"Monster Hunter: World" is a smash hit, finally giving Capcom's dark horse franchise the Western love it so dearly deserves.
Selling over 5 million units in its first few weeks worldwide according to a report from The Verge, players from Japan to Europe and the United States are playing together online, hunting increasingly deadly monsters and crafting more and more ludicrous loot. If that sounds like something you'd like to get into, you can purchase the game for your Xbox One or PS4 system and jump right into slaying the mighty beasties which stalk the New World.
Alternatively, you can wait for the PC version coming later this year.
However, new players should make no mistake - though this entry into the long-running Monster Hunter franchise is considerably friendlier to newcomers, it's still quite daunting in its' complexity. Understanding all of the interlocking systems which make the series so enthralling will take time and no small amount of brain power. However, if you push through the first few hours of confusion, you're guaranteed to be rewarded with one of the deepest role-playing experiences on the market. Fortunately for you, dear readers, I have spent over 30 hours with the game, doing my best to complete the story and master its' systems.
With that in mind, let's get to the first of our tips and trick that will help your hunter grow and thrive in the savage lands of "Monster Hunter: World."
Try every weapon
"Monster Hunter: World" has 14 weapon types for you to try, and each of them makes the experience of slaying and capturing each member of the game's hearty bestiary feel completely different.
Some have even said that each weapon almost feels like a different game. Sounds scary, right? It doesn't have to be. The game sets you up with cheapo versions of each weapon for you to try out - to do this, talk to the Felyne housekeeper inside your personal quarters (you should be directed to them within the first 20 minutes of the game).
He can take you to the Training Area, where you can equip each weapon from the red Item Box and try them out. Get a feel for the movement speed, rolls, and combos each allow you to do - your choice will be made by how fast you want to be and how much damage you wish to be able to deal. For players new to intense action games, weapons like the Lance, Greatsword and Sword and Shield are useful because they allow you to block attacks if you can't get out of the way in time. Other, more complicated weapons like the Insect Glaive and Charge Blade are probably best left for when you have a better grasp of their mechanics, although every weapon is a nuanced tool of destruction in the hands of an experienced hunter.
Always come prepared
Monster Hunter games have always known for being unforgiving to unprepared and unready hunters, and "World" is no exception. Failing to get ready by eating a meal at the Canteen before even embarking can spell the difference between a new set of armor (more on that later) and a ride on a medical cart. Get used to running the loop between the Workshop and Canteen, and always take a dip down to the Tradeyard to make sure your healing items are in order. For hunts where you'll be facing a creature who inflicts status effects like Iceblight or Poison, you'll want to bring Nullberries and Antidotes respectively. You'll be able to craft these items as you collect more resources while out on hunts, or you can buy them from the trader who stands on top of all those boxes in the Tradeyard.
If things ever get too challenging, however, remember that you have your SOS flare. This is an item that can be used to call in other players at any time, provided you have PS+ or Xbox Live and a connection to the internet.
Take your time
As mentioned, Monster Hunter games can be a little daunting. Fortunately, "World" alleviates a lot of the early game frustration by easing new mechanics into the game as you progress in the story. You're no longer required or expected to learn all of the nuances at once, nor do you have access to the eventual high rank missions where the game starts to get really challenging. You also don't need to be too precious with monster parts. If you see something you want at the Smithy, go ahead and make it - the next monster you take down will probably make it obsolete anyway.
The best advice for a new player is to fully explore the luscious environments, take things one hunt at a time, and enjoy the learning process. As you use and train with your favorite weapon, you will naturally develop tactics that will supplant anything an article could tell you. Trade tips with your fellow hunters online as you team up in the Gathering Hub to take on larger and larger beasts. More than anything, embrace curiosity - explore every nook and cranny because there's always something interesting, useful, or downright quirky beyond that next corner.
