Monster Hunter Wilds: Duration Revealed

Monster Hunter Wilds has arrived on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, continuing the legacy of Capcom's iconic action series. Following the success of Monster Hunter World and its Iceborne expansion, Wilds promises to be a thrilling addition to the franchise. Here, we dive into the time it took different members of the IGN team to complete the main story, their focus during gameplay, and their engagement with the postgame content.

Tom Marks - Executive Reviews Editor, Games

I completed the main campaign of Monster Hunter Wilds in just under **15 hours**, reaching the actual end of the story. Unlike Monster Hunter Rise, where the first credit roll marks only the halfway point, Wilds' credits signify the end of Low Rank. However, the adventure doesn't stop there; High Rank awaits with numerous side quests and tougher challenges.

I spent an additional **15 hours** tackling nearly all the High Rank quests, reaching what I consider the true endgame. This involved battling every available monster, unlocking all systems and crafting options, and getting introduced to the intriguing Artian weapon system. Thanks to Wilds' streamlined grind, it took me just another five hours to optimize my preferred weapons and armor set. Of course, there's always more to achieve with other weapon types and armor combinations.

Casey DeFreitas - Deputy Editor, Guides

I reached the final story mission in High Rank at around **40 hours**, which was approximately **22 hours after the credits rolled for Low Rank**. My time tracking may not be exact, as I spent a significant amount of time in menus for guide-related purposes. During the Low Rank phase, I didn't delve into the game's intricate systems, crafting only what was necessary and avoiding repeated hunts. In High Rank, I diverged from the main story to hunt new optional monsters and join friends for hunts, which is essential for unlocking further Story Missions.

I upgraded my weapon once by specifically hunting an Ajarakan, but otherwise, I focused on reaching the end swiftly. Ideally, I would have spent around **60 hours** to craft a more efficient set of armor and weapons. There's still plenty to do, including endemic life-catching, fishing, and completing six remaining monster-hunting Side Missions. I'm also eager to farm specific monsters for Talisman upgrades, craft new armor, and experiment with the Artian weapons. Plus, I plan to replay the story with friends using different weapons, and I'm excited about upcoming event quests and title updates with new monsters.

Simon Cardy - Senior Editorial Producer

Completing Monster Hunter Wilds' main story took me **just under 16 hours**, a shorter duration than I expected, especially compared to my 25-hour journey through World's campaign. As a relative newcomer to the series, I found the battles quite manageable, though some apex predators did challenge me. The game's streamlined approach, which simplifies elemental strategies, loadout crafting, and tracking, made it more accessible for players like me.

The frequent alternation between story cutscenes and monster battles influenced the runtime, making it feel less like a traditional Monster Hunter game and more like a cinematic experience. While this allowed me to reach the story's conclusion quickly, I wonder if it might detract from the core Monster Hunter experience until the post-game kicks in.

Jada Griffin - Community Lead

It took me about **20 hours** to see the initial credits in Monster Hunter Wilds. Most of this time was dedicated to completing optional and side quests, while I also enjoyed exploring the world, hunting endemic life, and customizing my gameplay experience. The exploration of the map, from hidden paths to optimal camp locations, was a highlight for me.

Completing all High Rank missions and side quests took an additional **15 hours**, bringing me face-to-face with all the post-credits monsters. Since then, I've logged nearly **70 hours** in the post-game, enjoying leisurely hunts with friends, farming decorations, and hunting for monster crowns. I'm eagerly anticipating future title updates that will bring new monsters to the game.

Ronny Barrier - Producer, Guides

I reached the first credits in Monster Hunter Wilds after about **20 hours**, mainly focusing on the story but also taking time to craft a few armor sets and experiment with various weapons, especially the Switch Axe. My current playtime stands at **65 hours**, and I don't consider the credits the true end; they're more of a turning point. The post-game offers plenty of new challenges and opportunities, from hunting new monsters to crafting new gear. The story felt like an extended tutorial, which I appreciated, as it prepared me for the extensive monster hunting ahead.