Mastering Monster Hunter Wilds: Why You Should Play Monster Hunter: World First
Monster Hunter Wilds is one of Steam's most anticipated games, and for many, it will be their first foray into the Monster Hunter franchise. While the game will undoubtedly include a comprehensive tutorial, the series is renowned for its depth and complexity. Therefore, playing a previous game, specifically Monster Hunter: World (2018), can provide invaluable preparation.
We recommend World not for narrative connections, but because its style and structure most closely mirror Wilds. It offers an excellent introduction to the sometimes intricate systems and gameplay loop that define the series.
Why Not Monster Hunter Rise?
While Monster Hunter Rise is the most recent title (and excellent in its own right), Wilds appears to be a direct successor to World, not Rise. Rise, originally developed for the Nintendo Switch, prioritized speed and smaller zones due to hardware limitations. This streamlined the gameplay loop but sacrificed some of the larger-scale, immersive environments found in World. Wilds seems to be building upon and expanding the features World excelled at.
World's expansive zones and emphasis on tracking monsters within detailed ecosystems serve as a blueprint for Wilds' even larger open areas. This makes World the ideal preparation for the thrilling, large-scale hunts across diverse terrains that are a hallmark of modern Monster Hunter.
Story and Structure
While Wilds' story is not a continuation of World's, World's narrative structure and approach will effectively set your expectations for Wilds. You'll encounter familiar elements like the Hunter's Guild and Palicos, though these will be unconnected to previous entries. Think of it like the Final Fantasy series – recurring elements exist, but each game stands alone.
Mastering the Combat
Perhaps the most compelling reason to play World first is its challenging combat. Wilds features 14 weapons, all present in World. Playing World allows you to familiarize yourself with each weapon's unique mechanics and find your preferred playstyle. Weapon proficiency is paramount in Monster Hunter, as your weapon dictates your combat role and abilities, much like a class in a traditional RPG. World teaches you how to upgrade weapons using monster parts and emphasizes strategic positioning and precise attacks over brute force.
Beyond Weapons: Tools and Tempo
World also introduces the Slinger, a crucial tool returning in Wilds. Mastering its use, including crafting Slinger ammo, is vital. The overall hunt tempo in World mirrors that of Wilds – a deliberate, strategic process involving tracking, gathering resources, and understanding monster behaviors.
The Hunt Begins
A successful hunt requires patience and strategy. Learning to adapt to different monsters and utilizing environmental elements is key. World provides the perfect training ground for this, given Wilds' similar scope and scale.
Bonus: Importing Save Data
Importing your save data from World (and its Iceborne expansion) into Wilds unlocks free Palico armor, providing an added incentive.
Conclusion
While not mandatory, playing Monster Hunter: World before Wilds offers significant advantages. It familiarizes you with the core mechanics, combat systems, and overall gameplay loop, ensuring a smoother and more rewarding experience with Wilds. While jumping in blind is an option, there's never been a better time to experience World before Wilds' launch on February 28, 2025.
