As one of Steam's most pre-ordered games right now, *Monster Hunter Wilds* is poised to be a colossal hit. For those new to the franchise, diving into *Wilds* might seem daunting given the series' complex mechanics and deep gameplay. While *Wilds* will undoubtedly offer a comprehensive tutorial for newcomers, familiarizing yourself with the series beforehand can greatly enhance your experience. We highly recommend playing 2018's *Monster Hunter: World* before embarking on the vast and perilous journey of *Wilds*.
Our recommendation for *Monster Hunter: World* isn't rooted in any narrative necessity or plot connection to *Wilds*. Instead, it's because *World* closely mirrors the style and structure that *Wilds* promises to deliver. Playing *World* is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the intricate systems and gameplay loop that are hallmarks of 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're familiar with Capcom's recent releases, you might wonder whether you should play the more recent *Monster Hunter Rise* instead. While *Rise* is an excellent game, *Wilds* appears to be a direct successor to *World* rather than *Rise*. *Rise* introduced innovative mechanics like rideable mounts and the Wirebug grapple, but these came at the cost of the larger, seamless zones that *World* offered. Originally designed for the Nintendo Switch, *Rise* focused on speed and smaller zones, accelerating the hunt-upgrade-hunt cycle but sacrificing the expansive scale and immersive exploration that *World* provided. *Wilds* seems intent on recapturing and expanding upon these elements from *World*.
*Monster Hunter: World* features expansive zones and emphasizes tracking monsters within a detailed ecosystem, serving as a blueprint for the larger open areas in *Wilds*. This makes *World* an ideal game to prepare you for what's to come in *Wilds*. The thrill of long, engaging hunts across diverse terrains is where modern Monster Hunter truly shines, and *World* offers an early taste of this experience.
Although *Wilds* is not a direct narrative continuation of *World*, playing *World* will align your expectations with the story and campaign structure of *Wilds*. You'll encounter key elements like the Hunter's Guild and your feline companions, the Palicos, which will also appear in *Wilds*. These elements are not connected across entries, similar to the Final Fantasy series, where each game features recurring themes and characters but tells its own unique story.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Beyond understanding the Monster Hunter universe and the structure of *Wilds' campaign, the most compelling reason to play *Monster Hunter: World* first is to master its challenging combat. *Wilds* will feature 14 weapons, each with unique playstyles and strategies. These same weapons are available in *World*, offering you a chance to get a head start on mastering the series' distinctive combat systems. Whether you're drawn to the agile dual-blades or the powerful greatsword, *World* is the perfect training ground to learn and refine your skills with each weapon.
Learning the intricacies of bows, swords, and switch axes is a big part of Monster Hunter. | Image credit: Capcom
In Monster Hunter, your weapon is your identity on the battlefield. Unlike traditional RPGs where you gain skills through experience, your abilities and stats in Monster Hunter are tied to your weapon. Each weapon acts like a character class, determining your role and strategy during hunts. *World* teaches you how to upgrade weapons using parts from defeated monsters, guiding you through the weapon progression tree.
Moreover, *World* emphasizes the importance of strategic positioning and attack angles over brute force. Understanding where to strike a monster for maximum effect is crucial. For example, the Longsword excels at severing tails, while the hammer is ideal for stunning foes with headshots. Mastering these nuances can turn the tide of any battle, making *World* an invaluable resource for learning how to deal devastating blows.
Additionally, *World* introduces the Slinger, a tool that adds another layer of strategy to your hunts. Learning when to use Flash Pods to blind enemies or poison knives for incremental damage is vital, and these skills will carry over to *Wilds*. Crafting Slinger ammo from environmental resources is part of the game, and understanding *World's crafting system will prepare you for *Wilds' crafting mechanics.
As you become adept with *World's weapons and tools, you'll uncover the series' broader gameplay loop. You'll track monsters, gather materials like ore and honey for crafting, and navigate through diverse landscapes to reach your quarry. This rhythm becomes second nature, providing a significant advantage when you transition to *Wilds*.
A hunt in Monster Hunter isn't about quick kills but a strategic dance with formidable creatures. Understanding the intricacies of each monster, from the fire-breathing Anjanath to the bomb-dropping Bazelgeuse, builds foundational knowledge that will serve you well in *Wilds*. With *Wilds* aiming to capture the scope and scale of these adventures like *World*, the 2018 game is the perfect training ground.
For an extra incentive, importing save data from *World* into *Wilds* grants you free Palico armor, with additional sets available if you have data from the *Iceborne* expansion. It's a small bonus, but who doesn't love dressing up their Palico?
While it's not necessary to play a previous Monster Hunter game before starting a new one, the series is uniquely complex. Each new game attempts to make the learning curve smoother, but the best way to prepare for Monster Hunter is by playing Monster Hunter. While many will enjoy diving directly into *Wilds*, there's never been a better time to explore *Monster Hunter: World* and immerse yourself in its world and community before *Wilds* launches on February 28, 2025.
