Monster Hunter Wilds has finally arrived on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC! This latest installment in Capcom's acclaimed beast-battling series builds upon the success of *Monster Hunter World* and its *Iceborne* expansion. But just how much playtime are we talking about? IGN staff share their experiences, detailing main story completion times, gameplay priorities, and post-game adventures.
Tom Marks - Executive Reviews Editor, Games
I finished Monster Hunter Wilds’ main story in just under 15 hours. Unlike Monster Hunter Rise, this is the actual story conclusion, not a midpoint. However, completing the main campaign only concludes Low Rank. High Rank awaits, brimming with side quests and tougher challenges. It took me another 15 hours to complete almost all of these quests and reach what I consider the true endgame. This included battling every monster, unlocking all crafting systems, and experiencing the custom Artian weapon system designed for extended gameplay. Thanks to Wilds’ streamlined progression, I only needed an additional five hours to acquire my desired peak weapon and armor sets, though much more awaits across other weapon types.
**Casey DeFreitas - Deputy Editor, Guides** --------------------------------------------------I completed Monster Hunter Wilds’ final High Rank story mission around 40 hours in, roughly 22 hours after finishing Low Rank. Accuracy is tricky due to time spent in menus for guide creation. During Low Rank, I focused on minimal crafting and skipped repeated hunts. A similar approach was taken in High Rank, but I diverged to hunt optional monsters and collaborate with friends—a necessity for unlocking story missions. I only upgraded my weapon once by hunting an extra Ajarakan, otherwise prioritizing the main story. Ideally, I would have spent closer to 60 hours, allowing for more refined armor and weapon sets. I still have endemic life to collect, six side missions, and at least one more optional quest to unlock. Beyond that, I plan to farm for Talisman upgrades, craft different armor, experiment with Artian weapons, and replay the story with friends. Future title updates and event quests add even more to the experience.
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Simon Cardy - Senior Editorial Producer
I finished Monster Hunter Wilds’ main story in just under 16 hours, a surprisingly short time compared to my World playthrough (25 hours without reaching the end). As a relative newcomer to the series, I found many battles quite manageable. While I did faint a few times against apex predators, the overall experience felt quite smooth. This streamlined approach, scaling back elements like elemental weaknesses, loadout crafting, and extensive tracking, likely contributed to the shorter playtime. The consistent story cutscene/monster battle rhythm, while appreciated for its swift pacing, might feel less like a traditional Monster Hunter experience to some, incorporating more Western cinematic story elements. This allowed me to quickly reach the conclusion, but it might leave some beloved Monster Hunter aspects for the post-game.
Jada Griffin - Community Lead
I reached the initial credits in approximately 20 hours. Most of this time was spent on optional and side quests, but I also enjoyed exploring the world, hunting endemic life, customizing menus and shouts, and finding optimal camp locations. Completing all High Rank missions and side quests took another 15 hours. I've now spent nearly 70 hours on post-game activities like hunting with friends, decoration farming, and hunting for monster crowns. I'm looking forward to future title updates adding more monsters.
**Ronny Barrier - Producer, Guides** -------------------------------------------I saw the first credits after about 20 hours, primarily focusing on the main story with minor detours for armor crafting. I experimented with various weapons (Switch Axe is excellent!), extending my playtime. At 65 hours, I don't consider those credits the true ending; much more hunting, monsters, and crafting remain. The story feels like an extended tutorial, which suits me fine, as more monster battles await. (Except Congalala. Never again.)
