As one of Steam's most pre-ordered games, Monster Hunter Wilds is poised to be a monumental addition to the franchise. For those new to the series, diving into Wilds might seem daunting due to the inherent complexity of Monster Hunter games. However, while Wilds is expected to have a comprehensive tutorial, playing a previous game can significantly enhance your understanding and enjoyment. We highly recommend starting with 2018's Monster Hunter: World before venturing into the vast, perilous world of Wilds.

Our recommendation for Monster Hunter: World isn't about catching up on a storyline or resolving any cliffhangers. Rather, it's because World mirrors the style and structure of Wilds more closely than any other game in the series. By playing World, you'll familiarize yourself with the intricate systems and engaging gameplay loop that define Monster Hunter, making your transition to Wilds smoother and more enjoyable.

Why Monster Hunter: World?

You might wonder why we're suggesting Monster Hunter: World over the more recent Monster Hunter Rise. While Rise is an excellent game, Wilds appears to be a direct successor to World, not Rise. Rise introduced innovative mechanics like rideable mounts and the Wirebug grapple, but these came at the cost of the expansive, seamless zones that World offered. World was designed with larger, more detailed environments in mind, which aligns more closely with the open-world ambition of Wilds.

World's emphasis on tracking monsters through a living ecosystem serves as the perfect precursor to Wilds' expansive open areas. These zones are where the true essence of modern Monster Hunter shines, with long, thrilling hunts across varied terrain. Playing World will give you a taste of what to expect in Wilds.

While Monster Hunter Wilds does not continue the story from World, it adopts a similar approach to storytelling and campaign structure. You'll encounter familiar elements like the Hunter's Guild and your trusty Palico companions, which are present in Wilds but not directly connected to previous games. This setup is akin to the Final Fantasy series, where recurring elements like Cid and Chocobos appear across different, unconnected stories.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Beyond understanding the universe and campaign structure, playing Monster Hunter: World is crucial for mastering the series' challenging combat. With 14 unique weapons each offering distinct playstyles, World allows you to experiment and master them before Wilds. Whether you prefer the agility of dual blades or the brute force of the greatsword, World serves as a training ground to hone your skills.

In Monster Hunter, your weapon is your identity on the battlefield. Unlike traditional RPGs where you level up through experience, your abilities and stats are tied directly to your weapon. World teaches you how to upgrade your weapons using parts from defeated monsters, guiding you through the weapon tree to craft higher-level gear.

Moreover, World emphasizes strategic combat over button-mashing. Understanding where to strike on a monster's body and mastering positioning are key. For example, the Longsword excels at severing tails, while the Hammer is perfect for stunning foes with headshots. Learning these nuances in World will give you a significant advantage in Wilds.

The tempo of each hunt is another critical aspect. World introduces the Slinger, a versatile tool that enhances your combat options. Mastering when to use Flash Pods or poison knives will elevate your gameplay, and this knowledge transfers directly to Wilds. Additionally, World's crafting system will prepare you for Wilds' resource management and crafting mechanics.

As you progress through World, you'll become adept at the broader gameplay loop: tracking monsters, gathering resources, and preparing for battle. This experience will give you a strong foundation for Wilds, where each hunt is designed to be a thoughtful, engaging adventure.

Each hunt in Monster Hunter is a deliberate dance, not a rush to the kill. Learning to navigate encounters with creatures like the fire-breathing Anjanath or the explosive Bazelgeuse builds foundational knowledge that will serve you well in Wilds.

As an additional incentive, importing save data from World into Wilds will grant you free Palico armor, and data from World's Iceborne expansion will unlock even more. It's a small perk, but every bit helps in customizing your companion.

While it's not mandatory to play previous Monster Hunter games before starting Wilds, the series' unique mechanics and depth make World an ideal preparation tool. With Wilds set to launch on February 28, 2025, there's no better time to dive into Monster Hunter: World and familiarize yourself with the game's vernacular and community.