target.
Investigation storage limits and menu controls can vary with platform or game version. PowerPyx’s launch-era guide reports a maximum of 50 saved investigations; check the current in-game menus for the limit and sharing options that apply to your version.
#1 Best Overall
- Wild New Adventure – Monster Hunter Wilds follows the story of a special Research Commission investigating the Forbidden Lands. Fully voiced for the first time in the series, the hunter is joined in their journey by a colorful cast of characters, including a Palico partner, Guild-appointed Handler Alma, trusty smithy Gemma, and the mysterious child Nata. Together, the team ventures into an unexplored new frontier where surprises await around every corner.
- A Living World – The Forbidden Lands spans multiple biomes with dynamic identities, such as the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, where the ecosystems shift between vibrant seasons brimming with life, and unforgiving climates where monsters fight over limited resources. Changes in the landscape will impact the creatures that live there and push hunters to adapt as well.
- New Monsters and Wildlife – Monster Hunter Wilds features a variety of new creatures, ranging from herds of small species to large monsters – some of which roam the Forbidden Lands in packs. Every creature hunters encounter in the wild has carved out a special place in its habitat and possesses unique attacks and behaviors.
- Players can also now ride atop the Seikret, an agile new mount enabling hunters to traverse difficult terrain, perform actions like sharpening weapons on the move, and switch between two weapons while out on hunts!
- Evolved Hunting Action – The series’ acclaimed action-packed gameplay is back and more exciting than ever! Hunters can look forward to tracking down monsters with an array of new moves, special abilities, equipment, and more. The action also now flows seamlessly from cutscenes to gameplay, resulting in a new level of immersion.
Choose a hunting approach
| Approach | Control over size | Repeatability | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field or quest encounters screened with Binoculars | Screen each monster before committing to the hunt. | Low unless you save a qualifying target as an investigation. | Depends on available encounters. |
| Saved investigations | High for a monster size you have already found. | High; PowerPyx reports up to three additional hunts of the same-size target. | Depends on having a qualifying investigation and available save slots. |
| Event quests | Some may feature special-size targets or otherwise useful hunts; exact rates are not established here. | Depends on the quest and its current availability. | Rotates; check the in-game Event Quest list. |
Check Event Quests in-game
Event quests can provide special-size targets or better opportunities, but their schedules change. Open the current Event Quest list in-game and check which quests are available before planning around one. A September 2026 WildsBuilder guide recommends certain biome-themed multi-monster quests and reports 12% chances for some crown types, but those rates and schedules are secondary-source claims, not verified official or universal odds. Treat them as unconfirmed rather than guaranteed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use size lists with care
Exact per-monster crown thresholds and probabilities are not established by the sources cited here. A community crown table published March 8, 2025 lists recorded minimum and maximum sizes, including monsters added after launch, but it is community data—not an official threshold list or a source of odds. Use it as a reference for reported sizes, not proof that a particular measurement guarantees a crown. PowerPyx’s count of 29 large monsters describes launch-era content and should not be treated as a current complete roster.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Wild New Adventure – Monster Hunter Wilds follows the story of a special Research Commission investigating the Forbidden Lands. Fully voiced for the first time in the series, the hunter is joined in their journey by a colorful cast of characters, including a Palico partner, Guild-appointed Handler Alma, trusty smithy Gemma, and the mysterious child Nata. Together, the team ventures into an unexplored new frontier where surprises await around every corner.
- A Living World – The Forbidden Lands spans multiple biomes with dynamic identities, such as the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, where the ecosystems shift between vibrant seasons brimming with life, and unforgiving climates where monsters fight over limited resources. Changes in the landscape will impact the creatures that live there and push hunters to adapt as well.
- New Monsters and Wildlife – Monster Hunter Wilds features a variety of new creatures, ranging from herds of small species to large monsters – some of which roam the Forbidden Lands in packs. Every creature hunters encounter in the wild has carved out a special place in its habitat and possesses unique attacks and behaviors.
- Evolved Hunting Action – The series’ acclaimed action-packed gameplay is back and more exciting than ever! Hunters can look forward to tracking down monsters with an array of new moves, special abilities, equipment, and more. The action also now flows seamlessly from cutscenes to gameplay, resulting in a new level of immersion.
- Crossplay Multiplayer – Alongside the option to enjoy the story of Monster Hunter Wilds solo, hunters can join up to three other players across any platform to explore the world together and take on the game’s challenges as a hunting party or receive aid from notable story characters as Support Hunter NPCs.
Rank #3
- Wild New Adventure – Monster Hunter Wilds follows the story of a special Research Commission investigating the Forbidden Lands. Fully voiced for the first time in the series, the hunter is joined in their journey by a colorful cast of characters, including a Palico partner, Guild-appointed Handler Alma, trusty smithy Gemma, and the mysterious child Nata. Together, the team ventures into an unexplored new frontier where surprises await around every corner.
- A Living World – The Forbidden Lands spans multiple biomes with dynamic identities, such as the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, where the ecosystems shift between vibrant seasons brimming with life, and unforgiving climates where monsters fight over limited resources. Changes in the landscape will impact the creatures that live there and push hunters to adapt as well.
- New Monsters and Wildlife – Monster Hunter Wilds features a variety of new creatures, ranging from herds of small species to large monsters – some of which roam the Forbidden Lands in packs. Every creature hunters encounter in the wild has carved out a special place in its habitat and possesses unique attacks and behaviors.
- Evolved Hunting Action – The series’ acclaimed action-packed gameplay is back and more exciting than ever! Hunters can look forward to tracking down monsters with an array of new moves, special abilities, equipment, and more. The action also now flows seamlessly from cutscenes to gameplay, resulting in a new level of immersion.
- Crossplay Multiplayer – Alongside the option to enjoy the story of Monster Hunter Wilds solo, hunters can join up to three other players across any platform to explore the world together and take on the game’s challenges as a hunting party or receive aid from notable story characters as Support Hunter NPCs.
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