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 release, especially newcomers to the series. While Wilds will undoubtedly offer a comprehensive tutorial, the series' complexity might overwhelm first-timers. Therefore, playing Monster Hunter: World (2018) beforehand is highly recommended.
This isn't about narrative connections; Monster Hunter: World's gameplay and structure closely mirror Wilds'. Playing World provides invaluable preparation for the series' unique systems and gameplay loop.
Why not Monster Hunter Rise?
While Rise is a fantastic game, 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, detailed environments of World. Wilds seems to recapture and expand upon these elements present in World.
World's expansive zones and emphasis on monster tracking within a detailed ecosystem serve as the blueprint for Wilds' even larger open areas. This makes World the perfect preparation for the thrilling hunts across diverse terrains that define modern Monster Hunter.
Story and Structure
Although not a direct story continuation, World's narrative structure and familiar elements (Hunter's Guild, Palicos) will align your expectations for Wilds. Similar to Final Fantasy, each Monster Hunter game features recurring elements but remains distinct and self-contained.
Mastering the Combat
Beyond understanding the universe, World's challenging combat is crucial preparation. Wilds features 14 weapons, all present in World. Playing World allows you to familiarize yourself with each weapon's unique mechanics and find your preferred playstyle. Weapon proficiency isn't about leveling up; it's about mastering each weapon's techniques and understanding its optimal use in combat.
Weapon mastery is paramount. Your weapon dictates your role and approach to each hunt. World teaches weapon upgrades using monster parts and emphasizes strategic positioning and precise attacks over raw damage. Understanding a weapon's optimal attack points is key to success.
Tools and Tempo
The Slinger, a crucial tool returning in Wilds, is introduced in World. Mastering its use, including crafting Slinger ammo, provides a significant advantage. Understanding the hunt's tempo, from tracking monsters to gathering materials, becomes second nature in World, proving invaluable in Wilds. Each hunt is a deliberate process, not a quick kill.
What's Your Monster Hunter Experience?
Conclusion
While not mandatory, playing Monster Hunter: World before Wilds offers significant advantages. It provides a foundation in the series' unique systems, allowing for a smoother transition and a more enjoyable experience. Plus, importing save data unlocks bonus Palico armor! Consider World the ideal training ground for the epic hunts awaiting in Wilds (launching February 28, 2025).
