Why You Should Play Monster Hunter: World Before Wilds

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 be diving into the series for the first time. While Wilds will likely have a comprehensive tutorial, the series' complexity warrants preparation. Before embarking on Wilds' expansive hunts, consider playing Monster Hunter: World (2018).

Why Monster Hunter: World?

While Monster Hunter Rise is the most recent entry, Wilds appears to be a direct successor to World, not Rise. Rise, originally developed for the Nintendo Switch, prioritized speed and smaller zones, streamlining the hunt-upgrade-hunt loop but sacrificing the large-scale environments and intricate ecosystems of World. Wilds seems to recapture these elements, making World an ideal precursor.

World's large zones and emphasis on tracking monsters within detailed ecosystems serve as a blueprint for Wilds' even larger open areas. This immersive hunting experience across varied terrain is a hallmark of modern Monster Hunter, and World offers a taste of this before Wilds' release.

While Wilds' story is independent, World's narrative structure and familiar elements (Hunter's Guild, Palicos) will set expectations. Think of it like Final Fantasy—each game features recurring elements but remains distinct.

Practice Makes Perfect

Beyond familiarizing yourself with the universe and campaign structure, World's challenging combat is crucial preparation. Wilds features 14 weapons, all present in World, allowing you to experiment and find your preferred playstyle. Mastering each weapon's techniques is key, as abilities and stats are entirely weapon-dependent. World provides a training ground to learn weapon mechanics and build proficiency.

World emphasizes precise positioning and attack angles over raw damage. Understanding a monster's weak points is vital. The Longsword excels at severing tails, while the Hammer stuns with headshots. This strategic combat is a core element of the series.

The Slinger, a tool returning in Wilds, allows the use of gadgets and ammunition. Learning its effective use in World will significantly enhance your Wilds experience. Familiarity with World's crafting system will also prove beneficial.

The overall hunt tempo in World mirrors Wilds. Tracking monsters, mining ore, gathering materials—these actions become second nature, and this familiarity will provide a significant advantage in Wilds.

A hunt isn't a quick kill; it's a strategic dance. Understanding monster behaviors and adapting your equipment accordingly is essential. World's diverse creatures and combat scenarios offer invaluable experience for Wilds.

Bonus: Importing save data from World (and its Iceborne expansion) into Wilds unlocks Palico armor, a small but appreciated reward.

While not mandatory, playing Monster Hunter: World provides unparalleled preparation for Wilds. While the series strives for accessibility, its unique systems are best learned through experience. While some will enjoy jumping in blind, playing World offers a significant advantage. Prepare for Wilds' February 28, 2025 launch by mastering World's intricacies.

What's your experience with Monster Hunter?