How Long Is Monster Hunter Wilds?

It's finally here! Monster Hunter Wilds has arrived on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This latest entry in Capcom's acclaimed beast-battling series follows in the massive footsteps of Monster Hunter World and its expansive Iceborne expansion. But just how long will it take to conquer? IGN staffers share their playtime, priorities, and post-game experiences.

Tom Marks - Executive Reviews Editor, Games

I reached the credits in Monster Hunter Wilds' campaign in just under 15 hours. Unlike Monster Hunter Rise, this is the actual story's conclusion, not a mid-point. However, finishing the campaign only completes Low Rank. High Rank awaits, brimming with side quests and tougher challenges. It took me another 15 hours to complete almost all of these quests and reach what feels like the true endgame. This involved battling every monster, unlocking all crafting systems, and mastering the custom Artian weapon system. Thanks to the streamlined grind, I only needed an additional five hours to acquire my desired peak weapon and armor sets, though plenty more awaits across other weapon types.

Casey DeFreitas - Deputy Editor, Guides

I finished Monster Hunter Wilds' final High Rank story mission around 40 hours, approximately 22 hours after completing Low Rank. Accuracy is tricky, as I spent time in menus for guide creation. During Low Rank, I focused on minimal crafting and avoided hunt repetition. My High Rank approach was similar, though I diverted to optional monsters and hunts with friends (necessary for story progression). I only upgraded my weapon once, strategically, for an extra Ajarakan hunt. A more thorough approach would have likely added 20 hours to my playtime, as I would have preferred crafting more efficient gear. I still have endemic life-catching, fishing, six side missions, and at least one more optional quest to unlock. Further plans include Talisman farming, armor crafting, Artian weapon experimentation, and leisurely story replays with friends. Future title updates and event quests only add to the adventure.

Simon Cardy - Senior Editorial Producer

Completing Monster Hunter Wilds' main story took me just under 16 hours, a surprising speed compared to my World playthrough (25 hours without seeing the end). As a relative newcomer to the series, I found many battles surprisingly easy. While I fainted a couple of times against apex predators, the overall experience felt breezy. The streamlined gameplay, scaled-back elemental weaknesses, crafting requirements, and tracking, all contributed to this. The consistent story cutscene/monster battle rhythm, while appreciated for its swift conclusion, felt less like a traditional Monster Hunter experience and more like a Western cinematic story-driven game. This raises questions about whether core Monster Hunter elements were sacrificed until the post-game.

Jada Griffin - Community Lead

Reaching Monster Hunter Wilds' initial credits took about 20 hours, including optional and side quests, exploration, endemic life hunting, menu customization, and optimal camp location scouting. Completing all High Rank missions and side quests took another 15 hours. My overall playtime is nearing 70 hours, including post-game activities like collaborative hunts, decoration farming, and monster crown hunting. I'm eagerly anticipating future title updates and new monsters.

Ronny Barrier - Producer, Guides

I saw the first credits after about 20 hours, primarily focusing on the story with minimal grinding for armor sets (though I did try various weapons, including the satisfying Switch Axe). My current playtime sits at 65 hours, and I don't consider the initial credits the true ending. The story acts as an extended tutorial, which I appreciate as it allows for continued monster hunting (except Congalala—never again!).