Monster Hunter Rise Readies Players for Sunbreak Expansion

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

With Monster Hunter Wilds among Steam's top pre-ordered games, its immense popularity is undeniable. Many will experience the series for the first time with Wilds. While the game will undoubtedly offer a comprehensive tutorial, the Monster Hunter series is famously intricate. Therefore, playing a previous game, specifically Monster Hunter: World (2018), is highly recommended before diving into Wilds.

This isn't about narrative connections; Monster Hunter: World's gameplay and structure closely mirror Wilds. Mastering World's systems will significantly ease your transition to Wilds' sometimes complex mechanics.

Why Monster Hunter: World?

The question often arises: shouldn't players start with Monster Hunter Rise, the most recent title? While Rise is excellent, Wilds is a direct successor to World, not Rise.

Rise, initially designed for the Nintendo Switch, prioritized speed and smaller zones due to hardware limitations. This streamlined the gameplay loop but sacrificed the larger, more immersive environments of World. Wilds appears to recapture and expand upon these elements that Rise omitted.

World's expansive zones and emphasis on tracking monsters within detailed ecosystems serve as the blueprint for Wilds' even larger open areas. This makes World the perfect preparation for the thrilling hunts across varied terrains that define modern Monster Hunter.

Story Structure and Familiar Elements

While Wilds' story is independent of World's, World's narrative structure and familiar elements (Hunter's Guild, Palicos) will appropriately set your expectations. Consider it similar to the Final Fantasy series: each game features recurring elements, yet remains distinct.

Mastering the Combat

Beyond understanding the universe and campaign structure, the strongest argument for playing World first is its challenging combat. Wilds features 14 weapons, all present in World. This allows players to familiarize themselves with each weapon's unique techniques and find their preferred playstyle before tackling Wilds. Weapon proficiency is paramount in Monster Hunter, as abilities and stats are entirely weapon-dependent.

World emphasizes precise positioning and strategic attacks over brute force. Understanding a monster's weak points is crucial. The Longsword excels at severing tails, while the Hammer is ideal for stunning with headshots. This strategic combat is a key element that carries over to Wilds.

Utilizing Tools and Understanding the Hunt Tempo

The Slinger, a crucial tool returning in Wilds, is introduced in World. Learning to use Flash Pods, poison knives, and crafting Slinger ammo will significantly enhance your gameplay. Familiarity with World's crafting system will translate directly to Wilds.

The overall hunt tempo in World mirrors Wilds. Tracking monsters, mining ore, gathering materials—these become second nature, providing a significant advantage in Wilds. Each hunt is a deliberate process, not a quick kill. Mastering this tempo and understanding the nuances of different monsters will prove invaluable.

Bonus: Importing Save Data

Importing save data from World (and its Iceborne expansion) into Wilds unlocks free Palico armor.

Conclusion

While not mandatory, playing Monster Hunter: World offers an unparalleled advantage. While each game strives for a smoother learning curve, the series' unique systems are best learned through experience. Jumping into Wilds blind is an option, but playing World provides invaluable preparation, allowing players to familiarize themselves with the game's mechanics and community before Wilds' launch on February 28, 2025.