With *Monster Hunter Wilds* among Steam's most pre-ordered games, its massive popularity is undeniable. For those new to the franchise, while *Wilds* will undoubtedly offer a robust tutorial, the series' complexity might benefit from a preparatory experience. 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 a crucial onboarding experience for the series' sometimes intricate systems and gameplay loop.
Why *Monster Hunter: World*?
You might wonder why we suggest World instead of Monster Hunter Rise, the most recent entry. 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 gameplay loop but sacrificing some of the larger-scale, immersive environments World offered. Wilds appears to build upon and recapture these elements present in World.
World's large zones and emphasis on tracking monsters within detailed ecosystems serve as the blueprint for Wilds' even larger open areas. Experience this before Wilds—enjoy the thrilling hunts across varied terrains that define modern Monster Hunter.
While not a direct story continuation, World sets appropriate expectations for Wilds' narrative structure. You'll encounter familiar elements like the Hunter's Guild and Palicos, though wholly unconnected from previous entries. Think of it like Final Fantasy: recurring elements exist across games, yet each remains distinct.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Beyond understanding the universe and campaign structure, World offers invaluable combat practice. Wilds features 14 weapons, all present in World, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the unique combat system before launch. Mastering each weapon's techniques and finding your preferred style is key.
Your weapon is paramount; progression isn't tied to traditional RPG mechanics. Weapon choice dictates your battlefield role. World teaches weapon upgrades using monster parts, guiding you through weapon tree progression. Mastering weapon placement and attack angles is crucial, not just raw damage. The Longsword excels at severing tails, while the Hammer stuns with headshots.
The Slinger, a crucial tool returning in Wilds, is introduced in World. Learning its strategic use (Flash Pods, poison knives) significantly enhances gameplay. Familiarity with World's crafting system will translate directly to Wilds.
The core gameplay loop—tracking, gathering materials, crafting—becomes second nature. Understanding this tempo provides a significant advantage in Wilds.
Each hunt is a strategic dance; understanding monster behaviors and optimal equipment is key. World's scope and scale mirror Wilds’ ambition, making World the ideal training ground. Importing World (and Iceborne) save data even unlocks Palico armor in Wilds.
While not mandatory, playing World provides a significant advantage. While the learning curve has improved, Monster Hunter's unique systems are best learned through experience. Jump in blind if you wish, but World offers an invaluable preparation for Wilds' February 28, 2025 launch.
