Why You Should Play Monster Hunter: World Before Wilds

With *Monster Hunter Wilds* among Steam's most pre-ordered games, its massive popularity is undeniable. For those new to the series, while *Wilds* will undoubtedly feature a comprehensive tutorial, the Monster Hunter universe is famously intricate. If *Wilds* is your first hunt, consider starting with 2018's *Monster Hunter: World* for a smoother onboarding experience.

This isn't about story connections; *World* mirrors *Wilds*' style and structure. Mastering *World*'s systems will significantly ease your transition into *Wilds*' sometimes complex gameplay loop.

Why Monster Hunter: World?

While *Monster Hunter Rise* is the most recent title, *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 cycle. However, *Wilds* seems to recapture the larger-scale, immersive environments that *World* excelled at.

*World*'s expansive zones and emphasis on tracking monsters within detailed ecosystems serve as a blueprint for *Wilds*' even larger open areas. Experience this before jumping into *Wilds* – the long, thrilling hunts across varied terrains are where modern Monster Hunter truly shines. *World* offers a perfect preview.

While not a direct story continuation, *World* sets the right expectations for *Wilds*' narrative structure. You'll encounter familiar elements like the Hunter's Guild and Palicos, albeit in a separate, unconnected storyline. Think of it like *Final Fantasy* – recurring elements across distinct, independent games.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Beyond understanding the universe and campaign structure, *World*'s challenging combat is invaluable preparation. All 14 weapons in *Wilds* are present in *World*, allowing you to experiment and find your preferred playstyle before tackling *Wilds*’s unique combat system. Mastering weapon techniques is crucial, as your weapon defines your role and approach in each hunt.

In Monster Hunter, weapons are your character class. Abilities and stats are determined by your weapon, not leveling up. *World* teaches weapon upgrades using monster parts and strategic combat—positioning and attack angles are key, not just raw damage. Understanding a weapon’s strengths (e.g., the Longsword’s tail-cutting ability) is vital.

Mastering the Slinger (a tool for gadgets and ammo) is also crucial. Knowing when to use Flash Pods or poison knives significantly impacts combat. Familiarity with *World*'s crafting system will also benefit you in *Wilds*. The core gameplay loop—tracking monsters, gathering materials—becomes second nature in *World*, providing a head start for *Wilds*.

Each hunt is a strategic dance, not a simple kill. Understanding monster behaviors and optimal equipment is essential. *World*'s scope and scale closely resemble *Wilds*’, making it the ideal training ground. Plus, importing *World* save data unlocks Palico armor in *Wilds*!

While not mandatory, playing *World* before *Wilds* offers a significant advantage. The series' unique systems are best learned through experience. While jumping in blind is an option, *World* provides invaluable preparation for *Wilds*' February 28, 2025 launch.