As one of Steam's most eagerly anticipated pre-orders, *Monster Hunter Wilds* is poised to make a significant impact. For newcomers to the franchise, the series' depth and complexity might feel overwhelming. While *Wilds* is expected to feature a comprehensive tutorial, diving into a previous game first can greatly enhance your understanding and enjoyment. We strongly recommend playing *Monster Hunter: World* from 2018 before embarking on the vast and perilous journey of *Wilds*.
Our recommendation for *Monster Hunter: World* isn't tied to any narrative continuity or cliffhangers; rather, it's because *World* shares the closest resemblance to *Wilds* in terms of style and structure. Playing *World* serves as an excellent introduction to the intricate systems and gameplay loop that define the *Monster Hunter* series.
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 we suggest *Monster Hunter: World* instead of the more recent *Monster Hunter Rise*. While *Rise* is an excellent game, *Wilds* appears to be a direct evolution of *World* rather than *Rise*. *Rise* introduced innovative mechanics like rideable mounts and the Wirebug grapple, but these came at the cost of the expansive, seamless zones that *World* offered. Originally 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 complexity found in *World*. *Wilds* seems to be reclaiming and expanding upon these elements, making *World* the ideal precursor.
*Monster Hunter: World* features large zones and emphasizes tracking monsters within a detailed ecosystem, serving as the blueprint for *Wilds'* expansive open areas. This makes *World* the perfect game to prepare you for what's to come. The open zones in *World* set the stage for long, thrilling hunts across varied terrain, a hallmark of modern *Monster Hunter* games. *Wilds* is expected to deliver on this promise, but why wait when you can experience it first in *World*?
It's worth noting that *Wilds'* story isn't a direct continuation of *World's*. However, *World's* approach to storytelling and campaign structure 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 appear in *Wilds*. These elements are standalone, much like the Final Fantasy series, where recurring characters and creatures appear across different, unconnected stories.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Beyond understanding the *Monster Hunter* universe and *Wilds'* campaign structure, the strongest reason to play *Monster Hunter: World* first is its challenging combat system. *Wilds* will feature 14 weapons, each with unique playstyles and strategies, all of which are also available in *World*. Playing *World* allows you to familiarize yourself with these weapons, helping you decide which one best suits your playstyle. Whether you prefer the agility of dual blades or the power of the greatsword, mastering these weapons in *World* will give you a significant advantage in *Wilds*.
Learning the intricacies of bows, swords, and switch axes is a big part of Monster Hunter. | Image credit: Capcom
In the *Monster Hunter* series, your weapon is your primary tool for progression. Unlike traditional RPGs, you don't level up through experience; instead, your abilities and stats are tied to your weapon. *World* teaches you how to upgrade weapons using parts from defeated monsters and navigate the weapon tree. It also emphasizes the importance of positioning and attack angles over raw damage output. Understanding where to strike a monster for maximum effect is crucial, whether you're using a Longsword to sever tails or a Hammer to stun enemies.
Mastering the tempo of each hunt is another key aspect. *World* introduces the Slinger, a tool that enhances your combat capabilities with gadgets and ammunition. Learning when to use Flash Pods or poison knives can significantly impact your battles. The Slinger returns in *Wilds*, and familiarity with its use in *World* will elevate your gameplay. Additionally, understanding *World's* crafting system will prepare you for *Wilds'* similar mechanics.
As you progress in *World*, you'll engage in the series' signature gameplay loop: tracking monsters, gathering resources, and preparing for hunts. This loop becomes second nature, and understanding it will give you a significant advantage in *Wilds*. Each hunt is designed to be a thoughtful, strategic endeavor, not a rush to victory. Learning the nuances of different monsters, from the fire-breathing Anjanath to the bomb-dropping Bazelgeuse, builds foundational knowledge that will serve you well in *Wilds*.
For an added incentive, importing save data from *World* into *Wilds* grants you free Palico armor, and data from the *Iceborne* expansion provides additional armor sets. While not essential, these bonuses add a fun element to your journey.
While it's not necessary to play a previous *Monster Hunter* game before starting *Wilds*, the series' unique systems and mechanics are best learned through experience. As *Wilds* launches on February 28, 2025, there's no better time to dive into *Monster Hunter: World* and immerse yourself in the community and gameplay that await you.
