Why You Should Play Monster Hunter: World Before Wilds

With *Monster Hunter Wilds* among Steam's most pre-ordered games, its massive popularity is undeniable. For many, *Wilds* will be their first foray into the *Monster Hunter* universe. While the game will likely offer a comprehensive tutorial, the series' complexity is well-known. If you're a newcomer, consider playing a previous game to ease your transition. We strongly recommend starting with 2018's *Monster Hunter: World*.

This isn't about a crucial narrative connection; *World* mirrors *Wilds*' style and structure, providing an excellent onboarding experience. It familiarizes you with the sometimes-complex systems and gameplay loop that define the series.

Why *Monster Hunter: World*?

You might wonder why we suggest *World* instead of *Monster Hunter Rise*, the most recent entry. While *Rise* is excellent, *Wilds* is a direct successor to *World*, not *Rise*. *Rise*, initially developed for the Nintendo Switch, prioritized speed and smaller zones due to hardware limitations. This streamlined the hunt-upgrade-hunt loop but sacrificed some of the larger-scale, immersive environments of *World*. *Wilds* appears to recapture and expand upon these aspects that *Rise* omitted.

*World*'s large zones and emphasis on tracking monsters through detailed ecosystems serve as a blueprint for *Wilds*' even larger open areas. This makes *World* ideal preparation. The expansive hunts across varied terrains are where modern *Monster Hunter* truly shines. *Wilds* is expected to deliver on this, but why wait? Experience it in *World* first.

While not a direct story continuation, *World*'s narrative structure and pacing will set appropriate expectations for *Wilds*. You'll encounter familiar elements like the Hunter's Guild and Palicos, but these are unconnected from previous entries. Think of it like *Final Fantasy*: recurring characters and elements exist across games, but each entry is distinct.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Beyond understanding the universe and campaign structure, *World*'s challenging combat is a key reason to play it first. *Wilds* features 14 weapons, all present in *World*. Mastering these diverse weapons is crucial. *World* lets you familiarize yourself with each weapon's techniques and find your preferred playstyle. Each weapon demands focus and mastery, whether you prefer swift dual blades or the powerful greatsword. Consider *World* your training ground.

Your weapon is paramount in *Monster Hunter*; there are no traditional RPG skill points. Weapon choice dictates your role and approach to hunts. *World* teaches weapon progression through monster parts and building higher-level weapons. It emphasizes precise positioning and attack angles over raw damage. Understanding where to strike a monster is crucial. The Longsword excels at severing tails, while the Hammer stuns with powerful head blows. Mastering this strategic combat will greatly benefit you in *Wilds*.

The Slinger, a tool for gadgets and ammunition, also returns in *Wilds*. Learning its effective use, including crafting ammo, will significantly enhance your gameplay. Gathering materials while tracking monsters will become second nature, further enhancing your hunting efficiency in *Wilds*. Understanding the hunt's tempo is a significant advantage.

Hunts aren't about quick kills; they're designed to be engaging and time-consuming. Learning to strategize against various monsters, like the Anjanath or Bazelgeuse, builds crucial knowledge. *Wilds*' similar scope and scale make *World* the ideal preparation.

Importing save data from *World* (and its *Iceborne* expansion) unlocks Palico armor in *Wilds*. While a small bonus, it’s a nice incentive.

While not mandatory, playing a previous *Monster Hunter* game significantly enhances the experience. Capcom has worked to improve accessibility, but the unique systems are best learned through experience. While jumping into *Wilds* blind is an option, playing *World* provides valuable familiarity and community insight before *Wilds*' February 28, 2025 launch.