As one of Steam's most anticipated games, Monster Hunter Wilds is poised to be a monumental release. If you're new to the series, the game's complexity might be overwhelming. While Wilds will likely feature a comprehensive tutorial, diving into an earlier title could give you a solid foundation. We highly recommend checking out Monster Hunter: World from 2018 before venturing into the vast and perilous world of Wilds.
Our recommendation isn't based on narrative continuity; rather, it's because Monster Hunter: World closely mirrors the style and structure of Wilds. Playing World will help you acclimate to the series' often complex systems and gameplay loop, making your transition to Wilds smoother and more enjoyable.
Monster Hunter: World shares much in common with the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds. | Image credit: Capcom
Why Monster Hunter: World?
If you've followed Capcom's recent releases, you might wonder why not play the latest entry, Monster Hunter Rise, instead of World. While Rise is an excellent game, Wilds appears to be a direct successor to World rather than Rise.
Rise introduced innovative mechanics like rideable mounts and the Wirebug grapple, but these came at the cost of the larger, seamless zones that World offered. Originally designed for the Nintendo Switch, Rise focused on speed and smaller zones, which streamlined the gameplay loop but sacrificed some of the expansive feel and intricate interactions found in World. It's these elements that Wilds seems to be reviving and expanding upon.
World serves as the blueprint for Wilds' expansive open areas, emphasizing tracking monsters within a detailed ecosystem. This makes World the ideal preparation for the immersive hunting experience Wilds promises. The expansive zones in World are perfect for long, thrilling hunts across diverse terrains, a hallmark of modern Monster Hunter games that Wilds is expected to enhance.
It's worth noting that while Wilds isn't a direct sequel to World in terms of story, playing World will help set your expectations for Wilds' narrative structure. You'll encounter familiar organizations like the Hunter's Guild and the lovable Palicos, which are expected to appear in Wilds as well. Think of it like the Final Fantasy series, where each game features recurring elements but tells its own distinct story.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Beyond understanding the universe and campaign structure, playing Monster Hunter: World is invaluable for mastering the series' challenging combat. Wilds features 14 weapons, each with unique playstyles and strategies, all of which are also available in World. By playing World, you can familiarize yourself with these weapons, learning their techniques and finding the one that best suits your style. Whether you prefer the agility of dual blades or the power of the greatsword, World acts as a perfect training ground.
Learning the intricacies of bows, swords, and switch axes is a big part of Monster Hunter. | Image credit: Capcom
In Monster Hunter, your weapon is your identity. Unlike traditional RPGs, you don't gain levels through experience; instead, your abilities and stats are tied to your weapon. Each weapon functions like a class or job in an RPG, dictating your role in battle. World teaches you how to upgrade weapons using parts from defeated monsters, guiding you through the weapon tree.
Moreover, World emphasizes the importance of strategy over brute force. Positioning and attack angles are crucial, with different weapons excelling at targeting specific monster parts. For instance, the Longsword is perfect for severing tails, while the hammer is ideal for stunning monsters with headshots. Understanding these nuances can significantly enhance your performance in Wilds.
Mastering the tempo of hunts in World will be a significant advantage when playing Wilds. The Slinger, a tool on your hunter's arm, allows you to use gadgets and ammunition effectively during fights. Learning when to use a Flash Pod to blind an enemy or deploy poison knives can be game-changing. The Slinger returns in Wilds, and knowing how to integrate it into your combat strategy will elevate your gameplay. Familiarizing yourself with World's crafting system will also prepare you for Wilds' resource management.
Once you're comfortable with World's weapons and tools, you'll uncover the series' broader gameplay loop. This involves tracking monsters, gathering resources like ore and honey for crafting, and preparing for the hunt. Understanding this rhythm will give you a significant edge when Wilds launches.
A hunt in Monster Hunter is not about a quick kill; it's an extended journey. Learning to navigate encounters with creatures like the fire-breathing Anjanath or the bomb-dropping Bazelgeuse builds foundational knowledge that will serve you well in Wilds. With Wilds aiming to capture the scope and scale of these adventures, World is the perfect training ground.
As an added incentive, importing save data from World into Wilds grants you free Palico armor, and if you have data from World's Iceborne expansion, you'll receive an additional armor set. It's a small perk, but customizing your Palico adds to the fun.
While it's not necessary to play previous Monster Hunter games before starting Wilds, the series' unique mechanics and systems are best learned through experience. Although Capcom has been refining the learning curve with each new release, diving into Monster Hunter: World is the best way to prepare for Wilds. As Wilds launches on February 28, 2025, there's no better time to immerse yourself in World and get acquainted with the community and game mechanics.
