In the digital realm of Monster Hunter Wilds, developers at Capcom are addressing the rather tangible fear of spiders with a unique feature. They are introducing an “Arachnophobia assistance” option in their upcoming action RPG. This choice allows players to morph creepy-crawly creatures into something decidedly less unnerving—think slimes instead of spiders. This adaptation is a response to the vocal concerns of arachnid-averse gamers and was discovered during a PlayStation Plus beta test, as noted by Automaton.
In the game, eight-legged adversaries undergo a visual transformation, becoming something more comedic than terrifying. However, it’s important to note that only small monster appearances are affected by this feature, leaving fans in suspense about how, or if, larger, spider-like creatures will be addressed. With Monster Hunter Wilds famous for its creatively blended creatures that draw inspiration from various animals, defining what qualifies as “spider-like” could be subjective at best.
This is not an isolated case in gaming culture. Coincidentally, Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 has also jumped on the arachnophobia assistance bandwagon. Its zombie campaign features a similar option, albeit one that might be more terrifying than the spiders themselves. Additionally, Grounded, an aptly-named survival experience, provides an extensive mode where players can toggle every aspect of spiders’ appearances, from their legs to their fangs, or reduce them to innocuous blobs.
Closing Credits
As we eagerly await October 31st for the PC beta release of Monster Hunter Wilds on Steam, players should prepare for a unique wilderness adventure. Capcom confirms that any character built during the beta will be transferable, although progress within the initial chapter won’t carry over. Mark your calendars for the full game’s release on February 28th, when the arachnid threat or lack thereof can be tackled head-on—or slime-on, if you prefer.
