Monster Hunter Wilds: Best Start Guide & Tips 2025

Time: 2025-02-28 by mmojugg Game: Monster Hunter Wilds Guide

Monster Hunter Wilds is here, and whether you're a seasoned hunter or a fresh recruit, getting off to a good start can make all the difference. After diving deep into the game, I've rounded up some of the best tips and tricks to help you hit the ground running - without the frustration of rookie mistakes. Let's explore how to make your first few hours in this beast-filled world as smooth and rewarding as possible, with a sprinkling of personality and practical advice for every aspiring hunter.

Don't Sweat Early Builds—Focus on Fun

When you first step into Wilds, it's tempting to obsess over crafting the ultimate weapon or armor set.

Here's the truth: early-game gear becomes obsolete faster than you can say "high rank". Instead of stressing over meta builds, prioritize enjoying the hunt. That said, if you crave a little direction, the paralysis weapon tree is a solid pick once you take down Lala Barina. It's easy to unlock, stuns monsters like a champ, and boasts decent sharpness—perfect for keeping fights under control. For armour, just grab whatever has the highest defence at the time.

Survivability trumps style in the early stages, although the Ajarakan set's part-breaking perks are worth a nod if you can get your hands on them.

Master combat with Wounds and Focus Strikes

Combat in the Wilds feels faster and more exciting than ever thanks to the new Wounds and Focus Strike system.

Here's how it works: punch a monster in the same place until a glowing red wound appears, then unleash a Focus Strike (R1) to deal massive damage and stagger your prey. It's your ticket to quick hunts and extra loot.

Pro tip: Look for a temporary red glow after a monster's big attack - like a dragon's breath or a stomping tantrum - and hit it with a focus strike for a free explosion of pain. Pair this with offset attacks (think Great Sword's rising slash) for clutch counters that'll leave monsters reeling. Timing is everything, so practice makes perfect.

Ride Your Seikret Like a Pro

Your Seikret mount is a game-changer, and it has no cooldown - call it up whenever you're in a pinch. Need to mount a monster? Jump off your Seikret and go to town with wounds and blows. The D-pad quick actions are a lifesaver too: swap weapons, grab potions, or auto-follow objectives without missing a beat. Oh, and don't sleep on your Seikret bag - it's a handy backup for potions and items when you run out in the middle of a hunt. This trusty companion is your MVP, so treat it right.

Charms: Small Item, Big Impact

Charms may not unlock immediately, but once they do, they're a game changer. These little trinkets boost your equipment skills, allowing you to max out favourites like Weakness Exploit without overloading your armour setup. Early on, they'll give you a nice edge; later, they'll be essential to end-game builds. Stock up on materials as you go - trust me, they are well worth the investment.

Break, Don't Just Kill

To capture or to kill? In Wilds, the real answer is to break. Focusing on wounds doesn't just deal damage - it drops creature parts, far more than carving or capturing alone. Breaking specific parts (check your Field Guide!) guarantees rare drops, like Chatacabra's shell for that sweet Weakness Exploit talisman. That said, capturing has its perks: faster hunts (as early as 30% HP), exclusive mission rewards, and better odds at rare gems. Mix both strategies depending on what you're farming - efficiency is key.

Side Missions and Exploration Hacks

High-level side missions are a goldmine of XP, crafting materials and villager perks such as material collectors and item traders. These NPCs can stockpile honey or trade for high-rank parts, saving you tedious gathering trips. Don't just rely on your map for exploration - check the active monster list and set up custom quests to travel across regions. Bad weather? Embrace it. Inclemency boosts rare material spawns, perfect for high-end recipes.

Fuel Up with Custom Meals

Never hunt on an empty stomach. Custom meals outshine premade options with longer buffs (up to 50 minutes!) and tailored benefits - meat for damage, vegetables for status resistance, or special ingredients like Speciality Sil Garlic for a one-time weak shield. Experiment with recipes and save your favourites; that extra HP and stamina could be just the edge you need.

Upgrade your Palico and collect everything

Your Palico isn't just a cute sidekick—level it up via missions (like capturing Vigor Wasps) for skills like revival or ailment cleansing. Early on, make it a status weapon (Paralysis works wonders) to complement your setup. While you're at it, hoard every resource you can find - ancient bones, minerals, lightning pods. The Slinger makes it a breeze, and these goodies fuel solid gear as you climb the ranks.

Bonus Tweaks for Comfort

One last gem: tweaking your settings. Switch Focus Mode to toggle (no more holding L2), and customize your main menu for quick access to maps or the Field Guide. Small changes, big quality-of-life boost.

Thanks for Reading

There you have it - your blueprint for a killer start to Monster Hunter Wilds. From shredding monsters with focus strikes to riding your Seikret like a boss, these tips will set you up for success. Keep exploring, keep hunting, and stay tuned to MMOJUGG for more epic adventures!