How Long Is Monster Hunter Wilds?

It's finally here! Monster Hunter Wilds arrives on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, following in the massive footsteps of its predecessor, Monster Hunter World, and its expansive Iceborne expansion. But just how long will it take to conquer this beast-battling adventure? We asked the IGN team to share their playtime experiences, focusing on main story completion, side activities, and post-game adventures.

Tom Marks – Executive Reviews Editor, Games

I finished Monster Hunter Wilds’ main story in just under 15 hours. Unlike Monster Hunter Rise, this actually marks the true story's end, not a halfway point. However, this only completes Low Rank. High Rank awaits, brimming with side quests and tougher challenges. It took me another 15 hours to tackle almost all of these quests and reach what I consider the proper endgame – fighting all monsters, unlocking crafting systems, and experiencing the custom Artian weapon system. With Wilds’ streamlined grind, another five hours saw me reach my peak weapon and armor set, though plenty more awaits for those seeking to master other weapon types.

Casey DeFreitas – Deputy Editor, Guides

I completed the final High Rank story mission in around 40 hours, roughly 22 hours after finishing Low Rank. Accuracy is tricky as I idled in menus for guide creation. During Low Rank, I focused on progression, crafting only what was necessary and avoiding hunt repetition. My High Rank approach was similar, but I diverged to hunt optional monsters and collaborate with friends (essential for story progression). I only upgraded my weapon once, intentionally, to hunt an extra Ajarakan. A more thorough approach would likely have taken closer to 60 hours. I still have endemic life to collect, six side missions, and at least one more optional quest to unlock. Beyond that, I plan to farm for Talisman upgrades, craft different armor, experiment with Artian weapons, and replay the story with friends while mastering new weapons. Future title updates and event quests add even more to look forward to!

Simon Cardy – Senior Editorial Producer

I finished Monster Hunter Wilds’ main story in just under 16 hours, a surprisingly short time compared to my World experience (25 hours without seeing the end). As a relative newcomer to the series, I found many battles easier than expected. While some apex predators presented challenges, the overall experience felt breezy. Streamlining for newcomers clearly impacted the playtime, with simplified elemental weaknesses, crafting, and tracking. The consistent story cutscene/monster battle pacing, while appreciated for its swift conclusion, felt less like a traditional Monster Hunter experience and more like a Western cinematic adventure. This raises questions about whether core Monster Hunter elements were sacrificed for a more streamlined narrative, leaving much of the beloved gameplay for the post-game.

Jada Griffin – Community Lead

Reaching the initial credits took about 20 hours, including optional and side quests. I also spent time exploring, hunting endemic life, customizing menus and shouts, and finding optimal camp locations. Completing all High-Rank missions and side quests took another 15 hours. My total playtime currently nears 70 hours, encompassing post-game activities like collaborative hunts, decoration farming, and crown hunting. While I’ve enjoyed this immensely, I eagerly anticipate future title updates adding new monsters.

Ronny Barrier – Producer, Guides

I reached the first credits after about 20 hours, primarily focusing on the story with minor detours for armor crafting. Experimenting with various weapons (Switch Axe is highly recommended!) added to the playtime. At 65 hours, I don't consider those credits the true ending; much remains to hunt, discover, and craft. The story acts as an extended tutorial, which I appreciate, as it allows for extended monster hunting (except Congalala—I'd rather not encounter him again).