Monster Hunter Wilds: Duration Revealed

The highly anticipated Monster Hunter Wilds has finally arrived on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, continuing the legacy of Capcom's iconic beast-battling series. Following the footsteps of Monster Hunter World and its expansive Iceborne DLC, Wilds promises an engaging experience. But just how long does it take to conquer this latest installment? Here, we'll delve into the time it took various members of the IGN team to complete the main story, their focus during gameplay, and their adventures in the postgame.

Tom Marks - Executive Reviews Editor, Games

It took me just under **15 hours** to reach the credits in Monster Hunter Wilds' campaign, marking the actual conclusion of the story. Unlike Monster Hunter Rise, where the initial credits roll at roughly the midpoint, Wilds' credits signal the end of Low Rank. However, the journey doesn't end there; High Rank awaits with a plethora of side quests and tougher challenges.

I spent an additional **15 hours** completing nearly all the High Rank quests, reaching what I consider the true endgame. During this time, I encountered every monster, unlocked all initial crafting systems, and delved into the new Artian weapon system. Thanks to the game's streamlined progression, I only needed another five hours to optimize my preferred weapons and armor, though there's always more to explore with other weapon types.

Casey DeFreitas - Deputy Editor, Guides

I completed the final "story" mission in High Rank at around **40 hours**, roughly **22 hours after seeing the credits for Low Rank**. My playtime might be slightly skewed due to time spent idling in menus for guide creation. In the Low Rank phase, I focused minimally on the game's intricate systems, crafting what was necessary and moving forward without repeating hunts. In High Rank, I ventured more into optional monster hunts and multiplayer, which were necessary to unlock further Story Missions.

I upgraded my weapon only once specifically for the final mission, opting for a direct path to the end. Ideally, with more time, I would have spent around 60 hours perfecting my gear. Post-game, I still have endemic life to catch, fishing to do, and six monster-hunting Side Missions to complete. I'm eager to farm monsters for Talisman upgrades, experiment with different armor sets, and explore the Artian weapon system's RNG. I also plan to replay the story with friends, learning new weapons, and look forward to upcoming event quests and title updates.

Simon Cardy - Senior Editorial Producer

I finished Monster Hunter Wilds' main story in **just under 16 hours**, a surprisingly quick pace compared to my 25-hour journey in Monster Hunter World. As a relative newcomer to the series, I found the battles quite manageable, though the apex predators posed some challenge. The game's streamlined approach, with less emphasis on elemental strategies, crafting, and tracking, made it more accessible for players like me.

The consistent flow of story cutscenes and monster battles until the credits felt somewhat less like traditional Monster Hunter and more influenced by Western cinematic storytelling. While this made the story more approachable, it might leave some series veterans wanting more of the classic Monster Hunter experience until the post-game kicks in.

Jada Griffin - Community Lead

It took me about **20 hours** to reach the initial credits in Monster Hunter Wilds, with much of that time dedicated to optional and side quests. I also enjoyed exploring the game's world, hunting endemic life, customizing my menus, and finding optimal camp locations.

Completing all High Rank missions and side quests took another **15 hours**, allowing me to encounter all post-credit monsters. So far, I've logged nearly **70 hours** in the post-game, enjoying casual hunts with friends, farming decorations, and pursuing monster crowns. I'm excited for 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**, focusing primarily on the main story with occasional detours to craft appealing armor sets and experiment with various weapons, particularly the Switch Axe.

Currently, I'm at **65 hours** and don't consider the credits the true end. The story feels like an extended tutorial, setting the stage for more hunting, new monsters, and crafting unique gear. While I'm eager to continue exploring, I could do without encountering Congalala again.