Monster Hunter Wilds has finally arrived on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, continuing the legacy of Capcom's renowned beast-battling action series. Following the footsteps of Monster Hunter World and its expansive Iceborne update, Wilds promises an engaging experience. But just how long does it take to complete? Here, we'll dive into the time it took various members of the IGN team to finish the main story, their priorities during gameplay, and their engagement with the postgame content.
Tom Marks - Executive Reviews Editor, Games
I completed the 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 journey doesn't end there; High Rank awaits with numerous side quests and tougher challenges.
I spent **another 15 hours** tackling these quests to reach what I consider the true endgame. By this point, I had battled all available monsters, unlocked all initial systems and crafting options, and delved into the custom Artian weapon system designed to keep players engaged. Thanks to Wilds' streamlined grind, I only needed an additional **five hours** to optimize my preferred weapons and armor set, though there's much more to explore across 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 the credits rolled for Low Rank**. My time might not be entirely precise due to idle time spent in menus for guide creation. During the Low Rank phase, I didn't delve deeply into the game's intricate systems, focusing instead on crafting with available resources and progressing without repeating hunts. In High Rank, I ventured into optional monster hunts and played more with friends, which is necessary to unlock further Story Missions.
I only upgraded my weapon once by hunting an extra Ajarakan, otherwise sticking to what I could craft and rushing to the end. Ideally, I would have spent closer to **60 hours** to create a more efficient armor and weapon set. Postgame, I still have endemic life-catching, fishing, and six monster-hunting Side Missions to complete, along with potential additional optional quests. My plans include farming specific monsters for Talisman upgrades, crafting different armor, experimenting with Artian weapons, and replaying the story with friends to master new weapons. With upcoming event quests and title updates introducing new monsters, there's plenty more to look forward to in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Simon Cardy - Senior Editorial Producer
I finished the main story of Monster Hunter Wilds in **just under 16 hours**, which was surprisingly quick compared to my 25-hour journey into Monster Hunter World without reaching the end. As a relative newcomer to the series, I found the battles quite manageable, though some apex predators did pose a challenge. The game's streamlined approach, with less emphasis on elemental strengths, crafting tailored loadouts, and extensive tracking, made it more accessible for players like me.
The consistent pacing of story cutscenes and monster battles until the credits felt less like a traditional Monster Hunter experience and more influenced by Western cinematic storytelling. While this allowed for a swift conclusion to the initial story, it might leave some of the series' beloved elements for the postgame, which I'm eager to explore further.
Jada Griffin - Community Lead
It took me about **20 hours** to reach the initial credits in Monster Hunter Wilds, with most of that time spent on optional and side quests. I also enjoyed exploring the game's world, hunting endemic life, customizing my radial menus, and finding optimal camp locations.
Completing all High-rank missions and side quests took me **15 hours**, allowing me to encounter all post-credit monsters. So far, I've spent nearly **70 hours** in the post-credits phase, engaging in fun activities like hunting with friends, decoration farming, and pursuing monster crowns. I'm excited about future title updates that will add more monsters to the roster.
Ronny Barrier - Producer, Guides
I reached the first credits in Monster Hunter Wilds after about **20 hours**, mainly focusing on the 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, as there's much more to explore and hunt.
The story feels like an extended tutorial, which suits me fine as it leads to more monster encounters and crafting opportunities. While I'm eager to continue my journey, I could do without facing Congalala again.
