Unlock Epic Adventures: Dive into Monster Hunter: World

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

With Monster Hunter Wilds among Steam's top pre-ordered games, many anticipate its arrival. For those new to the series, while Wilds will undoubtedly offer a tutorial, the franchise's complexity might benefit from a prior experience. Before diving into Wilds' vast world, consider playing 2018's Monster Hunter: World.

This isn't about narrative connections; Monster Hunter: World provides the closest gameplay and structural similarity to Wilds. It's an excellent onboarding experience for the series' intricate systems and gameplay loop.

Why Choose Monster Hunter: 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 designed for the Nintendo Switch, prioritized speed and smaller zones, streamlining the gameplay loop but sacrificing the large-scale, immersive environments of World. Wilds seems to build upon World's expansive zones and detailed ecosystems.

World's design serves as a blueprint for Wilds' larger open areas, emphasizing monster tracking within intricate environments. Experience this style beforehand, rather than waiting for Wilds. While storylines are separate, World establishes the campaign structure and introduces key elements like the Hunter's Guild and Palicos, also featured in Wilds. Consider this similar to the Final Fantasy series—each game shares familiar elements but remains distinct.

Mastering the Combat

Beyond understanding the universe and campaign structure, Monster Hunter: World offers crucial combat training. Wilds features 14 weapons, all present in World. This allows you to familiarize yourself with each weapon's unique mechanics and find your preferred style, whether it's the swift dual blades or the powerful greatsword. Your weapon dictates your role and approach in combat.

Weapon mastery is paramount; progression isn't based on traditional RPG mechanics. Instead, your weapon's upgrades determine your abilities and stats. World teaches strategic combat, emphasizing precise positioning and attack angles over raw damage. Understanding weapon effectiveness on different monster body parts is key. Mastering this aspect in World provides a significant advantage in Wilds.

Utilizing Tools and Understanding the Hunt Tempo

The Slinger, a crucial tool returning in Wilds, is introduced in World. Learning to use its gadgets and ammunition effectively will enhance your gameplay. Familiarity with World's crafting system will also be beneficial.

The overall gameplay loop—tracking monsters, gathering materials, and crafting—becomes intuitive with practice. Understanding the tempo of hunts in World will significantly benefit your Wilds experience. A hunt isn't about quick kills; each expedition is designed to be deliberate and strategic. This strategic approach, mirrored in Wilds, makes World the perfect preparation.

Import Your Save Data

As an added incentive, importing your Monster Hunter: World save data (including Iceborne expansion data) into Wilds unlocks free Palico armor.

Conclusion

While not mandatory, playing Monster Hunter: World provides invaluable preparation for Wilds. The series' unique systems are best learned through experience. While some might enjoy jumping directly into Wilds, playing World offers a significant advantage. Familiarize yourself with the mechanics and community before Wilds' launch on February 28, 2025.