With *Monster Hunter Wilds* among Steam's most pre-ordered games, its massive popularity is undeniable. For many, *Wilds* will be their first foray into the Monster Hunter universe. While the game will undoubtedly offer a comprehensive tutorial, the series' complexity is well-known. If you're a newcomer, consider playing a previous game to ease your transition. We strongly recommend starting with 2018's *Monster Hunter: World*.

Our recommendation isn't based on a crucial narrative connection; rather, *World* closely mirrors *Wilds*' style and structure. It's the perfect onboarding experience, familiarizing you with the sometimes-challenging systems and gameplay loop that define the series.

Why *Monster Hunter: World*?

Given Capcom's recent releases, you might wonder why we suggest *World* instead of *Monster Hunter Rise*. While *Rise* is excellent, *Wilds* is a direct successor to *World*, not *Rise*. *Rise*, initially designed for the Nintendo Switch, prioritized speed and smaller zones due to hardware limitations. This streamlined the gameplay loop but sacrificed the larger-scale, immersive environments that *World* excelled at. *Wilds* appears to recapture and expand upon these elements present in *World*.

*World*'s expansive zones and emphasis on tracking monsters through detailed ecosystems serve as the blueprint for *Wilds*' even larger open areas. This makes *World* ideal preparation. Modern Monster Hunter shines in these open zones, providing thrilling hunts across varied terrains. *Wilds* is expected to deliver this experience, but why wait when you can get a preview in *World*?

While *Wilds* isn't a direct story continuation of *World*, *World*'s narrative structure will set your expectations for *Wilds*. You'll encounter familiar elements like the Hunter's Guild and Palicos, though entirely unconnected from previous entries. Think of it like the *Final Fantasy* series—recurring elements exist, but each game is distinct.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Beyond understanding the Monster Hunter universe and *Wilds*' campaign structure, *World*'s challenging combat is a major reason to play it first. *Wilds* features 14 weapons, each with unique styles and strategies—all present in *World*. Mastering these weapons is key. *World* lets you experiment and find your preferred fighting style, whether it's the swift dual blades or the powerful greatsword.

In Monster Hunter, your weapon is paramount. Unlike traditional RPGs, abilities and stats are determined by your weapon choice. Think of it as a character class. *World* teaches weapon upgrades using monster parts and building towards higher-level weapons. It emphasizes precise positioning and attack angles over raw damage output. Knowing where to strike a monster is crucial. Mastering these techniques in *World* will give you a significant advantage in *Wilds*.

The Slinger, a tool for gadgets and ammunition, also returns in *Wilds*. Learning its effective use in *World*, including crafting ammo, will enhance your gameplay. The overall hunt tempo in *World*—tracking monsters, gathering materials—is representative of *Wilds*, providing valuable experience.

Hunts are not quick affairs. Understanding monster behaviors and using appropriate equipment is key. *World*'s scope and scale are similar to *Wilds*, making it the ideal training ground. Importing save data from *World* (and its *Iceborne* expansion) even unlocks Palico armor in *Wilds*.

While not mandatory, playing a previous Monster Hunter game enhances the experience. Capcom has worked to improve the learning curve, but *World* offers the best preparation for *Wilds*. While many will enjoy jumping into *Wilds* blind, playing *World* first provides a significant advantage, familiarizing you with the series' unique systems and community before *Wilds*' February 28, 2025 launch.