With *Monster Hunter Wilds* among Steam's most pre-ordered games, its massive popularity is undeniable. Many players will be diving into the Monster Hunter universe for the first time with *Wilds*. While the game will undoubtedly feature a comprehensive tutorial, the series is notoriously complex. If *Wilds* is your first hunt, consider playing a previous game to ease your entry. We strongly recommend starting with 2018's *Monster Hunter: World*.
This isn't about narrative connections; *World* closely mirrors *Wilds*' style and structure. It's the perfect onboarding experience, preparing you for the series' sometimes-challenging systems and gameplay loop.
Why *Monster Hunter: World*?
You might be wondering why not *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 hunt-upgrade-hunt loop but sacrificing some of the larger-scale exploration and environmental detail found in *World*. *Wilds* appears to build upon and expand the open-world elements *World* established.
*World*'s expansive zones and emphasis on tracking monsters within detailed ecosystems serve as a blueprint for *Wilds*' even larger open areas. This makes *World* ideal preparation. The long, thrilling hunts across varied terrain are where modern Monster Hunter truly shines. Experience this before *Wilds*!
While not a direct story continuation, *World*'s story structure and campaign will set appropriate expectations for *Wilds*. You'll encounter familiar elements like the Hunter's Guild and Palicos, albeit in a separate, unconnected narrative. Think of it like *Final Fantasy*: recurring elements exist across games, but each entry is unique.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Beyond understanding the universe and campaign structure, *World*'s challenging combat is crucial. *Wilds* features 14 weapons, all present in *World*. Mastering these weapons is key, and *World* provides the ideal training ground. Each weapon demands focus and unique strategies. *World* helps you learn weapon techniques and discover your preferred playstyle.
Your weapon is paramount; there are no traditional RPG skill points. Weapon choice dictates your battlefield role. *World* teaches weapon upgrades using monster parts and building towards higher-level weapons. It emphasizes precise attacks and strategic positioning over brute force. Understanding where to strike for maximum impact is crucial. Mastering these aspects in *World* will greatly benefit you in *Wilds*.
The Slinger, returning in *Wilds*, is another key element. Learning its uses and crafting ammo in *World* will prove invaluable. The overall hunt tempo—tracking, gathering, and crafting—becomes second nature with practice, giving you a significant advantage in *Wilds*.
Each hunt is a strategic dance, not a rush. Understanding monster behaviors and optimal equipment is key. *World*'s scope and scale are similar to *Wilds*, making it the perfect training ground. Importing *World* save data even unlocks Palico armor in *Wilds*!
While not mandatory, playing a previous Monster Hunter game is highly beneficial. The series is unique, and *World* provides the best preparation for newcomers. While jumping in blind is possible, playing *World* helps familiarize yourself with the mechanics and community before *Wilds*' February 28, 2025 launch.
