Why Monster Hunter Wilds Is the Perfect Starting Point for New Players

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Title hunt in Monster Hunter Wilds, the latest and arguably most popular installment in the Monster Hunter series, attracted a staggering 1,384,608 simultaneous gamers at its peak, making it the fourth-highest concurrent player count ever recorded on Steam. Despite some players voicing concerns over its challenging nature, the general consensus among fans is that the game is both fun and welcoming to newcomers.

Remarkable alterations in mechanics and design choices that previously acted as barriers for new players to engage with the Monster Hunter franchise may have made Monster Hunter Wilds an ideal starting point for novice gamers looking to delve into this series.

In Monster Hunter Wilds, numerous improvements and modifications have been introduced, making the game seem more inviting for novice players compared to previous installments in the series. Many of these enhancements tackle aspects that veteran players might consider as major obstacles for newcomers in older games, such as a steeper learning curve, slower-paced gameplay, and overly restrictive mechanics.

— Monster Hunter Jhokes (@QuirklessStoner) March 12, 2025

In earlier versions of Monster Hunter, the steeper learning curve can primarily be traced back to several aspects. These include increased damage from monsters, intricate hitboxes that require precision, and harsher consequences for defeats. However, it might be that nothing impacts the learning curve as significantly as their approach towards intentionality.

In the classic Monster Hunter games, I found myself heavily reliant on careful planning and precision. Each hunt demanded meticulous preparation beforehand, and every move I made during was crucial. Missing a strike at the wrong moment in a Monster Hunter game can be downright frustrating. Every choice seemed to require thoughtful consideration, and failure often felt harshly punishing due to its deliberate nature.

In Monster Hunter Wilds, the intensity is significantly scaled back, particularly in combat situations. The introduction of focus mode, a tool that enables precise aiming of attacks, significantly decreases unnecessary movements and actions during a chase. This feature, along with the inclusion of weak points, not only softens the game’s difficulty but also enhances the immersive nature of the hunt for both new and seasoned players.

In simpler terms, employing items or healing in these games necessitates a level of dedication because once you’ve initiated an action, it can’t be cancelled or paused. Furthermore, many actions don’t allow for movement at the same time. This emphasis on deliberate actions might also contribute to the second issue that makes newer players find older Monster Hunter games less appealing; their slower gameplay pace.

As a gamer, I’ve found that in Monster Hunter games, there were certain restrictions that made movement less fluid. For instance, you couldn’t move while healing, rolls were slower and more heavily impacted by your character’s weight, and they came with a longer cooldown period. This often confined our dodging to side-to-side movements, limiting our agility.

However, in Monster Hunter Wilds, these constraints have been eased significantly. Now, we can heal while moving, roll out of a healing session, and even use our Seikret for tasks like sharpening our weapon. These changes have made our characters feel more nimble than ever before, which has, in turn, contributed to a smoother and faster-paced combat experience.

In comparison to newer titles, earlier Monster Hunter games had a tendency to include excessive filler content that slowed down the overall pace of gameplay, a trait that Wilds has minimized, contributing to a smoother, more enjoyable gaming experience.

In the past, certain design elements in games were criticized as unnecessary yet they added to the strategic nature and potential intimidation for newcomers. For instance, one such aspect that might surprise you is that players couldn’t replenish their supplies or cook during a hunt. Instead, they had to plan meticulously beforehand, carrying everything they needed. In contrast, games like Monster Hunter Wilds allow you to gather resources, such as two pieces of honey, on the hunt itself, which automatically enhances an existing item in your inventory, for example, transforming a regular potion into a mega potion.

In essence, the earlier Monster Hunter games felt less user-friendly and more challenging compared to Monster Hunter: World (or Wilds). The enhancements introduced in World, often referred to as quality-of-life upgrades, make the gameplay smoother, less frustrating, and more accessible. This not only appeals to longtime players who might not be as attached to the older mechanics, but also attracts novices, making World a preferred entry point for many newcomers to the series.

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2025-03-29 00:41