As one of Steam’s most pre-ordered games right now, *Monster Hunter Wilds* is poised to be a monumental addition to the franchise. For those new to the series, diving into *Wilds* might feel overwhelming due to the complexity and depth of the *Monster Hunter* universe. While *Wilds* is expected to feature a comprehensive tutorial, getting a head start with a previous entry can be incredibly beneficial. Before you venture into the expansive and perilous world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, we strongly recommend you explore the 2018 release, *Monster Hunter: World*.

Our recommendation for *Monster Hunter: World* isn’t driven by a narrative necessity or a cliffhanger that would leave you confused in *Wilds*. Instead, it's because *World* closely mirrors the style and structure that *Wilds* will likely follow. By playing *World*, you'll familiarize yourself with the intricate systems and gameplay loop that are hallmarks of the series, making your transition to *Wilds* smoother and more enjoyable.

Monster Hunter: World shares much in common with the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds. | Image credit: Capcom

Why Monster Hunter: World?

If you're up to date with Capcom's latest releases, you might wonder why we're suggesting *Monster Hunter: World* over *Monster Hunter Rise*, the most recent game in the series. While *Rise* is an excellent game in its own right, *Wilds* appears to be a direct successor to *World* rather than *Rise*.

*Rise* introduced innovative mechanics like rideable mounts and the Wirebug grapple, enhancing the gameplay with speed and agility. However, these features came at the cost of the larger, seamless zones that *World* offered. Originally designed for the Nintendo Switch, *Rise* focused on smaller, more manageable areas to optimize for the platform's capabilities, which quickened the hunt-upgrade-hunt cycle but sacrificed the expansive exploration and detailed ecosystems of *World*. *Wilds*, on the other hand, seems set to reintroduce and expand upon the expansive environments that *World* pioneered.

*Monster Hunter: World* features large zones and an emphasis on tracking monsters within a detailed ecosystem, which appears to be the foundation for *Wilds*' expansive open areas. This makes *World* the ideal precursor to prepare you for what *Wilds* has in store. The expansive zones in *World*, where long, thrilling hunts unfold across varied terrains, highlight the essence of modern *Monster Hunter* gameplay. *Wilds* is expected to build on these elements, so playing *World* offers an informative preview of what to expect.

Although *Wilds* isn’t a direct continuation of *World*'s story, the approach to storytelling and campaign structure in *World* will set your expectations for *Wilds*. You’ll encounter familiar organizations like the Hunter’s Guild and your feline companions, the Palicos, all of which will appear in *Wilds*. These elements, while not directly connected to previous entries, echo the standalone nature of each *Monster Hunter* game, much like the *Final Fantasy* series, where recurring themes and characters exist but each game stands on its own.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Beyond understanding the *Monster Hunter* universe and campaign structure, the primary reason to play *Monster Hunter: World* first is to master its challenging combat system. *Wilds* will feature 14 unique weapons, each with distinct playstyles and strategies, all of which are also available in *World*. By diving into *World*, you can familiarize yourself with these weapons, experiment with their techniques, and determine which best suits your playstyle. Whether you prefer the swift dual-blades or the formidable greatsword, each weapon requires dedication to master.

Learning the intricacies of bows, swords, and switch axes is a big part of Monster Hunter. | Image credit: Capcom

In the *Monster Hunter* series, your weapon is your key to success. Unlike traditional RPGs where characters level up through experience, in *Monster Hunter*, your abilities and stats are tied directly to your weapon. Each weapon functions like a class or job, defining your role and strategy in hunts. *World* teaches you how to upgrade these weapons using parts from defeated monsters and how to progress through weapon trees.

*World* also emphasizes strategic combat over button mashing. Your positioning and attack angles are crucial, not just raw damage. For example, the Longsword excels at slicing off tails, while the Hammer is perfect for stunning monsters with head strikes. Understanding these nuances can greatly enhance your performance in *Wilds*.

Mastering the tempo of each hunt is vital. *World* introduces the Slinger, a versatile tool that returns in *Wilds*. Learning how to use it effectively, whether to blind enemies with Flash Pods or deal chip damage with poison knives, can significantly impact your combat effectiveness. Familiarity with *World*'s crafting system and Slinger mechanics will prepare you for *Wilds*.

As you progress, you'll uncover more layers of the *Monster Hunter* experience. Your typical gameplay loop involves tracking monsters, gathering resources like ore and honey, and preparing for the hunt. This routine becomes second nature, and understanding its rhythm will give you a significant advantage in *Wilds*.

Hunts in *Monster Hunter* are designed to be immersive and time-consuming, especially on first encounters. Learning the intricacies of battling creatures like the fire-breathing Anjanath or preparing for the bomb-dropping Bazelgeuse builds essential knowledge. With *Wilds* aiming to replicate the scope and scale of *World*, playing the 2018 entry serves as the perfect training ground.

Additionally, if you need another incentive to play *Monster Hunter: World* before *Wilds*, you can earn free Palico armor by importing save data from *World* into *Wilds*, and another set if you have data from the *Iceborne* expansion. It's a small perk, but customizing your Palico adds a fun element to the game.

Although playing a previous *Monster Hunter* game isn't mandatory before starting *Wilds*, the series is unique and complex. While Capcom continues to refine the learning curve with each release, diving into *Monster Hunter: World* is the best way to prepare for *Wilds*. For newcomers eager to jump right into *Wilds*, there's no better time than now to play *Monster Hunter: World* and become acquainted with the series' language and community before *Wilds* launches on February 28, 2025.