"Play Monster Hunter: World Before Wilds: Here's Why"

As one of Steam's most eagerly anticipated pre-orders, Monster Hunter Wilds is poised to be a monumental addition to the franchise. For those new to the series, the complexity and depth of Monster Hunter games can be overwhelming. While Wilds is expected to feature a robust tutorial for newcomers, diving into a previous title first can significantly enhance your understanding and enjoyment. We strongly recommend starting with Monster Hunter: World from 2018 before venturing into the expansive world of Wilds.

Our recommendation for Monster Hunter: World isn't tied to any narrative prerequisites or cliffhangers that would leave you confused in Wilds. Instead, it's because World closely mirrors the style and structure that Wilds promises to deliver. By playing World, you'll familiarize yourself with the intricate systems and gameplay mechanics that define the Monster Hunter series, making your transition to Wilds smoother and more enjoyable.

Why Monster Hunter: World?

If you're familiar with Capcom's recent releases, you might wonder why we're not recommending Monster Hunter Rise, the latest installment, over Monster Hunter: World. While Rise is an excellent game with innovative features like rideable mounts and the Wirebug grapple mechanic, it made concessions in terms of the expansive and seamless zones that World offered. Initially designed for the Nintendo Switch, Rise focused on speed and smaller zones, which streamlined the hunt-upgrade-hunt cycle but sacrificed some of the grandeur and detailed ecosystems found in World.

Monster Hunter Wilds appears to be building on the foundation laid by World, emphasizing larger, more open areas. World features detailed ecosystems and extensive zones where you track and engage with monsters, making it the perfect precursor to Wilds. The expansive environments in World set the stage for prolonged, thrilling hunts across varied terrains, a hallmark of modern Monster Hunter games that Wilds is expected to continue.

It's worth noting that while Wilds is a spiritual successor to World, its story is not a direct continuation. However, World introduces you to the series' narrative style and campaign structure, which will help set your expectations for Wilds. You'll encounter familiar elements like the Hunter's Guild and your trusty Palico companions, which will also be present in Wilds. These elements are akin to recurring motifs in the Final Fantasy series, where each game has its unique story despite shared elements.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Beyond understanding the Monster Hunter universe, the strongest reason to play Monster Hunter: World first is to master its challenging combat system. Wilds will feature 14 weapons, each with unique playstyles and strategies, all of which are also available in World. By playing World, you can start familiarizing yourself with these weapons, learning their techniques, and finding the one that best suits your style. Whether it's the nimble dual-blades or the powerful greatsword, mastering these weapons is essential to becoming a skilled hunter.

In the Monster Hunter series, your weapon defines your role and strategy in each hunt, akin to a character class in traditional RPGs. World teaches you how to upgrade your weapons using parts from defeated monsters, guiding you through the weapon tree to craft more advanced gear. Moreover, World emphasizes strategic combat over button-mashing, teaching you the importance of positioning and targeting specific monster parts for maximum impact.

Understanding the tempo of each hunt is crucial, and World introduces tools like the Slinger, which returns in Wilds. Learning to use Slinger gadgets effectively, such as Flash Pods or poison knives, can turn the tide of battle. Familiarity with World's crafting system will also benefit you in Wilds, where similar mechanics will be at play.

As you progress through World, you'll uncover the series' signature gameplay loop: tracking monsters, gathering resources, and engaging in prolonged hunts. This foundational knowledge will be invaluable when you step into Wilds, where similar adventures await.

Each hunt in Monster Hunter is a deliberate dance, not a rush to a quick kill. Understanding the intricacies of different monsters, like the fire-breathing Anjanath or the bomb-dropping Bazelgeuse, builds essential knowledge for success in Wilds. Monster Hunter: World is the ideal training ground for these adventures.

Additionally, there's a bonus for playing World before Wilds. You can import save data from World into Wilds to receive free Palico armor, and if you have data from World's Iceborne expansion, you'll get an additional set of armor. It's a small incentive, but every bit helps in customizing your furry companion.

While it's not necessary to play a previous Monster Hunter game before starting Wilds, the unique systems and gameplay mechanics make it a different beast from other RPGs. Capcom has been refining the series to make it more accessible with each release, but there's no better preparation than playing Monster Hunter: World. Whether you dive into Wilds blind or prepare with World, now is the perfect time to familiarize yourself with the Monster Hunter universe before Wilds launches on February 28, 2025.