"Play Monster Hunter: World Before Wilds: Here's Why"

As one of Steam's most eagerly anticipated games, Monster Hunter Wilds is poised to be a colossal hit. For those stepping into the franchise for the first time with Wilds, the game's inherent complexity might feel overwhelming, despite the expected robust tutorial. To ease into the series' dense mechanics and gameplay, we highly recommend starting with Monster Hunter: World, released in 2018.

Our recommendation isn't rooted in narrative continuity; rather, it's because Monster Hunter: World mirrors the style and structure of Wilds most closely. Diving into World offers an excellent introduction to the intricate systems and engaging gameplay loop that define the Monster Hunter series.

Why Monster Hunter: World?

You might wonder why we're suggesting Monster Hunter: World over the more recent Monster Hunter Rise. While Rise is an excellent game with innovative features like rideable mounts and the Wirebug grapple mechanic, it was initially designed for the Nintendo Switch, leading to smaller, more segmented zones. In contrast, World boasts expansive, seamless areas that emphasize tracking monsters within a detailed ecosystem. These larger zones, which serve as stages for thrilling hunts across varied terrain, are what Wilds seems to be expanding upon. Thus, World acts as the perfect precursor to prepare you for the expansive world of Wilds.

It's worth noting that Wilds does not continue the story from World. However, World's approach to storytelling and campaign structure will set your expectations for Wilds. You'll encounter familiar elements like the Hunter's Guild and your feline companions, the Palicos, which will also appear in Wilds. These elements, while not directly connected, are akin to recurring motifs in the Final Fantasy series, allowing each game to put its unique spin on classic ideas.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Beyond understanding the Monster Hunter universe, the primary reason to play Monster Hunter: World first is to master its challenging combat system. Wilds features 14 weapons, each with distinct playstyles and strategies, all of which are also available in World. By playing World, you can familiarize yourself with these weapons, learning their techniques and finding the one that best suits your style. Whether it's the agile dual-blades or the powerful greatsword, each weapon demands focus and mastery.

In the Monster Hunter series, your weapon is your identity. Unlike traditional RPGs where you level up through experience, your abilities and stats are tied directly to your weapon. World teaches you how to upgrade weapons using parts from defeated monsters and navigate the weapon tree. It also emphasizes the importance of strategic positioning and attack angles over brute force. Understanding where to strike a monster for maximum impact is crucial, whether you're slicing off tails with a Longsword or knocking enemies down with a Hammer.

Mastering the tempo of each hunt is another key advantage World offers. The Slinger, a tool attached to your hunter's arm, allows you to use special gadgets and ammunition, a feature returning in Wilds. Learning when to deploy Flash Pods or poison knives can significantly influence the outcome of a fight. Familiarity with World's crafting system will also prepare you for Wilds' crafting mechanics.

As you progress in World, you'll uncover the series' broader gameplay loop: tracking monsters, gathering resources, and preparing for hunts. This foundational knowledge will be invaluable when you transition to Wilds.

Each hunt in Monster Hunter is a deliberate dance, not a rush to the finish. Understanding the nuances of different monsters, from the fire-breathing Anjanath to the bomb-dropping Bazelgeuse, builds essential knowledge. With Wilds aiming to capture the same scope and scale as World, the 2018 game serves as an ideal training ground.

Additionally, there's a practical incentive to play Monster Hunter: World before Wilds. Importing save data from World into Wilds grants you free Palico armor, and if you have data from the Iceborne expansion, you'll receive an additional armor set. It's a small perk, but customizing your Palico adds a fun element to the game.

While it's not necessary to play previous Monster Hunter games before starting Wilds, the series' unique mechanics and systems are best learned through experience. Capcom has been refining the learning curve with each release, but nothing beats hands-on practice. As Wilds approaches its launch on February 28, 2025, there's no better time to dive into Monster Hunter: World and immerse yourself in the community and gameplay that await in the next big adventure.