Hunt the World, Tame the Wilds: Monster Hunter Journey Begins

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 series. While the game will undoubtedly include a tutorial, the Monster Hunter series is notoriously complex. Therefore, playing a previous game, specifically Monster Hunter: World (2018), is highly recommended before diving into Wilds.

This recommendation isn't based on narrative connections; rather, World's style and structure most closely mirror Wilds. Playing World provides invaluable onboarding, familiarizing players with the sometimes-opaque systems and gameplay loop that define the series.

Why World, Not Rise?

While Monster Hunter Rise is the most recent entry, 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 the larger-scale, intricate environments that World offered. Wilds seems to be building upon and expanding the elements that Rise omitted.

World's large zones and emphasis on tracking monsters within detailed ecosystems serve as a blueprint for Wilds' even larger open areas. This makes World ideal preparation for the thrilling, expansive hunts across diverse terrains that define modern Monster Hunter.

Story and Structure

While Wilds' story isn't a continuation of World's, World's narrative approach and campaign structure will effectively set expectations for Wilds. Players will encounter familiar elements like the Hunter's Guild and Palicos, though these will be unconnected from previous entries. Think of it like the Final Fantasy series – recurring elements exist across games, but each entry stands alone.

Mastering Combat and Weaponry

Beyond understanding the Monster Hunter universe, the most compelling reason to play World first is its challenging combat. Wilds features 14 weapons, all present in World. Playing World allows players to familiarize themselves with each weapon's unique mechanics and determine their preferred playstyle. Weapon mastery is crucial, as abilities and stats are entirely weapon-dependent.

World emphasizes precise positioning and strategic attacks over raw damage output. Understanding where to strike a monster for maximum impact is key. The game also teaches effective use of the Slinger, a crucial tool returning in Wilds.

The Hunting Loop

World's gameplay loop—tracking monsters, gathering materials, and crafting—becomes second nature with practice. This familiarity will be a significant advantage in Wilds. Each hunt is designed to be deliberate, not a quick kill. Understanding the nuances of different monsters and their behaviors builds essential knowledge.

Bonus: Importing Save Data

Importing save data from World into Wilds unlocks free Palico armor, and additional armor with Iceborne save data.

Conclusion

While not mandatory, playing Monster Hunter: World before Wilds provides a significant advantage. It familiarizes players with the series' unique systems and prepares them for the challenges ahead. While some may enjoy jumping into Wilds blind, playing World offers a valuable learning experience and a smoother transition into the vast world of Monster Hunter.