Monster Hunter Wilds: Why You Should Play Monster Hunter: World First
As one of Steam’s most pre-ordered games right now, it’s clear that Monster Hunter Wilds is going to be a massive release. For many, Wilds will mark their first Monster Hunter experience. While the game is expected to include a robust tutorial for new players, the Monster Hunter series is renowned for its depth and complexity. If Wilds happens to be your introduction to the franchise, you might find it helpful to explore one of the earlier entries first. Among these, we highly recommend checking out 2018’s Monster Hunter: World before diving into Wilds’ expansive and perilous world.
We don’t suggest playing World due to any major narrative connection or cliffhanger that might leave you confused in Wilds. Instead, the recommendation stems from the fact that Monster Hunter: World most closely mirrors Wilds in style and structure. By playing World, you’ll familiarize yourself with the intricate systems and gameplay loop that defines the series, making your transition to Wilds smoother and more enjoyable.
Why Monster Hunter: World?
If you’re familiar with Capcom’s recent releases, you might wonder, “Should I not play Monster Hunter Rise, the latest game in the series, instead of going back to Monster Hunter: World?” It’s a fair question. While Rise is indeed the most recent Monster Hunter entry (and an excellent one at that), it’s apparent that Monster Hunter Wilds is a direct successor to 2018’s World rather than 2021’s Rise.
Rise introduced several exciting mechanics, such as rideable mounts and the high-flying Wirebug grapple system, but these innovations came at the cost of some of the larger, more layered seamless zones that World offered. Originally designed for the Nintendo Switch, Rise’s development was influenced by the console’s hardware limitations, resulting in smaller zones and a faster-paced hunt-upgrade-hunt gameplay loop. While this approach streamlined the experience, it sacrificed some of the scale and depth that made World stand out. Wilds, by contrast, appears to be recapturing and expanding upon the elements that World excelled in.
Monster Hunter: World is characterized by its vast zones and a focus on tracking monsters through intricate ecosystems. These features serve as the foundation for Wilds’ even larger open areas. This makes World an ideal starting point, as it offers a taste of the expansive, thrilling hunts and diverse terrains that modern Monster Hunter games are known for.
Not a Direct Continuation, But a Valuable Experience
Although Monster Hunter Wilds feels like a direct successor, its story is not a continuation of World’s narrative. However, World’s approach to storytelling and campaign structure will set appropriate expectations for Wilds. You’ll encounter series staples like the Hunter’s Guild, the adorable Palicos, and other familiar elements, all of which will reappear in Wilds. That said, these components are self-contained, much like the recurring themes and characters in the Final Fantasy series. Each Monster Hunter game puts its own unique spin on classic ideas, ensuring that every entry stands alone while honoring the franchise’s traditions.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Beyond gaining insight into the Monster Hunter universe and Wilds’ campaign structure, the strongest argument for playing Monster Hunter: World lies in its challenging combat systems. Wilds’ combat revolves around 14 distinct weapons, each with unique playstyles and strategies—all of which are also present in World. Playing World allows you to familiarize yourself with these weapons, helping you determine which suits your preferences and playstyle.
From the nimble dual blades to the imposing greatsword, each weapon in Monster Hunter demands focus and mastery. World serves as a crucial training ground, providing the opportunity to practice techniques and build proficiency. By the time you embark on your Wilds adventure, you’ll have the skills and confidence needed to excel.
In Monster Hunter, your weapon is everything. Unlike traditional RPGs, you don’t level up through experience points or skill trees. Instead, your abilities and stats are tied directly to your weapon. Think of it as choosing a character class in a traditional RPG—your weapon defines your role in battle and how you approach each hunt. Playing World teaches you how to upgrade weapons using materials gathered from monsters and environments, preparing you to navigate Wilds’ weapon system with ease.
Combat and Strategy
World also emphasizes the importance of strategy over brute force. Victory often depends on positioning and knowing where to target a monster for maximum impact. For instance, the Longsword excels at slicing tails, while the hammer is perfect for stunning enemies with headshots. Understanding a weapon’s strengths and how to exploit a monster’s weaknesses can turn the tide of any battle, making World an invaluable training ground.
Another key tool in World is the Slinger, a versatile gadget attached to your hunter’s arm. It allows you to use specialized ammunition and gadgets during combat, such as Flash Pods to blind enemies or poison knives for additional damage. The Slinger makes a return in Wilds, so becoming proficient with it in World will enhance your performance in the new game. Additionally, crafting Slinger ammo from environmental resources introduces players to the crafting mechanics that are integral to the series.
The Gameplay Loop
As you progress through World, you’ll uncover the core gameplay loop of the Monster Hunter series: tracking a monster, gathering resources along the way, and preparing for an epic battle. From mining ore to collecting honey for potions, every expedition is an opportunity to gather materials and refine your strategy. This rhythm becomes second nature over time, providing a solid foundation for Wilds’ challenges.
Each hunt is a journey, not a sprint. Understanding a monster’s behaviors, weaknesses, and attack patterns is crucial for success. For example, battling the fire-breathing Anjanath requires a different approach than fighting the explosive Bazelgeuse. By immersing yourself in World’s rich ecosystem and diverse monsters, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to tackle Wilds’ larger-than-life battles.
Exclusive Rewards
As an added bonus, importing save data from Monster Hunter: World into Wilds unlocks exclusive Palico armor. Players with save data from the Iceborne expansion will receive an additional set of armor. While a small incentive, dressing up your Palico is always a delightful experience.
Final Thoughts
While playing a previous Monster Hunter game isn’t required to enjoy Wilds, the series’ unique systems and mechanics make preparation worthwhile. Capcom has worked to make the series more accessible, but there’s no substitute for hands-on experience. With Wilds launching on February 28, 2025, now is the perfect time to dive into Monster Hunter: World and join the community ahead of this highly anticipated release.
Jesse Vitelli is a freelance writer and published author. A former associate editor at Prima Games, he also has bylines at Kotaku, Inverse, Game Informer, and more.