Why You Should Play Monster Hunter: World Before Wilds

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

With Monster Hunter Wilds among Steam's most pre-ordered games, many players, especially newcomers, will be diving into the series for the first time. While Wilds will undoubtedly offer a comprehensive tutorial, the series' complexity warrants preparation. Before venturing into Wilds' vast landscapes, consider playing Monster Hunter: World (2018).

This isn't about narrative connections; World's gameplay and structure closely mirror Wilds'. Playing World provides an invaluable introduction to the series' 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 developed for the Nintendo Switch, prioritized speed and smaller zones, streamlining the gameplay loop but sacrificing some of World's large-scale, detailed environments. Wilds seems to recapture and expand upon these elements present in World.

World's expansive zones and emphasis on tracking monsters within a detailed ecosystem serve as a blueprint for Wilds' even larger open areas. Experience this core gameplay element before Wilds' release.

Mastering the Combat

Beyond understanding the Monster Hunter 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 mastery is paramount in Monster Hunter; your weapon dictates your abilities and stats. World teaches strategic combat, emphasizing precise positioning and targeted attacks over raw damage. Learning optimal attack locations on monsters is key to victory. The Slinger, a crucial tool returning in Wilds, is also introduced in World. Familiarity with crafting and resource gathering will prove invaluable.

The Hunt's Rhythm

World's gameplay loop—tracking monsters, gathering resources, and crafting—becomes second nature with practice. Understanding the tempo of hunts is a significant advantage in Wilds. Mastering these elements in World provides a strong foundation for Wilds' larger-scale hunts.

What's Your Monster Hunter Experience?

[Poll: Options: I've never played a Monster Hunter, I've only played/started with World, I've only played Generations or older, I've played all/most of them]

World as a Training Ground

Each hunt in Monster Hunter is a strategic encounter, not a simple kill. Understanding monster behaviors and adapting your strategies is vital. World's scope and scale mirror Wilds', making it the ideal training ground. Plus, importing World save data unlocks bonus Palico armor in Wilds.

Conclusion

While not mandatory, playing Monster Hunter: World before Wilds provides a significant advantage. The unique systems and gameplay require experience, and World offers the perfect opportunity to prepare for the challenges and rewards of Wilds' launch on February 28, 2025.