Play Monster Hunter: World Before Wilds: Here's Why

As one of Steam's most eagerly anticipated pre-orders, Monster Hunter Wilds is set to be a blockbuster hit. If Wilds marks your first foray into the Monster Hunter series, you might benefit from dipping your toes into an earlier title first. The series is known for its depth and complexity, and although Wilds will likely feature a comprehensive tutorial, starting with a previous game can give you a head start. We highly recommend checking out Monster Hunter: World from 2018 before diving into the vast and perilous world of Monster Hunter Wilds.

Our recommendation for Monster Hunter: World isn't due to any significant narrative connections or cliffhangers that would leave you bewildered in Wilds. Instead, it's because World closely mirrors the style and structure of Wilds. Playing World serves as an excellent introduction to the intricate systems and gameplay loop that define the Monster Hunter series, helping you prepare for what's to come.

Why Monster Hunter: World?

If you've been following Capcom's recent releases, you might wonder why we're suggesting Monster Hunter: World instead of the more recent Monster Hunter Rise. While Rise is indeed a fantastic game, Wilds appears to be a direct successor to World, not Rise.

Rise introduced innovative mechanics like rideable mounts and the Wirebug grapple system, but these came at the cost of larger, seamless zones that World offered. Originally designed for the Nintendo Switch, Rise focused on speed and smaller zones, streamlining the hunt-upgrade-hunt cycle but sacrificing some of the scale and detailed ecosystem exploration that World provided. Wilds seems poised to recapture and expand upon these elements from World.

Monster Hunter: World's expansive zones and emphasis on tracking monsters within a detailed ecosystem serve as a blueprint for the larger open areas in Wilds. Playing World will familiarize you with the thrilling, extended hunts across diverse landscapes that are a hallmark of modern Monster Hunter games. Why wait for Wilds when you can get an early, informative taste of this experience in World?

It's worth noting that while Wilds isn't a direct narrative continuation of World, the latter's approach to storytelling and campaign structure will set your expectations for Wilds' narrative. You'll encounter key elements like the Hunter's Guild and your loyal Palico companions, which will also be present in Wilds, though these elements will be independent from other entries in the series. Think of it like the Final Fantasy series, where each game features familiar elements but tells its own unique story.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Beyond understanding the Monster Hunter universe and Wilds' campaign structure, the strongest reason to play Monster Hunter: World first is its challenging combat. Wilds will feature 14 weapons, each with unique playstyles and strategies. All these weapons are available in World, allowing you to get a head start on mastering the complex combat systems that define the series.

Diving into World is an excellent way to learn the techniques of each weapon and determine which one suits your playstyle best. Whether it's the agile dual-blades or the powerful greatsword, each weapon in Monster Hunter is distinct and requires dedication to master. Consider World as your training ground to learn the basics and build proficiency. By the time you reach Wilds, you'll be well on your way to becoming a seasoned hunter.

In the Monster Hunter series, your weapon is your lifeline. Unlike traditional RPGs, your abilities and stats are determined by your weapon, which essentially acts as your character class. Playing World will teach you how to upgrade your weapons using parts from defeated monsters and how to progress through the weapon tree.

World also emphasizes strategic positioning and attack angles over brute force. Understanding where to strike a monster for maximum impact is crucial. For instance, the Longsword excels at severing tails, while the hammer is perfect for stunning foes with headshots. Mastering these tactics in World will give you a significant advantage in Wilds.

Additionally, World introduces the Slinger, a versatile tool that enhances your combat capabilities. Learning when to use items like Flash Pods or poison knives can turn the tide of battle. The Slinger returns in Wilds, and familiarity with its use and crafting in World will elevate your gameplay.

As you progress through World, you'll become accustomed to the broader gameplay loop: tracking monsters, gathering resources like ore and honey for crafting, and preparing for hunts. Understanding the rhythm of each hunt will be a significant advantage when you enter Wilds.

Each hunt in Monster Hunter is a deliberate experience, not a rush job. Understanding the nuances of different monsters, like the fire-breathing Anjanath or the bomb-dropping Bazelgeuse, builds essential knowledge. With Wilds aiming to capture the same sense of adventure and scale as World, the 2018 game is the perfect training ground.

For an additional incentive, importing save data from World into Wilds will grant you free Palico armor, with another set available if you have data from World's Iceborne expansion. Dressing up your Palico adds a fun element to the game.

While you don't need to play previous Monster Hunter games to enjoy a new one, the series is uniquely complex. Capcom has been working to ease the learning curve with each release, but the best way to prepare for Monster Hunter is by playing Monster Hunter. Whether you dive into Wilds blind or use World as a primer, now is the perfect time to explore Monster Hunter: World and immerse yourself in its world before Wilds launches on February 28, 2025.