Mastering Monster Hunter Wilds: Why You Should Play Monster Hunter: World First

With Monster Hunter Wilds among Steam's top pre-ordered games, many will experience the series for the first time. While Wilds will undoubtedly offer a comprehensive tutorial, the series' complexity may overwhelm newcomers. Therefore, playing Monster Hunter: World (2018) beforehand is highly recommended.

This isn't about narrative connections; Monster Hunter: World provides the closest gameplay and structural resemblance to Wilds. It's an excellent onboarding experience for the series' sometimes intricate systems and gameplay loop.

Why not Monster Hunter Rise?

While Rise (2021) is the most recent title and excellent in its own right, Wilds appears to be a direct successor to World, not Rise. Rise, originally designed for the Nintendo Switch, prioritized speed and smaller zones, streamlining the hunt-upgrade-hunt cycle but sacrificing the large-scale, detailed environments of World. Wilds seems to recapture and expand upon these elements World offered.

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

Story and Structure

Although not a direct story continuation, World's narrative structure mirrors Wilds'. You'll encounter familiar elements like the Hunter's Guild and Palicos, though wholly unconnected from previous entries. Think of it like Final Fantasy—each game features recurring elements, yet remains distinct.

Mastering the Combat

Beyond understanding the universe and campaign structure, mastering Monster Hunter's challenging combat is crucial. 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 style, from swift dual blades to powerful great swords.

Weapon Mastery and Strategy

Unlike traditional RPGs, your weapon dictates your abilities and stats in Monster Hunter. World teaches weapon upgrades using monster parts and emphasizes strategic positioning and precise attacks over raw damage. Understanding weapon impact zones is key—the Longsword excels at severing tails, while the Hammer stuns with headshots.

Utilizing Tools Effectively

World introduces the Slinger, a crucial tool returning in Wilds. Mastering its gadgets and ammunition, such as Flash Pods and poison knives, significantly impacts combat. Familiarity with World's crafting system will also prove invaluable in Wilds.

The Hunt's Tempo

The Monster Hunter experience isn't about quick kills. Each hunt is designed to unfold over time, requiring strategic preparation and adaptation. Understanding monster behaviors and optimal equipment is crucial, and World provides the perfect training ground for this aspect, which Wilds seems poised to expand upon.

Bonus Incentives

Importing save data from World (and its Iceborne expansion) into Wilds unlocks Palico armor, adding a small but enjoyable 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, making your transition into Wilds smoother and more enjoyable. While some will jump in blind, now is the perfect time to experience World and prepare for Wilds' February 28, 2025 launch.