Embarking on your journey in Monster Hunter Wilds can feel like stepping into a vast wilderness of complexity, even for seasoned players. While the game has made strides in streamlining its mechanics, the essence of Monster Hunter remains intact, presenting a rich tapestry of systems to navigate. For newcomers, the learning curve can be steep, but with a few early priorities, you can set yourself on the path to becoming a formidable hunter.
Check your weapon’s controls guide and head to the training area
Regardless of your experience level, familiarizing yourself with your weapon’s controls is essential. To access this information:
- Open the in-game menu
- Navigate to the Info section, which is three tabs along
- Select Play Guide at the bottom
- Choose the Weapon Controls option
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of weapon attacks and combos, along with explanations of key terms that will enhance your understanding. With new attacks introduced in Wilds, even veterans from previous titles should take a moment to familiarize themselves with the changes. For practical application, visit the Training Area in the Windward Plains Base Camp, where you can practice your combos without the pressure of a live hunt.
Pick up your pre-order DLC and beta rewards from the Support Palico
Once the Windward Plains Base Camp is operational, make sure to visit the Support Desk Palico, Conut. Here, you can claim any beta rewards if you participated in the beta phase, as well as any pre-order DLC items. Simply interact with Conut and select the Claim Content option to view your rewards. While this may be one of the few times you engage with Conut, remember that this location will also serve as a hub for managing your Pop-up Camps once that feature is unlocked.
Collect rations from the Ingredient Centre and cook yourself some steaks
Another valuable feature of the Windward Plains Base Camp is the Ingredient Centre, which becomes available once the camp is established. While Felynes no longer cook for you in Wilds, they still provide essential ingredients. Speak to Tom at the Ingredient Centre to receive regular shipments of rations, which you can consume or cook into meals using your Portable BBQ Grill. Additionally, hunting small monsters like the Ceratonoth and Dalthydon will yield raw meat, which can be transformed into steaks that boost your health and stamina during hunts.
Slay small monsters and get the Bulaqchi Specs
As you explore new regions, take the time to hunt small monsters. These creatures often drop unique armor sets and materials that are otherwise unavailable. In the Windward Plains, target Talioth for the Talioth Bracers, Vespoid for the Vespoid set, and Bulaqchi for the Bulaqchi Specs. The Bulaqchi Specs are particularly beneficial, granting the Entomologist skill, which allows you to carve small insect monsters without destroying them—a crucial advantage when farming materials.
Grab Wiggly Litchi and build yourself a material stockpile
Throughout Wilds, you’ll encounter various endemic life forms that can be collected using your hookclaw. Among these, the Wiggly Litchi stands out for its stamina-regenerating properties, making it a valuable asset during hunts. Additionally, gather crafting materials like honey, herbs, and blue mushrooms, as these will be essential for creating potions and other items. Activating the auto-craft feature in your crafting menu will ensure you always have vital supplies on hand.
Get in the habit of checking the Monster Field Guide
The Monster Field Guide is an invaluable resource that many players overlook. This guide provides detailed information about each monster, including their weaknesses, the best attack methods, and the materials they drop. Regularly consulting this guide will enhance your hunting strategy and help you efficiently gather the materials you need.
Start using the Ghillie Mantle
As you progress, you will receive various mantles that offer unique benefits. The Ghillie Mantle, which allows you to sneak up on monsters, is particularly useful in the early stages of the game. To utilize it, hold the left bumper and select the Ghillie Mantle from your Essential Items hotwheel. Approaching a monster while using this mantle can provide a significant advantage, allowing for a powerful sneak attack that can turn the tide of battle.
