Why You Should Play Monster Hunter: World Before Wilds

With *Monster Hunter Wilds* among Steam's most pre-ordered games, its massive appeal is undeniable. For those new to the series, while *Wilds* will likely offer a solid tutorial, the franchise's depth and complexity might benefit from a preparatory foray into a previous title. Before diving into *Wilds*' vast and dangerous world, we strongly recommend playing 2018's *Monster Hunter: World*.

This isn't about narrative connections; *World* mirrors *Wilds*' style and structure, providing an excellent onboarding experience for the series' sometimes-complex systems and gameplay loop.

Why Monster Hunter: World?

You might wonder why not play *Monster Hunter Rise*, the most recent game. While *Rise* is excellent, *Wilds* is a direct successor to *World*, not *Rise*. *Rise*, originally designed for the Nintendo Switch, prioritized speed and smaller zones, streamlining the hunt-upgrade-hunt loop but sacrificing some of the large-scale, intricate environments *World* offered. *Wilds* appears to recapture and expand upon these elements *Rise* omitted.

*World*'s large zones and emphasis on tracking monsters within detailed ecosystems serve as the blueprint for *Wilds*' even larger open areas. This makes *World* ideal preparation. Modern *Monster Hunter* shines in these expansive hunts across varied terrains, and *Wilds* seems poised to deliver on this front. Experience it early in *World*.

While not a direct story continuation, *World*'s narrative structure sets expectations for *Wilds*. You'll encounter familiar elements like the Hunter's Guild and Palicos, albeit unconnected to previous entries. Think of it like *Final Fantasy*: recurring characters and creatures, but distinct, self-contained stories. Each game adds its own twist to established concepts.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Beyond understanding the universe and campaign structure, *World*'s challenging combat is the strongest argument for playing it first. *Wilds* features 14 weapons, all present in *World*, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the unique combat system. Mastering each weapon's techniques and finding your preferred style is crucial. *World* serves as an excellent training ground.

Your weapon is paramount; progression isn't through traditional RPG mechanics, but through weapon upgrades. Each weapon is like a class, dictating your battlefield role. *World* teaches weapon leveling using monster parts and building towards higher-tier weapons. It emphasizes precise positioning and attack angles over raw damage, teaching you to maximize impact on specific monster body parts.

Mastering the hunt's tempo is key. The Slinger, a tool returning in *Wilds*, allows gadget and ammo use; learning its strategic application is vital. Familiarity with *World*'s crafting system will also prove beneficial.

The gameplay loop—tracking monsters, gathering materials, crafting—becomes second nature. Understanding this rhythm will give you a significant advantage in *Wilds*.

Each hunt is a deliberate, strategic engagement. Understanding monster behaviors and optimal equipment builds foundational knowledge. *Wilds*, aiming for a similar scope and scale to *World*, makes *World* the perfect training ground. Importing *World* save data even unlocks free Palico armor in *Wilds*!

While not mandatory, playing a previous *Monster Hunter* game is highly recommended. The series is unique, and while the learning curve has improved, the best preparation is playing a *Monster Hunter* game. While many will enjoy jumping into *Wilds* blind, experiencing *Monster Hunter: World* beforehand provides invaluable insight and familiarity, enhancing your *Wilds* adventure launching February 28, 2025.