Monster Hunter Wilds is Capcom's sixth mainline entry, and the first to lean fully into a seamless open world. The Forbidden Lands run continuously between biomes, and monsters roam with them. Title Update 4 shipped in December 2025; the Ascendance expansion is announced for 2027.
Start with Great Sword, the least mechanically demanding weapon. Move to Long Sword or Insect Glaive once you've cleared the base story. Build one full armor set before you start crafting weapon Artian rolls.
Which weapon should you start with?
- Great Sword: easiest, teaches monster reading.
- Long Sword: counter-based, teaches timing.
- Hunting Horn: teaches party support.
- Skip early: Charge Blade (mechanics ceiling), Insect Glaive (mid-air management), Bow (ammunition management).
Understanding the Forbidden Lands
Unlike previous Monster Hunter entries, Wilds has no loading screens between biomes. Monsters migrate between areas: a low-level Gore Magala can walk into your Level 6 hunt. Learn to read the mini-map's monster indicators.
Best Palico setup
Your Palico picks a Support Type at the start. Healing type is the strongest beginner pick; the passive Vigorwasp deploys save you from carts. Switch to Assist or Fighting once you're comfortable.
Progression roadmap
- Complete base story (~30 hours).
- Reach Hunter Rank 30. Unlocks Tempered monsters.
- Farm your first Artian Weapon parts.
- Zoh Shia (Title Update 4 raid boss).
- Ascendance expansion when it drops (2027).
Common early mistakes
- Don't chase every rare drop; many are gated behind Master Rank.
- Don't skip Talisman melding. It's the biggest single boost to your build.
- Don't fight Tempered monsters at your Hunter Rank floor. Go two ranks above their listed level.
For this guide we consulted the Game8 Monster Hunter Wilds wiki (weapon roster, Forbidden Lands biomes, Palico support types, progression), the Capcom official page, and community discussion on Reddit and player Discords.