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

As one of Steam's most anticipated titles, *Monster Hunter Wilds* is poised to be a monumental addition to the series. For those diving into the franchise for the first time, the intricate and complex nature of the *Monster Hunter* series might be overwhelming. Although *Wilds* is expected to offer a comprehensive tutorial for newcomers, getting a feel for the game's mechanics and systems beforehand can be incredibly beneficial. Before embarking on the vast and perilous world of *Monster Hunter Wilds*, we strongly recommend you explore *Monster Hunter: World*, released in 2018.

Our recommendation for *Monster Hunter: World* isn't rooted in any narrative prerequisites or cliffhangers that might leave you confused in *Wilds*. Instead, it's because *World* closely mirrors the style and structure of *Wilds*. By playing *World*, you can familiarize yourself with the series' often intricate systems and gameplay loop, setting a solid foundation for your adventure in *Wilds*.

Why *Monster Hunter: World*?

If you've been following Capcom's recent releases, you might wonder why we're suggesting *Monster Hunter: World* over the more recent *Monster Hunter Rise*. While *Rise* is an excellent game and the latest in the series, *Wilds* appears to be a direct successor to *World* rather than *Rise*.

*Rise* introduced innovative mechanics like rideable mounts and the Wirebug grapple, which enhanced the gameplay experience but came at the cost of the expansive, seamless zones that *World* is known for. Originally designed for the Nintendo Switch, *Rise* focused on speed and smaller zones to accommodate the console's limitations. This approach streamlined the hunt-upgrade-hunt cycle but sacrificed some of the larger scale and nuanced exploration that *World* offered. *Wilds* seems poised to reclaim and expand upon these elements from *World*.

*Monster Hunter: World* features expansive zones and a strong emphasis on tracking monsters within a detailed ecosystem, making it the ideal precursor to *Wilds*' larger open areas. By playing *World*, you'll get a taste of the thrilling, extended hunts across varied terrain that define modern *Monster Hunter* games. *Wilds* is expected to deliver a similar experience, and *World* is the perfect way to prepare.

It's important to clarify that *Wilds*' story isn't a direct continuation of *World*. However, *World*'s approach to storytelling and campaign structure will help set your expectations for *Wilds*. You'll encounter familiar elements like the Hunter's Guild and your trusty Palico companions, though these will be independent of previous and future entries. Consider this akin to the *Final Fantasy* series, where recurring characters and elements appear across different, standalone stories.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Beyond gaining an understanding of the *Monster Hunter* universe and *Wilds*' campaign structure, the most compelling reason to play *Monster Hunter: World* first is its challenging combat system. *Wilds* will feature 14 unique 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, mastering their techniques and identifying which suits your style best, be it the agile dual blades or the powerful greatsword.

In the *Monster Hunter* series, your weapon is your identity. Unlike traditional RPGs where you gain skills through experience, here, your abilities and stats are tied directly to your weapon. Think of it as choosing a class or job in an action RPG, where each weapon defines your role and approach to hunting. *World* teaches you how to upgrade your weapons using parts from defeated monsters and navigate the weapon tree to reach higher-tier options.

Moreover, *World* emphasizes strategic combat over button mashing. Positioning and attack angles are crucial for success, not just raw damage output. Understanding where to strike a monster for maximum effect is vital. For example, the Longsword is ideal for severing tails, while the Hammer excels at stunning foes with headshots. Mastering these nuances will significantly enhance your performance in *Wilds*.

The tempo of each hunt in *World* will give you a significant advantage in *Wilds*. The Slinger, a tool on your hunter's arm, allows you to use special gadgets and ammo during fights. Learning to use Flash Pods to blind enemies or poison knives for consistent damage can turn the tide of battle. The Slinger returns in *Wilds*, and proficiency with it will elevate your gameplay. Familiarity with *World*'s crafting system will also prepare you for *Wilds'* crafting mechanics.

Once you're comfortable with *World*'s weapons and tools, you'll uncover more layers of the *Monster Hunter* series. The gameplay loop involves tracking monsters, gathering resources like ore and honey, and preparing for the hunt. This rhythm becomes second nature, and understanding it will be invaluable when you step into *Wilds*.

Each hunt in *Monster Hunter* is not about quick kills but a strategic dance with formidable creatures. Learning to navigate encounters with creatures like the fire-breathing Anjanath or the bomb-dropping Bazelgeuse builds essential knowledge. With *Wilds* aiming to capture the same sense of scope and adventure as *World*, the 2018 title serves as the perfect training ground.

For an added incentive, if you import save data from *World* into *Wilds*, you'll receive free Palico armor, and additional armor sets if you have data from the *Iceborne* expansion. Customizing your Palico is always a fun bonus.

While it's not necessary to play previous *Monster Hunter* games before starting *Wilds*, the series' unique systems and mechanics make *World* an excellent primer. Capcom continues to refine the learning curve with each new release, but diving into *World* will immerse you in the *Monster Hunter* vernacular and community, preparing you for *Wilds*' launch on February 28, 2025.