Play Monster Hunter: World Before Wilds

Monster Hunter: World shares key similarities with the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter: World shares much in common with the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds. | Image credit: Capcom

Why Monster Hunter: World Makes the Perfect Preparation

As one of Steam's most anticipated pre-orders, Monster Hunter Wilds is shaping up to be a massive release. For those new to the series, we highly recommend experiencing 2018's Monster Hunter: World first - not for story continuity, but because it serves as the foundation Wilds appears to be building upon.

The Ideal Proving Ground

While Monster Hunter Rise (2021) offers excellent gameplay, Wilds clearly follows World's blueprint with its expansive ecosystems and methodical hunting approach. World's massive, seamless zones create the same epic hunting experience we expect from Wilds, allowing you to practice tracking monsters through detailed environments before the new game launches.

World functions as the perfect training environment where you'll learn:

All 14 weapon types (identical to Wilds' arsenal)
Combat fundamentals like positioning and weak points
Slinger tool mechanics (returning in Wilds)
The full hunting loop: tracking, preparing, and executing

Mastering Monster Hunter

Learning the intricacies of bows, swords, and switch axes is a big part of Monster Hunter. | Image credit: Capcom

Building Essential Monster Hunter Skills

Unlike traditional RPGs where you level up your character, Monster Hunter progression centers on weapon mastery. World teaches the crucial relationship between weapon choice and playstyle - whether you prefer the precision of bowguns or the brute force of hammers. Understanding these combat fundamentals will give you a significant advantage when transitioning to Wilds.

The game also teaches valuable secondary skills:

Crafting essential items from gathered materials
Reading monster behaviors and attack patterns
Managing expeditions that require preparation and patience
Team coordination for multiplayer hunts

What's your experience with Monster Hunter?I've never played a Monster HunterI've only played/started with WorldI've only played Generations or olderI've played all/most of them

The Perfect Time to Start

With Wilds launching February 28, 2025, there's ample time to experience World at your own pace. Not only will you gain valuable hunting experience, but completing World (and its Iceborne expansion) will grant special cosmetic rewards in Wilds. Whether you plan to focus on single-player or multiplayer content, World provides the comprehensive Monster Hunter education that will make your Wilds experience more rewarding from day one.