Some players probably excited to dive into Monster Hunter Wilds, but you may have heard about its challenging. The Monster Hunter series is famous for its complex mechanics, detailed menus, and intricate systems, which can be a bit intimidating for newcomers. However, Monster Hunter Wilds has made things more approachable with a tutorial-driven story mode, allowing action game fans to jump right into the action without feeling overwhelmed by the menus.
That being said, Monster Hunter Wilds still carries the series' signature quirks, mechanics, and knowledge checks. This guide will provide you with the essential tips, tricks, and insights you need to begin your Monster Hunter adventure, and new players can Buy Monster Hunter Wilds Accounts at Z2U and refer to this guide to get started!
Understanding the Unique Elements of Monster Hunter
Monster Hunter Wilds gradually eases players into its gameplay loop of preparation, hunting, and crafting. However, some key mechanics set it apart from other action RPGs.
1. Monsters Don’t Have Health Bars
Unlike most games, you won’t see an enemy’s health bar. Instead, you’ll need to observe the monster’s behavior and appearance to gauge its condition. This adds to the challenge and excitement of the hunt.
2. Sheathing Your Weapon is Essential
Keeping your weapon drawn limits movement, prevents item use, and slows your sprint speed. Sheathing it at the right moments allows you to dodge, reposition, or heal. You can manually sheathe using Square/X, but sprinting also automatically puts your weapon away. Additionally, attacking with Triangle/Y while moving triggers a draw attack, skipping the standard animation.
3. Stamina is a Defensive Resource
Unlike games like Dark Souls, stamina in Monster Hunter is primarily used for sprinting and dodging, not attacking. Managing stamina properly is crucial for survival.
4. Item Selection Takes Practice
Selecting and using items requires holding L1, then using Square/Circle to cycle through your inventory. Once you find the right item, release L1 and press Square again. Alternatively, you can use the radial menu with the right stick for quicker access.
5. Your Palico Companion is Autonomous
Your feline companion provides occasional healing and can distract monsters. However, it acts independently, so you can’t issue commands. If you're playing with a squad of more than two players, your Palico will retreat to camp.
Choosing Your Weapon
Early in the game, you’ll select from 14 different weapon types. Don’t stress over this decision—unlike RPGs, you’re not locked into one choice. Weapons can be swapped freely, and later in the game, you’ll even be able to carry a secondary weapon.
Each weapon type has an appeal (its exciting aspects) and challenges (its learning curve). Experimenting with different weapons in the training area will help you find the right fit.
Training Mode is Essential
Early in the game, you’ll unlock a training area where you can test all weapons. This mode includes combo suggestions, input history, and a damage display. You can also activate “smash mode” to test defensive abilities against an attacking dummy.
To access weapon guides, go to the menu, select “info,” then “play guide” and “weapon controls.”
The Core Gameplay Loop: Prep, Hunt, Craft, Repeat
The main cycle of Monster Hunter Wilds involves preparation, hunting, and crafting. Story missions unlock new areas, monsters, and systems, while optional hunts let you refine your skills.
Starting a Hunt
There are multiple ways to initiate a hunt:
1. Through Alma, your companion – Speak with Alma at camp to post or join optional quests.
2. By attacking a monster in the open world – Engaging a wild monster will trigger a hunt.
3. Via the map – Open your map, highlight an active monster, and select “create quest” to begin a hunt.
Once a hunt starts, other players can join unless you adjust the permissions through Alma’s menu.
Eat Before Every Hunt
Your health and stamina caps increase after eating a meal. Unlike previous games, Monster Hunter Wilds allows you to eat anywhere by using your portable BBQ grill. The “recommended meal” option is usually sufficient, but different ingredients provide unique buffs such as attack boosts or elemental resistance.
Meal effects last 30 minutes, and you can check the remaining duration by holding L1.
Use Loadouts to Stock Up on Items
Before heading out, ensure your item pouch is stocked. At camp, enter your tent and select “transfer items” > “item pouch.” You can manually add items or use preset loadouts by pressing L3. Loadout 1 covers most situations.
Efficiently Navigating the Open World
Your Mount Can Auto-Guide You
Your Seikret mount automatically transports you to a monster’s location. Press up on the D-pad to activate autopilot. If it doesn’t start moving, tap up again.
Your Seikret also carries quest items, which you can access by pressing left on the D-pad while mounted. Additionally, you can collect environmental resources by targeting them with L2 and tapping Circle.
Mastering Combat
Once you reach your target, the real challenge begins. Each monster has unique attack patterns that you’ll learn over time. For example, a Rathalos always performs its spinning tail swipe twice in succession. The key to victory is recognizing attack patterns, striking during openings, and avoiding counterattacks.
Don’t Worry About Skills Right Away
Skills provide passive buffs and can be viewed in the “equipment info” menu. However, they become more important later in the game when you unlock “decorations” for customizing armor and weapons. Early on, focus on learning combat mechanics rather than optimizing skills.
Wishlist Items for Easy Crafting
If you want to craft specific gear but lack materials, add the item to your wishlist by pressing Triangle/Y in the crafting menu. This tags relevant monsters on your map and notifies you when you collect the required materials.
To view your wishlist, open the “info” tab in the menu. Players who purchased a high-level Cheap Monster Hunter Wilds Account will see a checkmark next to fully completed items.
The Hunt Never Ends
Congratulations! You’ve now entered the world of Monster Hunter Wilds. As you progress, the game will gradually introduce more mechanics. Once the main story ends, the real adventure begins, with high-level hunts and new challenges awaiting. Gear up, sharpen your skills, and dive back into the hunt! The journey is just getting started.