How Long Is Monster Hunter Wilds?

Monster Hunter Wilds has finally arrived on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC! This latest entry in Capcom's acclaimed beast-battling series follows in the massive footsteps of *Monster Hunter World* and its expansive *Iceborne* expansion. But just how much time will it take to conquer? IGN staff share their experiences, revealing playtime to complete the main story, their gameplay priorities, and their 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 campaign only finishes 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 the true endgame. This included battling all available monsters, unlocking all crafting systems, and mastering the custom Artian weapon system designed for long-term engagement. Due to Wilds’ streamlined progression, I only needed an additional five hours to acquire my desired peak weapon and armor sets, though countless options remain across various weapon types.

I finished Monster Hunter Wilds’ final High Rank story mission around 40 hours, roughly 22 hours after completing Low Rank. Accuracy is tricky, as I spent considerable time in menus for guide creation. During Low Rank, I focused on minimal crafting and avoided hunt repetition. My High Rank approach was similar, but I branched out to tackle optional monsters and hunt with friends (essential for story progression). I only upgraded my weapon once by hunting an extra Ajarakan, otherwise prioritizing reaching the final mission. Ideally, with more time, I’d have spent closer to 60 hours, crafting more efficient gear.

I still have endemic life to collect, six remaining side missions (unlocked after the penultimate story mission), and at least one more optional quest to unlock. Beyond that, I plan on farming for Talisman upgrades, crafting different armor, experimenting with Artian weapons, and replaying the story with friends while learning new weapons. Future title updates and event quests add even more to explore.

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Simon Cardy - Senior Editorial Producer

I completed Monster Hunter Wilds’ main story in just under 16 hours, a surprising runtime compared to my World experience (25 hours without finishing). As a relative newcomer to the series, I found many battles surprisingly easy. While I fainted a few times against apex predators, overall, the adventure felt quite straightforward. Streamlined gameplay, scaled-back elemental weaknesses, crafting requirements, and tracking significantly impacted my playtime.

The consistent story cutscene/monster battle pacing, maintained until the credits, felt less like a traditional Monster Hunter experience and more like a Western cinematic narrative. While I appreciated the swift story conclusion, I wonder if it compromises core Monster Hunter elements, delaying them until the post-game.

Jada Griffin - Community Lead

I reached Monster Hunter Wilds’ initial credits in about 20 hours, including optional and side quests. I also spent time exploring, hunting endemic life, customizing menus and shouts, and finding optimal camp locations. Completing all High Rank missions and side quests took another 15 hours. My overall playtime nears 70 hours, encompassing casual hunts with friends, decoration farming, and hunting for monster crowns. I eagerly anticipate future title updates adding new monsters.

I saw the first credits after approximately 20 hours, mostly focusing on the main story with minor detours for armor crafting. I experimented with various weapons (Switch Axe is excellent!), extending my playtime beyond a single weapon focus. With 65 hours logged, I don't consider those credits the true ending; much remains to hunt, discover, and craft. The story feels like an extended tutorial, which I appreciate, as it allows for continued monster hunting (except Congalala – I'd prefer to never see him again).