A recent post on the subreddit r/MHWilds has drawn attention to a common issue within the Monster Hunter community. This issue is often present in online games: the toxicity of some players when a new game or expansion is released. User cjtaylor737 shared their feelings over the higher number of new players describing the community as “one of the most toxic” they have ever seen.
A Recurring Issue in Monster Hunter
Like many online games, Monster Hunter is joined by a high number of players from other gaming communities with each new release. Some of these players have negative behaviors. Those can go from kicking others from lobbies toward the end of hunts or criticizing newcomers. This creates a poor first impression and gives a fake view of a community once known for its friendly spirit and efforts to help new hunters.
An Initiative to Change the Trend
Instead of simply addressing toxic behavior, cjtaylor737 encourages veteran players to take the opposite path:
“Be ‘reverse toxic.’ Be so overwhelmingly kind and helpful that any bad experiences new players might have are completely overshadowed by the true spirit of the Monster Hunter community.“
The goal is simple: welcome new players with patience and support. Help them understand the game’s mechanics, and reinforce what makes Monster Hunter special: teamwork and family.
A good way to do that, is by helping out on SOS flares. A lot of new players desperately need help. Yet they are often met with Crown Hunters leaving the SOS flares when it is not a Crown Monster. Simple things such as helping out until the end of the hunt can make all the difference for a new player!
A Unique Opportunity with Monster Hunter Wilds
With the release of Wilds, the game is gaining even more popularity. Many players who have never touched a Monster Hunter game before are joining. This makes it a special moment to showcase the community’s true nature as one that is passionate and supportive.
Veteran players are encouraged to step up and make sure that newcomers have a positive and unique experience. Let’s give them a welcoming environment that will encourage them to stay in the world of Monster Hunter.
