Follow the quest objective first: if it says capture, capture the monster; if it says slay, kill it. For a standard hunt, neither outcome is always better. Capturing can end the final phase sooner, while slaying avoids using capture supplies. If you are hunting for a particular material, check its current in-game reward sources rather than assuming one finish pays more.
Choose the finish your quest requires
Quest wording decides what counts as success. A capture-only objective is not completed by killing the target, and a slay objective requires you to kill it. For an ordinary hunt that allows either outcome, make the choice based on your target material, the monster’s condition, your supplies, and your team’s plan.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Monster Hunter Wilds Steelbook | $32.89 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Wild Hearts - PlayStation 5 | $20.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Maximum Entertainment 34 Sports Games - World Edition (PS5) | $26.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Monster Hunter Wilds - Lenticular Sleeve Edition /PS5 | $35.86 | Buy on Amazon |
Does capturing give better rewards?
There is no supported rule that capture always gives better rewards than slaying, or vice versa. Reward value depends on the specific material and where it appears in the reward system, so check the current in-game reward information for the monster and quest before deciding.
In a February 27, 2025 article, PC Gamer reported that the Monster Guide did not show separate capture percentages at that time. It cited Uth Duna Watergem as a specific example: 3% as a Target Reward, 5% for carving, and 7% for a tail-break reward. Those are dated figures for one monster and reward source, not a general capture-versus-slay comparison; verify the current in-game tables before applying them. PC Gamer’s report
#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.
How to capture a monster
Prepare suitable traps and tranquilizing supplies before the final phase. Wilds Field Guide’s guide, fact-checked August 4, 2026, advises using the game’s capture-ready indicators rather than guessing from how long the hunt has lasted. It does not give a universal numeric threshold. Wilds Field Guide’s capture guide
- Check that your quest and target permit capture, then bring a suitable trap and tranquilizing supplies.
- Watch for the game’s capture-ready indicators; do not use elapsed hunt time alone to judge readiness.
- Place the trap where the monster can enter it. Avoid setting it while the target is moving away.
- Once the monster is restrained, apply tranquilizers promptly.
Capcom’s online manual for Monster Hunter Generations describes the broader series procedure as weakening the monster, trapping it, and tranquilizing it. That is series context, not Wilds-specific documentation. Capcom’s Monster Hunter Generations manual
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 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
- Enter the stadium and take part of one of the biggest competitions across 34 sports: from swimming, soccer, extreme bike, weightlifting, trampoline and much more!
- Defend your own country and visit the World: United States, Australia, Japan, France…
- Train yourself alone or compete with your friends!
- An enhanced version of “30 Sport Games in 1”, with revamped design, new games and more customisation!
Rank #2
- Hunt giant nature-infused bests – Survive their attacks, learn from their behaviors, and use your Karakuri and your weapons in combination to cut these creatures down to size.
- Craft your hunting grounds – You are the only one in Azuma able to wield the Karakuri technology.
- Hunt in a pack, or be a lone wolf – In WILD HEARTS you can face the Kemono alone or unite with up to two friends (or other players) to stalk and hunt your prey.
- Gear up to hunt, hunt to gear up – Create your character, then gather materials from each hunt and build an array of armor and weapons.
What to weigh on a standard hunt
- Quest objective: meet any capture or slay requirement before considering other factors.
- Target material: check which reward sources list the part you need.
- Readiness and risk: capture may shorten the final phase once the monster is ready, while continuing to fight means accepting the remaining hunt risk.
- Supplies: capture requires a suitable trap and tranquilizers; slaying avoids spending those capture supplies.
- Team preference: in multiplayer, agree on the intended finish before a teammate commits to a long attack or capture sequence.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
