Mastering Monster Hunter Wilds: Why You Should Play Monster Hunter: World First
With Monster Hunter Wilds among Steam's most pre-ordered games, many will be diving into the series for the first time. While Wilds will undoubtedly have a comprehensive tutorial, the series' complexity might overwhelm newcomers. Therefore, before venturing into Wilds' vast world, playing Monster Hunter: World (2018) is highly recommended.
This isn't about narrative connections; Monster Hunter: World provides the closest gameplay and structural similarity to Wilds. It's the ideal onboarding experience for the series' sometimes intricate systems and gameplay loop.
Why Not Monster Hunter Rise?
While Monster Hunter Rise is a fantastic game, Wilds appears to be a direct successor to World, not Rise. Rise, originally developed for the Nintendo Switch, prioritized speed and smaller zones, streamlining the gameplay loop but sacrificing the larger-scale environments and intricate details found in World. Wilds seems to be building upon and expanding the features World established.
World's expansive zones and emphasis on tracking monsters within detailed ecosystems serve as the blueprint for Wilds' even larger open areas. Experience this engaging aspect of modern Monster Hunter in World before Wilds' release.
Story and Structure
While Wilds' story is independent, World's narrative structure and presentation will effectively set your expectations. You'll encounter familiar elements like the Hunter's Guild and Palicos, but these are unconnected across games, similar to the independent entries within the Final Fantasy series.
Mastering the Combat
The most compelling reason to play World first is its challenging combat. All 14 weapons in Wilds are present in World, allowing you to familiarize yourself with their unique mechanics and find your preferred playstyle. Each weapon demands mastery, and World provides the perfect training ground.
Weapon Proficiency and Strategy
In Monster Hunter, your weapon dictates your abilities and stats. World teaches effective weapon usage, emphasizing precise positioning and strategic attacks over raw damage. Understanding a weapon's strengths (e.g., the Longsword's tail-cutting ability) is crucial.
Beyond Weapons: Tools and Tempo
World introduces the Slinger, a crucial tool returning in Wilds. Mastering its use (Flash Pods, poison knives) significantly enhances combat. Familiarity with World's crafting system will also prove invaluable in Wilds.
The overall hunt experience in World, from tracking monsters to gathering resources, establishes the rhythm of the game, providing a significant advantage in Wilds. Each hunt is a deliberate, strategic engagement, not a simple rush to kill.
Poll: Your Monster Hunter Experience
[What's your experience with Monster Hunter? (Poll options: Never played, Only played World, Only played Generations or older, Played all/most)]
Conclusion
While not mandatory, playing Monster Hunter: World before Wilds offers significant advantages. It familiarizes you with the game's systems, combat, and overall flow, providing a smoother and more enjoyable experience in the upcoming title. Plus, importing your World save data unlocks bonus Palico armor in Wilds! While jumping into Wilds blind is an option, starting with World offers unparalleled preparation for the unique world of Monster Hunter.
