Mastering Monster Hunter Wilds: Why You Should Play Monster Hunter: World First
Monster Hunter Wilds is one of Steam's most anticipated games, and for many, it will be their first foray into the series. While the game will undoubtedly feature a comprehensive tutorial, the Monster Hunter franchise is notoriously complex. Therefore, playing a previous game, specifically Monster Hunter: World (2018), can provide invaluable preparation.
We recommend World not because of narrative connections, but because its style and structure closely mirror Wilds. World serves as an excellent onboarding experience, familiarizing players with the sometimes-challenging systems and gameplay loop.
Why not Monster Hunter Rise?
While Rise is the most recent title and a great game, Wilds is a direct successor to World, not Rise. Rise, originally designed for the Nintendo Switch, prioritized speed and smaller zones, streamlining the gameplay loop but sacrificing the large-scale, detailed environments that define World. Wilds appears to recapture and expand upon these elements present in World.
World's expansive zones, perfect for extended hunts across diverse terrains, are a hallmark of modern Monster Hunter. Wilds seems poised to deliver this experience, but why wait when you can experience it in World beforehand? World acts as the blueprint for Wilds' larger open areas.
Story and Structure: A Familiar Foundation
While Wilds' story is independent of World's, World's narrative structure and familiar elements (Hunter's Guild, Palicos) will set appropriate expectations for Wilds. Think of it like the Final Fantasy series: each game features recurring elements, yet remains distinct.
Mastering the Combat: Weapon Proficiency
The most compelling reason to play World first is its challenging combat. Wilds features 14 weapons, all present in World. World allows players to familiarize themselves with each weapon's unique mechanics, determining their preferred playstyle before tackling Wilds. Mastering weapon techniques is crucial, as abilities and stats are entirely weapon-dependent – similar to character classes in traditional RPGs.
World emphasizes precise positioning and strategic attacks over brute force. Understanding weapon impact zones is vital. The Longsword excels at severing tails, while the Hammer is ideal for stunning enemies. This strategic combat is a key element that carries over to Wilds.
Beyond Weapons: Tools and Tempo
World introduces the Slinger, a crucial tool returning in Wilds. Learning to utilize Slinger ammo (crafted from environmental ingredients) strategically enhances gameplay. Familiarity with World's crafting system will prove beneficial in Wilds.
The overall hunt tempo is also crucial. World teaches players to appreciate the methodical nature of each hunt, from tracking monsters to gathering materials along the way. This understanding will be a significant advantage in Wilds.
Conclusion: Preparation for the Hunt
While not mandatory, playing Monster Hunter: World provides significant advantages before embarking on Wilds. It familiarizes players with the core mechanics, combat, and overall gameplay loop, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience. Plus, importing save data from World unlocks bonus Palico armor in Wilds! While jumping into Wilds blind is an option, playing World offers the best preparation for this unique and challenging RPG.
