Understanding the Monster Hunter-Inspired Progression in Eternal Strands

As we eagerly anticipate the release of Eternal Strands, much of the buzz has focused on its similarities to iconic action-adventure games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Shadow of the Colossus. However, what might come as a surprise is that Capcom’s Monster Hunter series was actually a significant source of inspiration for Yellow Brick Games in crafting their debut title. Many elements reminiscent of Monster Hunter have made their way into the final product of Eternal Strands.

In a recent discussion with Game Rant, directors Mike Laidlaw and Frederic St-Laurent delved into how the game’s combat and progression can stir a sense of familiarity among Monster Hunter fans. At its heart, Eternal Strands is structured around the concept of an expedition, with character progression heavily reliant on the rewards procured from these ventures. This means that rather than traditional RPG systems, the game leans more on crafting loot. Paired with the colossal, dynamic beasts that inhabit the game, this approach should feel comfortable for those familiar with Monster Hunter’s vibe.

Even though the moment-to-moment gameplay in Eternal Strands may be reminiscent of its more famous inspirations, its approach to character progression and leveling is quite distinct. Rather than following the footsteps of Breath of the Wild or Shadow of the Colossus, Laidlaw and St-Laurent highlighted that the progression system aligns more closely with Monster Hunter. St-Laurent clarifies this by stating, “We don’t have a traditional XP system. Instead, it’s all about crafting gear with loot gathered on your adventures, as there are no found weapons or armor in the game—they’re all crafted by your crew at the base camp.”

Thanks to the protagonist Brynn’s thermodynamic abilities, players can strategize how they affect the loot they gather. St-Laurent elaborates on this, saying, “If you burn an enemy like a hound, you’re going to ruin all of its fur loot. Conversely, if you use ice on metallic enemies, you can shatter their metal components for forging.” So, knowing what materials you’re after will dictate your choice of monsters to hunt and how you dispatch them.

Eternal Strands emphasizes expeditions, akin to Monster Hunter and Dragon’s Dogma, where the core experience revolves around gathering materials and crafting. Mike Laidlaw mentions that the sense of an “expedition and returning home to rest” is a shared theme with those games and is deeply embedded in the structure of Eternal Strands.

While the game clearly draws from Monster Hunter and Dragon’s Dogma, it forges its own identity as well. Mike Laidlaw acknowledges this, saying, “Though we’re not a direct replica of Monster Hunter, the dynamic nature of battling creatures is a significant aspect of our game. Monster Hunter enthusiasts will likely find our progression methods pleasantly familiar.”

In essence, while Eternal Strands stands on the shoulders of giants like Monster Hunter, it brings its own unique elements to the table, ensuring a fresh yet familiar experience for fans of the genre.