Monster Hunter: World: Play Before Wilds Launches

As one of Steam's most pre-ordered games right now, Monster Hunter Wilds is poised to be a monumental release. For newcomers to the series, the game's complexity might be daunting, despite its likely comprehensive tutorial. To better prepare for the expansive world of Monster Hunter Wilds, we highly recommend diving into Monster Hunter: World from 2018 first.

We're not suggesting Monster Hunter: World due to any narrative connections or cliffhangers; rather, it's because its style and structure closely mirror what you'll encounter in Wilds. By playing World, you'll get a solid introduction to the intricate systems and engaging gameplay loop that define the series.

Why Monster Hunter: World?

If you're familiar with Capcom's recent releases, you might wonder if you should play the newer Monster Hunter Rise instead of going back to World. While Rise is excellent and the most recent entry, Wilds seems to be a direct successor to World rather than Rise.

Rise introduced innovative features like rideable mounts and the Wirebug grapple mechanic, but these came at the cost of the larger, seamless zones found in World. Originally designed for the Nintendo Switch, Rise focused on speed and smaller zones, streamlining the hunt-upgrade-hunt cycle but losing some of World's scale and depth. Wilds appears to be reclaiming and expanding upon these elements, making World the perfect precursor.

Monster Hunter: World features expansive zones and an emphasis on tracking monsters through detailed ecosystems, which seems to be the blueprint for Wilds' larger open areas. Playing World will give you a taste of the thrilling, extended hunts across varied terrains that are a hallmark of modern Monster Hunter games. Although Wilds is not a direct narrative continuation of World, its approach to story and campaign structure will set your expectations for what's to come. You'll encounter familiar elements like the Hunter's Guild and your Palico companions, though these will be independent from other entries, much like the Final Fantasy series.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Beyond understanding the universe and campaign structure, the most compelling reason to play Monster Hunter: World first is its challenging combat system. Wilds will feature 14 weapons, each with unique playstyles and strategies, all of which are also present in World. This is your chance to familiarize yourself with these systems and master the weapons that suit your style, whether it's the agile dual-blades or the powerful greatsword.

In the Monster Hunter series, your weapon defines your role and strategy in battle, much like a class in a traditional RPG. World will teach you how to upgrade your weapons using parts from defeated monsters and navigate the weapon tree. It also emphasizes the importance of positioning and attack angles over brute force. Understanding where to strike a monster for maximum impact is crucial, whether you're aiming to sever a tail with a Longsword or knock out an enemy with a Hammer.

Additionally, World introduces the Slinger, a tool that returns in Wilds, allowing you to use gadgets and ammunition strategically during fights. Mastering when to use items like Flash Pods or poison knives can significantly affect the outcome of battles. Familiarity with World's crafting system will also be beneficial when you encounter similar mechanics in Wilds.

As you become more comfortable with World's weapons and tools, you'll start to understand the broader gameplay loop of tracking monsters, gathering resources, and crafting necessary items. This tempo of each hunt will be invaluable when you step into Wilds.

Remember, a hunt in Monster Hunter is about more than just a quick kill; it's about understanding the creature's behavior and preparing the right equipment. From learning how to dance with the fire-breathing Anjanath to strategizing against the bomb-dropping Bazelgeuse, World is the ideal training ground for the adventures that await in Wilds.

An additional incentive to play Monster Hunter: World before Wilds is the opportunity to earn free Palico armor by importing your save data, and even more if you have data from the Iceborne expansion. It's a small perk, but customizing your Palico is always fun.

While it's not necessary to play previous Monster Hunter games before starting a new one, the series' unique systems and mechanics are best learned through experience. Although Wilds will likely include features to ease the learning curve, there's no better preparation than playing Monster Hunter: World. As we approach the launch of Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28, 2025, now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in World and get ready for the next big adventure.