The highly anticipated *Monster Hunter Wilds* has finally arrived on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, continuing Capcom's storied tradition of epic monster battles. Following in the footsteps of *Monster Hunter World* and its expansive *Iceborne* DLC, *Wilds* offers a fresh adventure with its own unique challenges and rewards. But just how long does it take to conquer this latest installment? Here's a detailed look at how long it took members of the IGN team to complete the main story, their focus during gameplay, and their engagement with the post-game content.
Tom Marks - Executive Reviews Editor, Games
It took me just under **15 hours** to reach the credits in *Monster Hunter Wilds'* campaign, marking the actual end of the story. This contrasts with *Monster Hunter Rise*, where the first credit roll comes midway through the plot. However, completing the campaign in *Wilds* only signifies the end of Low Rank; High Rank awaits with numerous side quests and tougher challenges.
I spent **another 15 hours** tackling nearly all these quests to reach what I consider the true endgame. By then, I had battled all available monsters, unlocked all systems and crafting options at launch, and delved into the custom Artian weapon system, designed to keep players engaged. Thanks to *Wilds'* streamlined grind, I only needed an additional **five hours** to maximize my preferred weapons and armor set, though there's much more to explore with other weapon types.
Casey DeFreitas - Deputy Editor, Guides
I completed the final "story" mission in High Rank at around **40 hours**, approximately **22 hours after the credits rolled for the Low Rank section**. Note that this time might be slightly off due to my guide-related menu idling. During the Low Rank phase, I focused on crafting with available resources and advancing without repeating hunts. In High Rank, I ventured into optional monster hunts and multiplayer sessions to progress the story further.
I made a single detour to upgrade my weapon by hunting an extra Ajarakan, otherwise, I crafted what was necessary and aimed for the end. If time permitted, I would have invested closer to **60 hours** to develop a more efficient armor and weapon set. My journey in *Wilds* continues with endemic life-catching, fishing, and tackling remaining side missions. I'm eager to farm specific monsters for Talisman upgrades, craft different armor, experiment with Artian weapons, and enjoy the story again with friends while mastering new weapons. With event quests on the horizon and title updates promising new monsters, there's much more to look forward to.
Simon Cardy - Senior Editorial Producer
It took me **just under 16 hours** to finish the main story of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, a surprisingly short runtime compared to my 25-hour journey in *World*. As a relative newcomer to the series, I found the battles quite manageable, though the apex predators did pose some challenges. The game's streamlined approach, which simplifies elements like elemental strengths and crafting, caters well to beginners like me.
The narrative flow, interspersed with monster battles and cutscenes, propels the game towards its conclusion swiftly. While this pacing makes for an accessible entry point, I wonder if it sacrifices some of the depth that seasoned *Monster Hunter* fans cherish, leaving much of the series' signature complexity for the post-game.
Jada Griffin - Community Lead
I reached the initial credits of *Monster Hunter Wilds* in about **20 hours**, spending most of that time on optional and side quests, and a smaller portion simply enjoying the game's world. I explored hidden paths, hunted endemic life, customized my gear, and discovered optimal camp locations.
It took me **15 hours** to complete all the High-rank missions and side quests, encountering all the post-credit monsters. To date, I've logged nearly **70 hours** in the post-credits, engaging in fun activities like hunting with friends, farming decorations, and seeking monster crowns. I'm eagerly anticipating the addition of more monsters in future updates.
Ronny Barrier - Producer, Guides
I saw the first credits of *Monster Hunter Wilds* after **20 hours**, mainly focusing on the story with occasional diversions to craft armor sets and experiment with different weapons, particularly enjoying the Switch Axe. Currently, my playtime stands at **65 hours**, and I view the credits more as a transition than an end. The post-game offers plenty of new monsters and crafting opportunities, which I'm excited to explore, though I'd happily skip any encounters with Congalala.
