Monster Hunter Series Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto Says Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance Won’t Compromise Lao-Shan Lung’s Immense Scale and Destructive Identity

Lao-Shan Lung’s return in Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance will retain the defining characteristics that made the colossal Elder Dragon memorable. Capcom intends to preserve the monster’s immense size and destructive presence rather than fundamentally changing its identity to fit the expansion’s modern combat systems.

In an exclusive interview with Digital Braves, Monster Hunter series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto discussed the challenges of bringing the classic monster back. He explained that Lao-Shan Lung was originally designed around an unusual encounter where defeating the monster was not necessarily the primary objective because of its overwhelming scale.

Tsujimoto emphasised that its identity must remain intact, explaining that the monster can cause destruction simply by passing through an area. The development team is considering different player actions and modern gameplay mechanics while designing the returning siege encounter.

Capcom Wants to Retain Lao-Shan Lung’s Original Siege Identity

One of the biggest challenges is adapting the encounter for modern players without losing what made the original fight distinctive. Unlike conventional hunts, Lao-Shan Lung encounters traditionally revolved around repelling an enormous Elder Dragon before it could destroy a fortified area.

Tsujimoto also pointed out how the Monster Hunter community has changed since those earlier games. Players now share strategies, weaknesses, and faster hunting methods through social media, making information much easier to access than it was during Lao-Shan Lung’s previous appearances.

Capcom originally wanted encounters like this to encourage engagement beyond the game itself, giving players something to discuss and work together on. The team is now considering different player actions when designing the returning encounter, although Tsujimoto cautioned that previously shown clips and demonstrations do not reveal its full experience.

The expansion’s official story also establishes Lao-Shan Lung as the central threat. According to Capcom’s announcement on PlayStation Blog, its sudden arrival devastates the Forbidden Lands, prompting the Expedition Team to construct Madoi Stronghold in preparation for its eventual return.

Ascendance Will Expand Master Rank Challenges for Existing Monsters

Beyond Lao-Shan Lung, Tsujimoto discussed how Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance will handle existing monsters when Master Rank arrives.

He said it is too early to reveal the future of Apex Monsters, but confirmed that Capcom is considering how returning monsters will fit into the higher difficulty tier.

“We will also ensure that pre-existing monsters who now fit the Master Rank will give players the appropriate amount of challenge as well,”

Tsujimoto explained during the GamerBraves interview.

This means the expansion’s difficulty progression will not rely exclusively on introducing new monsters. Familiar encounters will also receive adjustments to provide appropriate challenges for experienced hunters.

Switch 2 Cross-Play and Capcom’s Development Approach

Tsujimoto also discussed the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Monster Hunter Wilds and Capcom’s efforts to expand cross-play. He explained that players using different hardware could enjoy the game together while sharing the same physical space, recreating some of the appeal of traditional local multiplayer.

The producer also credited Capcom’s in-house RE Engine for helping development teams resolve technical problems faster and communicate more effectively. He described the technology as an important factor behind the company’s ability to develop games across different genres.

With Ascendance introducing Master Rank, new monsters, and Lao-Shan Lung’s return, Capcom is looking to expand the hunting experience while preserving the characteristics that longtime fans associate with the franchise.