As one of Steam's most eagerly anticipated pre-orders, Monster Hunter Wilds is poised to be a massive hit. For those new to the series, the game promises a comprehensive tutorial, yet the depth and complexity inherent to Monster Hunter might still be overwhelming. To ease into the world of monster hunting, we highly recommend starting with Monster Hunter: World from 2018 before diving into the expansive and perilous landscapes of Wilds.
Our recommendation for Monster Hunter: World isn't tied to any narrative continuity or cliffhangers that might confuse newcomers to Wilds. Instead, it's because World mirrors the style and structure that Wilds is expected to follow. Playing World serves as an excellent introduction to the unique systems and gameplay loop that define the Monster Hunter series.
Why Monster Hunter: World?
If you're familiar with Capcom's recent releases, you might wonder why not play Monster Hunter Rise, the latest entry in the series, instead of revisiting Monster Hunter: World. While Rise is indeed a fantastic game, Wilds appears to be a direct evolution of World rather than Rise.
Rise introduced innovative mechanics like rideable mounts and the Wirebug grapple, enhancing the gameplay with speed and flair. However, these features came at the cost of the larger, more seamless zones that World offered. Originally designed for the Nintendo Switch, Rise's design catered to the console's limitations, resulting in smaller zones that expedited the hunt-upgrade-hunt cycle but sacrificed some of the grand scale and immersive friction that World provided. It's these aspects that Wilds seems intent on reviving and expanding upon.
World serves as the blueprint for Wilds' expansive open areas, emphasizing the tracking of monsters within a detailed ecosystem. This is why World is the perfect preparatory experience for what awaits in Wilds. The expansive zones in World, which serve as the stage for prolonged, thrilling hunts across varied terrains, are where the modern Monster Hunter experience truly shines. Wilds is expected to build on this, but why wait when you can experience it first in World?
It's crucial to understand that Wilds' story does not continue directly from World. However, World's approach to storytelling and campaign structure will set the stage for what to expect in Wilds. You'll encounter familiar elements like the Hunter's Guild and your feline companions, the Palicos, which will also appear in Wilds. These elements, while recurring, are not directly connected across different entries, much like the Final Fantasy series, where iconic elements reappear but each game stands on its own.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Beyond familiarizing yourself with the Monster Hunter universe and understanding Wilds' campaign structure, the strongest argument for starting with Monster Hunter: World is its challenging combat system. Wilds features 14 distinct weapons, each with its own unique playstyle and strategies, all of which are also available in World. Playing World allows you to get a head start on mastering these weapons, understanding their techniques, and finding the one that best matches your playstyle. Whether you prefer the agility of dual-blades or the power of the greatsword, each weapon in Monster Hunter is unique and requires dedication to master.
In the Monster Hunter series, your weapon is your primary tool for progression, not traditional RPG mechanics like leveling up or skill points. Each weapon functions like a character class, dictating your role and approach to every hunt. World teaches you how to upgrade weapons using parts from defeated monsters, guiding you through the weapon tree to achieve higher-level equipment.
Moreover, World emphasizes strategic gameplay over button mashing. Understanding the positioning of your character and the angle of your attacks is crucial for success. For instance, the Longsword excels at severing monster tails, while the Hammer is perfect for stunning enemies with a well-placed head strike. Knowing how to maximize the effectiveness of each weapon can significantly impact your battles.
Mastering the tempo of each hunt is another key advantage World offers before you transition to Wilds. The Slinger, a versatile tool attached to your hunter's arm, is essential for using gadgets and ammunition effectively. Learning when to deploy a Flash Pod to disorient a monster or use poison knives for sustained damage is vital. The Slinger also returns in Wilds, and familiarity with its mechanics in World will elevate your gameplay. Crafting Slinger ammo from environmental resources is another aspect where World can prepare you for Wilds.
As you become proficient with World's weapons and tools, you'll uncover more layers of the Monster Hunter experience. The gameplay loop involves tracking monsters, gathering resources like ore and honey for crafting, and preparing for the hunt. This routine becomes second nature, and understanding the rhythm of these expeditions will give you a significant edge when you venture into Wilds.
AnswerSee ResultsA hunt in Monster Hunter isn't about rushing in for a quick kill; it's a deliberate process, especially on your first encounter with a new monster. Learning the nuances of battling creatures like the fire-breathing Anjanath or preparing for the explosive tactics of the Bazelgeuse builds foundational knowledge. Given that Wilds aims to capture the scope and scale of these adventures in a manner similar to World, the 2018 game is an ideal training ground.
Additionally, playing Monster Hunter: World before Wilds offers practical benefits, such as earning free Palico armor by importing your save data into Wilds, and an additional set if you have data from World's Iceborne expansion. These perks might seem minor, but customizing your Palico is always a fun aspect of the game.
While it's not necessary to play previous Monster Hunter games before starting a new one, the series' unique mechanics and systems are best learned through experience. While Wilds will include features to help new players, there's no substitute for hands-on practice. With Monster Hunter: World, you can immerse yourself in the Monster Hunter community and language ahead of Wilds' launch on February 28, 2025.
