There are only three days left before Monster Hunter Wilds releases worldwide, and fans eagerly anticipate getting their hands on Capcom’s critically acclaimed Monster Hunter title. Check our review here.
From the new monsters to the fantastic open world, Monster Hunter Wilds can be overwhelming, especially for new players. If this is your first time playing the series, or if you haven’t kept up with anything related to Monster Hunter, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.
Here are essential tips to help you start your first Monster Hunter Wilds experience:
Find the Weapon That’s Best for You
There are 14 weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds, just as in previous modern entries like World and Rise. Choosing the perfect one may feel overwhelming if this is your first time.
Fortunately, Monster Hunter Wilds offers a helpful way to determine which weapon suits you best. Alma, the Handler, will ask you questions about your preferred playstyle. Based on your answers, she will recommend a weapon that matches your style. If you want something fast and deadly, she may suggest the Dual Blades. The Light or Heavy Bowgun could be ideal if you prefer supporting from a distance. The Hammer or Great Sword might be your best bet if you enjoy close-range combat with heavy-hitting attacks.
Monster Hunter Wilds streamlines the series’ traditionally intimidating first few hours, allowing new players to dive in and try out all weapons after the opening cutscene. Don’t worry — if a weapon doesn’t click with you, there are 13 others to experiment with. You might just discover the perfect weapon for your play style.
Preparation is Key
A prepared hunter is a successful hunter. Preparation is an integral part of the Monster Hunter experience. You wouldn’t charge blindly into battle against Arkveld, would you? Proper preparation gives you the upper hand in every hunt. Activities like eating a well-cooked meal significantly boosts stamina and health, while stocking up on recovery items like Mega Potions and Potions can prevent multiple carts.
First-time players may find the prep phase daunting, but Wilds simplifies it compared to previous entries, where preparation took several minutes at the base. In Wilds, you can prepare anywhere, anytime, thanks to your portable BBQ Grill. If you need to restock potions, open the map and fast-travel to the nearest Pop-up Camp.
Capcom is also generous in providing new and veteran players with extra recovery items to claim at launch, ensuring you won’t start empty-handed.
Gather Resources Every Time
It cannot be emphasized enough: ALWAYS GATHER
MATERIALS WHEN IN THE FIELD. Gathering has always been an essential part of Monster Hunter. This practice saves time grinding for resources later in the game.
In Wilds, gathering is even easier with the addition of the Hook Slinger, which allows you to collect materials from a distance.
See that Herb, Honey, or Blue Mushroom? Always pick up one or two on your way to your target. Bugs like the Bitterbug and Godbug are just as important, so check both sides of the map while riding your Seikret (your mount).
If you spot Bonepiles or Mineral deposits, collect them — they are crucial for forging and upgrading weapons and armor.
If you’re unsure what to gather, your trusty Scoutflies, introduced in Monster Hunter: World, will ping nearby items. Keep an eye on the left side of the screen for which material their green glows highlighted.
Learn the Focus System
The Focus System is Monster Hunter Wilds’ newest mechanic, making hunts more rewarding. It carries no risk and provides an excellent opportunity to execute powerful combos.
As detailed in our review, the system works as follows: By pressing the L2 button, you can assess which parts of the monster are wounded. Wounds appear once you’ve dealt sufficient damage to a specific body part. When you see a red glowing light on a monster, press R1 to unleash a powerful Focus Strike, staggering or flinching the creature and giving you an opening for devastating combos.
Each of the game’s 14 weapons has its own unique Focus Strikes. While some are flashy, all serve the same function: creating an opportunity for an aggressive follow-up.
Additionally, Focus Strikes guarantees that a monster's material will drop, making this system essential even during the most difficult hunts. Always check for wounds to maximize your hunting efficiency.
Call Other Hunters Using SOS Flares or Hunt with Friends
Monster Hunter isn’t a solo experience — it’s always more enjoyable with friends. You don’t have to be a lone wolf burdened with monster hunting forever; plenty of fellow hunters are willing to lend a hand.
Using an SOS Flare is simple. Found in your Item Bar and bound to your Radial Menu by default, activating it will call other hunters to assist in your hunt. This could be AI companions like Olivia or other players online who accept your quest. Either way, you won’t have to face difficult monsters alone.
Monster Hunter has always prioritized multiplayer, and Wilds improves upon this by implementing seamless co-op and crossplay. So, regardless of the platform, you can team up with friends and hunt together.
Monster Hunter Wilds may seem intimidating at first, especially for those new to the series. However, there has never been a better time to dive in, thanks to quality-of-life improvements, enhanced graphics, and a more streamlined hunting experience. This is the most accessible Monster Hunter game to date.
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