Why You Should Play Monster Hunter: World Before Wilds

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

Monster Hunter Wilds is one of Steam's most anticipated games, and for many, it will be their first foray into the Monster Hunter series. While the game will undoubtedly include a comprehensive tutorial, the series is notoriously complex. Therefore, playing a previous game, specifically Monster Hunter: World (2018), is highly recommended before diving into Wilds.

This recommendation isn't based on a direct narrative connection, but rather on the stylistic and structural similarities between World and Wilds. World provides an excellent introduction to the sometimes-challenging systems and gameplay loop that define the series.

Why Choose World Over Rise?

While Monster Hunter Rise is the most recent title, 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 gameplay loop but sacrificing some of the large-scale, detailed environments that World offered. Wilds seems to be building upon and expanding the elements that World excelled at.

World's expansive zones and emphasis on tracking monsters within a detailed ecosystem serve as a blueprint for Wilds' even larger open areas. This makes World the ideal preparation for the thrilling, large-scale hunts that are a hallmark of modern Monster Hunter.

Story and Structure

Although Wilds' story isn't a continuation of World's, World's narrative structure and presentation will effectively set expectations for Wilds. You'll encounter familiar elements like the Hunter's Guild and Palicos, though these will be distinct from previous entries. Think of it like the Final Fantasy series – each game features recurring elements, but each remains a standalone experience.

Mastering the Combat

The most compelling reason to play World first is its challenging combat system. Wilds features 14 weapons, all of which are also present in World. Playing World allows you to familiarize yourself with each weapon's unique mechanics and find your preferred playstyle before tackling Wilds. Weapon proficiency is paramount in Monster Hunter, as abilities and stats are entirely weapon-dependent.

World emphasizes strategic positioning and targeted attacks over simple button-mashing. Understanding a monster's weak points and exploiting them is crucial. The Slinger, a tool returning in Wilds, is also introduced in World, allowing you to learn its effective use in combat. Familiarity with crafting menus and recipes from World will also prove beneficial in Wilds.

The Hunting Loop

World introduces the core gameplay loop: tracking monsters, gathering materials, crafting, and engaging in strategic hunts. Mastering this loop in World will give you a significant advantage in Wilds. Each hunt is designed to be a thoughtful, engaging experience, not a quick kill. Understanding monster behaviors and adapting your strategy is key.

Bonus Incentives

Importing your save data from World into Wilds unlocks free Palico armor, with an additional set available if you've played the Iceborne expansion.

Conclusion

While not mandatory, playing Monster Hunter: World before Wilds provides an invaluable learning experience. While the series strives for a smoother learning curve, the unique systems and complexities are best learned through hands-on experience. While some will enjoy jumping into Wilds blind, playing World offers a significant advantage and a deeper appreciation for the Monster Hunter universe. Consider it the perfect training ground before embarking on your Wilds adventure on February 28, 2025.