As one of Steam's most eagerly anticipated games, Monster Hunter Wilds promises to be a monumental addition to the franchise. For those new to the series, the complexity and depth of Monster Hunter games might seem daunting. While Wilds will likely include a comprehensive tutorial, diving into an earlier title can significantly enhance your understanding and enjoyment. Before you venture into the expansive world of Monster Hunter Wilds, we highly recommend experiencing 2018's Monster Hunter: World.
Our recommendation of World isn't tied to any narrative continuity or cliffhanger that might confuse you in Wilds. Instead, it's because Monster Hunter: World mirrors the style and structure of Wilds more closely than any other game in the series. Playing World serves as an excellent introduction, preparing you for the intricate systems and engaging gameplay loop that define Monster Hunter.
Why Monster Hunter: World?
If you've been following Capcom's recent releases, you might wonder why we suggest playing Monster Hunter: World instead of the more recent Monster Hunter Rise. While Rise is an excellent game with innovative features like rideable mounts and the Wirebug grapple, it sacrifices some of the expansive, seamless zones that World is known for. Rise was initially designed for the Nintendo Switch, which influenced its focus on smaller, faster-paced zones. Wilds, however, seems to be building upon the larger, more immersive environments of World.
Monster Hunter: World features expansive zones and an emphasis on tracking monsters within a detailed ecosystem. This blueprint is evident in Wilds' larger open areas, making World the ideal preparatory game. The open zones in World set the stage for thrilling, extended hunts across varied terrain, a hallmark of modern Monster Hunter games. By playing World, you'll get an informative taste of what to expect from Wilds.
It's worth noting that Wilds' story does not continue directly from World. However, the approach to storytelling and campaign structure in World will help set your expectations for Wilds. You'll encounter key elements like the Hunter's Guild and your Palico companions, which will also appear in Wilds. These elements are presented as unconnected to previous entries, much like the Final Fantasy series, where recurring elements enhance the experience without tying the stories together.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Beyond understanding the Monster Hunter universe and campaign structure, playing Monster Hunter: World is crucial 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 playstyle. Whether you prefer the agile dual-blades or the powerful greatsword, each weapon requires dedication to master.
In Monster Hunter, your weapon is your identity. Unlike traditional RPGs, your skills and stats are determined by your weapon, not by leveling up. Playing World will teach you how to upgrade weapons using parts from defeated monsters and navigate the weapon tree. Additionally, World emphasizes strategic positioning and attack angles over brute force. Understanding where to strike a monster for maximum effect is crucial, whether you're slicing off tails with a Longsword or stunning enemies with a Hammer.
The tempo of each hunt is another vital aspect that World helps you master. The Slinger, a tool on your hunter's arm, plays a significant role in combat, allowing you to use gadgets and ammunition effectively. Learning when to use a Flash Pod to blind a monster or deploy poison knives can significantly impact your success. The Slinger returns in Wilds, and familiarity with its mechanics and crafting will give you an edge.
As you delve deeper into World, you'll uncover the series' recurring gameplay loop: tracking monsters, gathering resources, and preparing for battle. This routine becomes second nature, and understanding the rhythm of each hunt will be invaluable when you transition to Wilds.
AnswerSee ResultsHunts in Monster Hunter are not about quick kills but about engaging with the environment and creatures over time. Learning to navigate battles with different monsters, 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 same scope and scale as World, the 2018 game is the perfect training ground.
As an added incentive, importing save data from World into Wilds will grant you free Palico armor, and data from the Iceborne expansion will unlock additional armor sets. Dressing up your Palico adds a fun touch to your adventure.
While it's not necessary to play a previous Monster Hunter game before starting Wilds, the series' unique systems are best learned through experience. Although Capcom continues to streamline the learning curve with each new release, the best way to prepare for Monster Hunter Wilds is by playing Monster Hunter: World. As Wilds launches on February 28, 2025, there's no better time to dive into World and familiarize yourself with the community and gameplay ahead of the new release.
