Monster Hunter Wildsis pretty accessible as far asMonster Huntergames go. However,that’s not saying much. In a game with so many overlapping systems and nuances, it’s almost impossible to provide a comfortable beginner experience that everyone will appreciate.
It doesn’t help thatMonster Hunter Wildslikes to share most of its most valuable mechanics withtiny pop-up windows. These info dumps make an admirable attempt at making information simple to digest. Unfortunately, it’s just as easy to forget what you’ve read without knowing if it’s helpful or not.
If you’re a new player and are feeling lost, don’t put your longsword down just yet.Here are some essentialsI’ve picked up as a long-term fan of the series that will hopefully make your life as a fledgling hunter a little more bearable. Many of these are apply to the betas too, where thegame’s director even explored.
I’ve tried to keep this list as spoiler-free as possible, including the pictures. However, if you’re brand-new, I may cover a few things you’ve not seen yet.
10Stick To A Single Weapon
Variety Isn’t Always The Spice Of Life
One of the hottest additions to the series inWildsis the ability tocarry a secondary weaponinto battle on your Seikret. It’s undoubtedly a cool feature, and you may think bringing a melee and ranged weapon simultaneously makes sense.
The issue is that it’soverwhelming to learn and maintain two weapons. It’s also wholly unnecessary. you’re able to defeat every monster in the game with any weapon. Sure, you may struggle against a fast opponent with something sluggish, like a Greatsword, but it’s100% doable.
I recommend focusing onjust one weaponuntil its functions become muscle memory before diversifying your kit.
9Don’t Neglect the Training Area
It’s Fine To Be Indecisive
The allure ofMonster Hunteris taking down giant opponents in grand battles, but Capcom has achieved the impossible and made all14 weapon types a joy to use.
The selection is so exemplaryyou might just want to use them all. If that sounds like you, make sure to check out the superb built-in Training Area. You can get there through theentrance inside the first settlementin the desert.
The Training Area inWildsis thebest it’s ever been. You can practice combos and movements without worrying that a fireball is coming with your name on it. You can also freely swap between weapons and get a good feel of everything.
There’s no rush inMonster Hunter, so don’t feel like you’re making a decision you cannot change later.
8Complete The Optional Quests
Optional For Veterans, Mandatory For Beginners
I mentioned how overwhelmingMonster Hunteris at the start of the list.Optional quests allow you to practicewhat you’ve learned instead of bombarding you with even more information.
The optional quests are typically battles withmonsters you’ve already fought, so you should be familiar with the matchup. If you’re not, optional quests provide an excellent environment to practice against foes that give you a hard time.
You can start optional missions fromthe quest counteras usual. As the missions are repeatable, they can be a decent source of Zenny and materials if you’re trying to build a new weapon or armor set.
7Make An Item Loadout
A poorly prepared hunter is usually a dead one, and you canseverely hamper your chancesin a quest if you show up with an empty loadout.
You can manually fill your bag with goodies in your tent before every hunt. However, even the best players will occasionally forget a crucial item. Fortunately,you can make a loadoutcontaining your favorites and replenish your bag with a single button afterward.
To make a loadout,visit your tent, select ‘Transfer Items’ and then ‘Item Pouch.’ Finally, press in the left stick to manage your loadouts. Honestly, I get that it’s a hassle, but this is one of thoseMonster Hunterthings you’llonly have to do a few timesand never touch it again.
This tip is so crucial we even have acomplete guide on essentialsyou must bring to every hunt. Even if you’re a veteran, these areitems you don’t want to leave behind.
6Try The Radial Menu
An Essential Quality Of Life Feature
One downside to having so many items at once isrummaging through themwhen a big beastie is breathing down your neck.
Rifling through your inventory with Square and Circle is doable, andmany veterans from older titles swear by it.
That said, it’s clumsy and awkward, and most players nowadays will benefit from using the Radial Menu. you’re able to set up your radial binds in the options menu. Once you’ve done that, you can access your items on the field much faster.
You need toangle your inputs accuratelyto use the desired item, but it’s much faster than scrolling through a shopping list. Theradial menu isn’t essential. I’ve playedMonster Hunterfor over 10 years and don’t use it. However, it’s faster and more intuitive, so it’s worth checking out.
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5There Is No ‘Best’ Weapon
Ignore Any Hunter Who Tells You Otherwise
We live in a time wheretier lists often dominate in-game decisions, and players typically gravitate toward a ‘meta.’
Fortunately, you don’t have to follow any of that inMonster Hunter, and whilesome weapons are more popular than others(I’m looking at you, Longsword), the others aren’t niche because they are bad.
The weapon selection inMonster Hunter Wildsis exemplary, and I urge you topick one that looks ‘cool’ to you. Some tools are arguably better for beginners, but if you want to rock a Lance or Charge Blade from day one, you’re able to absolutely make them work if you put the time in.
4Don’t Hunt On An Empty Stomach
Where Did The Restaurant Go?
One of the golden rules ofMonster Hunteris toeat before every hunt. This hasn’t changed inWilds, although the system differs from previous games.
Previously, food bestowed buffs for a single hunt. Now,it gives those bonuses with a timer. You can cook a hearty meal any time by using the Portable BBQ in your bag. Food is a big deal inMonster Hunter Wilds, asmeals can increase your staminaand even the length of your health gauge.
Certain ingredient combos can also grant temporary skills, and while their applications are often minor, anything is better than nothing. The only downside is you must keep track of those food bonuses, lest you get hungry mid-fight.
3Whetstones Are A Hunter’s Best Friend
Yes, Even Hammers Need Sharpening
One of many mechanicsMonster Hunterskims over issharpening your weapon, and it’s an essential system to keep track of.
Every melee weapon inMonster Hunter Wildsmust be maintained with a whetstone during hunts.Even the Hammer and Hunting Hornrequire sharpening during a hunt, although rapid-hitting weapons like the Dual Blades require the most attention.
you’re able to see your sharpness meter during combat. Whenever that image changes color, it’s time to whip out the whetstone, and it’s usually a good idea towait until the monster leavesthe area before doing so. Sharpening is so important because it affects how much damage you deal.
you’re able to thump a monster with a blunt sword until you’re blue in the face, and you’ll probably win. However, getting into the habit of sharpening your weapon is good, asa honed blade will bring the pain.
2You Have 50 Minutes Per Hunt For A Reason
Speed Comes With Practice
One of the most common behaviors I witnessed in theMonster Hunter Wildsbetas was how aggressive many players were. Don’t get me wrong,aggression can be good, but not if it comes at the expense of getting turned into paste.
It seemed that many hunters expected targets to go down within a few minutes. The issue isthat won’t happen against strong monsters, and it’s often a war of attrition to be the last one standing.
Most quests inMonster Hunter Wildsgive you awhopping 50 minutes to play with. You’ll likely finish most hunts well ahead of schedule, but you have that time for a reason.
Be patient andattack when it’s safe, and any hunting party will love to have you in their ranks. Remember, your team can only suffer a few fallen comrades before youimmediately fail the mission. I’d pick a team that takes 10 minutes longer to finish a hunt any day as long as they stay on their feet and surgically win the battle.
1Use The Environment
It’s A Dangerous World
Environmental hazards are nothing new in Monster Hunter, but it’s an ideavastly expanded upon inWilds.
Many areas are littered withnatural trapsyou can use to your advantage.Most are hidden in plain sight, too, and you only need to look up to spot them. Many traps require you to activate or trigger them with a slinger shot. Fortunately, this is easy. Aim at the hazard and press R2 to shoot.
Expect to miss the monster a few times as you experiment around the map, butenvironmental hazards are more powerful now than ever.
The monster can even trip them accidentally, so keep an eye out for that! Monster Hunter Wilds has astrong emphasis on story, and does take you near some pretty cinematic hazards to take down your opponent in style.
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