Why You Should Play Monster Hunter: World Before Wilds

With *Monster Hunter Wilds* among Steam's most pre-ordered games, its massive appeal is undeniable. For newcomers to the series, while *Wilds* will likely offer a robust tutorial, the franchise's inherent complexity might benefit from a preparatory foray into a previous title. Before diving into *Wilds*' vast and dangerous world, we strongly recommend starting with 2018's *Monster Hunter: World*.

This isn't about narrative connections; World mirrors Wilds' style and structure exceptionally well. Playing World provides invaluable onboarding, easing you into the series' sometimes-challenging systems and gameplay loop.

Why *Monster Hunter: World*?

You might wonder why not Monster Hunter Rise, the most recent entry. While Rise is excellent, Wilds is a direct successor to World, not Rise. Rise, originally designed for the Nintendo Switch, prioritized speed and smaller zones due to hardware limitations. This streamlined the gameplay loop but sacrificed some of the larger-scale, immersive environments World offered—elements Wilds seems to be building upon.

World's expansive zones and emphasis on tracking monsters within detailed ecosystems serve as the blueprint for Wilds' even larger open areas. This makes World the ideal preparation. Modern Monster Hunter shines in these open zones, creating thrilling hunts across diverse terrains—a hallmark Wilds is expected to deliver on. Why wait? Experience it in World first.

While not a direct story continuation, World's narrative structure aligns with Wilds. You'll encounter familiar elements like the Hunter's Guild and Palicos, albeit unconnected from previous entries. Think of it like Final Fantasy: recurring characters and creatures appear across distinct, independent storylines.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Beyond understanding the universe and campaign structure, World's challenging combat is the strongest argument for playing it first. Wilds features 14 weapons, each with unique playstyles, all present in World. Mastering these weapons is crucial, and World offers the perfect training ground. Whether you prefer dual blades or the greatsword, each weapon demands focused practice.

Your weapon is your character class; abilities and stats are weapon-dependent. World teaches weapon upgrades using monster parts and strategic weapon tree progression. Success hinges on precise positioning and targeted attacks, not just raw damage. Understanding weapon-specific strengths (e.g., Longsword for severing tails, hammer for stunning) is key.

The Slinger, a crucial tool returning in Wilds, is introduced and mastered in World. Learning to use Flash Pods, poison knives, and crafting Slinger ammo from environmental ingredients is invaluable. This extends to the overall gameplay loop: tracking monsters, mining ore, gathering materials—all become second nature with practice.

Hunts are not quick affairs; mastering each monster's behavior and utilizing appropriate equipment is crucial. World's scope and scale mirror Wilds', making it ideal preparation. Import your World (and Iceborne) save data for bonus Palico armor in Wilds.

While not mandatory, playing World provides invaluable preparation. The unique systems and gameplay loop are best learned through experience. While jumping into Wilds blind is an option, World offers a smoother entry point, familiarizing you with the series' intricacies before Wilds' February 28, 2025 launch.