Play Monster Hunter: World for Epic Monster Battles and Immersion

Mastering Monster Hunter Wilds: Why You Should Play Monster Hunter: World First

With Monster Hunter Wilds among Steam's most pre-ordered games, many players, especially newcomers, might find the series' complexity daunting. While Wilds will undoubtedly feature a comprehensive tutorial, prior experience can significantly enhance your enjoyment. Before diving into Wilds' vast landscapes, we strongly recommend playing Monster Hunter: World (2018).

This isn't about narrative connections; World's gameplay and structure closely mirror Wilds'. It's an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the sometimes intricate systems and gameplay loop that define the series.

Why not Monster Hunter Rise?

While Rise is the most recent title (and excellent), 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 cycle but sacrificing the expansive, seamless environments of World. Wilds seems to recapture and expand upon these larger-scale elements that Rise omitted. World's large zones and emphasis on tracking monsters within detailed ecosystems serve as the blueprint for Wilds' even larger open areas.

Story and Structure

While Wilds' story is independent of World's, World's narrative structure and presentation will effectively set your expectations for Wilds. You'll encounter familiar elements like the Hunter's Guild and Palicos, though entirely unconnected from previous installments. Consider it similar to the Final Fantasy series—each game features recurring elements but remains distinct.

Mastering the Combat

The most compelling reason to play World first lies in its challenging combat. Wilds features 14 weapons, all present in World. This allows you to experiment with different playstyles and determine your preferred weapon before tackling Wilds. Each weapon is unique and requires focused mastery. World serves as an invaluable training ground to develop proficiency. Your weapon isn't just a tool; it dictates your role and approach in combat. World teaches weapon progression through monster parts and emphasizes precise positioning and strategic attacks over brute force.

Utilizing Tools and Resources

World introduces the Slinger, a crucial tool returning in Wilds. Learning its uses, such as deploying Flash Pods or poison knives, will significantly enhance your combat effectiveness. Familiarity with World's crafting system will also prove beneficial in Wilds. The overall gameplay loop—tracking monsters, gathering resources, crafting—becomes second nature with practice.

A Gradual Approach to Hunting

Monster Hunter hunts are not about quick kills. Understanding monster behaviors, weaknesses, and optimal equipment is key. World's approach to these elements will prepare you for the larger-scale adventures in Wilds.

Bonus Incentive

Importing your World save data (including Iceborne expansion data) into Wilds unlocks bonus Palico armor.

Conclusion

While not mandatory, playing Monster Hunter: World before Wilds provides a significant advantage. It familiarizes you with the series' unique systems, allowing a smoother transition into Wilds' expansive world. While some will enjoy the challenge of jumping in blind, World offers an unparalleled opportunity to prepare for the February 28, 2025, launch of Wilds.