Monster Hunter World, the fifth main installment in the popular Monster Hunter series, has taken the gaming world by storm with its immersive gameplay, stunning visuals, and sheer scale of its world. One of the most pressing questions on every player’s mind is: how long does it take to complete the main story? In this article, we’ll delve into the answer, exploring the various factors that influence playtime and providing a comprehensive guide to help you plan your journey.
Understanding the Main Story and Its Components
Before we dive into the playtime estimates, it’s essential to understand the structure of the main story in Monster Hunter World. The game’s narrative is divided into several key components:
Quests
The main story is comprised of a series of quests, each with its unique objectives, challenges, and rewards. These quests are divided into:
- Main Quests: These are the primary story quests that advance the narrative and introduce new characters, locations, and plot twists.
- <strong Optional Quests: These quests provide additional challenges, rewards, and insight into the game’s world and characters.
Hunts and Battles
Monster Hunter World is all about hunting and battling fearsome creatures, known as monsters. The game features a vast array of monsters, each with its unique characteristics, habitats, and behaviors. The main story quests often involve hunting and battling these monsters, which can be a significant time investment.
Exploration and Character Progression
The game encourages exploration of the New World, discovering new locations, and uncovering the secrets of the world. Character progression is also a crucial aspect, as you’ll need to upgrade your gear, skills, and abilities to tackle the toughest challenges.
Playtime Estimates and Influencing Factors
Now that we’ve broken down the main story components, let’s discuss the playtime estimates and the factors that influence them.
Average Playtime
According to various sources, including HowLongToBeat andSteam Community estimates, the average playtime to complete the main story in Monster Hunter World is around 30-40 hours. However, this estimate can vary significantly depending on several factors.
Factors Influencing Playtime
- Player Skill Level: If you’re new to the Monster Hunter series or action RPGs in general, you may need more time to learn the combat mechanics, monster behaviors, and optimal strategies. Seasoned players, on the other hand, may breeze through the main story in less time.
- Quest Completion Speed: How quickly you complete quests depends on your familiarity with the game’s mechanics and your ability to adapt to new challenges. Faster completion times will, of course, reduce overall playtime.
- Exploration and Side Quests: If you choose to explore the New World extensively, complete optional quests, and indulge in the game’s many side activities, your playtime will increase accordingly.
- Difficulty Level: Playing on higher difficulty levels, such as High Rank or Extreme Behemoth, will require more time and effort to complete the main story.
- Co-op Play: If you’re playing with friends or joining online co-op sessions, your playtime may vary depending on the group’s overall skill level and cooperation.
Breaking Down the Main Story Quests
To provide a better understanding of the main story’s structure and playtime, let’s break down the quests into their respective parts:
Low Rank Quests (1-15)
The early quests introduce you to the basics of hunting, gathering, and combat. These quests are relatively short, with an estimated playtime of 5-10 hours.
High Rank Quests (16-30)
As you progress, the quests become more challenging, introducing stronger monsters and new mechanics. This section takes around 10-15 hours to complete.
Post-Story Quests (31-50)
After completing the main story, you’ll unlock additional quests that provide more challenges, new monsters, and a deeper understanding of the game’s world. These quests can add an extra 5-10 hours to your playtime.
Tips for Efficient Play
If you’re looking to minimize your playtime and complete the main story as quickly as possible, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Focus on Main Quests: Prioritize completing the main story quests to advance the narrative and unlock new areas and mechanics.
- Skip Optional Quests (Temporarily): While optional quests provide valuable rewards and insight, they can be completed later. Focus on the main story quests first, and then revisit optional quests when you have more experience and better gear.
- Upgrade Your Gear Strategically: Focus on upgrading your gear and skills in a way that complements your playstyle and the quests you’re currently working on.
Conclusion
Embarking on the epic quest in Monster Hunter World can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it does require a significant time investment. By understanding the main story’s structure, influencing factors, and optimizing your play, you can complete the main story in around 30-40 hours. However, if you choose to explore the New World extensively, complete optional quests, and indulge in the game’s many side activities, your playtime will be much longer.
Remember, Monster Hunter World is a game that encourages exploration, experimentation, and cooperation. Take your time, enjoy the journey, and don’t hesitate to ask for help or join forces with fellow hunters to conquer the challenges that lie ahead.
How long does it take to complete the main story in Monster Hunter World?
The main story in Monster Hunter World can take around 20-30 hours to complete, depending on the player’s skill level and playstyle. This estimate assumes that the player is focusing primarily on completing the main storyline and does not include time spent on side quests, optional activities, or post-game content.
However, it’s worth noting that the main story is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the overall Monster Hunter World experience. The game offers a wealth of additional content, including optional quests, hunting trials, and endgame activities that can add tens of hours to the overall playtime. Players who want to fully complete the game and experience everything it has to offer can expect to spend 50-100 hours or more playing through the game.
What is the main story in Monster Hunter World about?
The main story in Monster Hunter World follows the journey of the player’s character, a Hunter, as they embark on a quest to uncover the secrets of the New World, a mysterious continent filled with monsters and ancient ruins. The story is structured around a series of quests and cutscenes that advance the plot and introduce new characters and locations.
As the player progresses through the story, they will uncover a deeper conspiracy involving the Elder Dragons, powerful creatures that are threatening the balance of the ecosystem in the New World. The player must hunt and slay these dragons, while also navigating the politics and intrigue of the Hunter’s Guild and the mysterious forces that are driving the plot forward.
Are there any prerequisites to accessing the main story in Monster Hunter World?
There are no prerequisites to accessing the main story in Monster Hunter World, as it is open to all players from the start. The game’s story is designed to be accessible to new players, and the early quests and tutorials provide a gentle learning curve to introduce players to the game’s mechanics and systems.
That being said, players who are new to the Monster Hunter series or action RPGs in general may want to take some time to get familiar with the game’s controls and combat mechanics before diving into the main story. The game’s optional tutorials and training quests can provide a helpful introduction to the basics of hunting and combat.
Can I play the main story in co-op with friends?
Unfortunately, the main story in Monster Hunter World is designed as a single-player experience, and co-op play is not available for the main storyline. However, the game does offer co-op play for some optional quests and activities, such as hunting large monsters or completing challenges.
Players who want to experience the main story with friends can still do so, but they will need to play through the story separately and then meet up in the game’s online multiplayer features to take on co-op challenges and hunt together. This allows players to experience the social aspects of the game while still enjoying the main story as intended.
Are there any DLCs or updates that add to the main story?
Yes, Capcom has released several DLCs and updates for Monster Hunter World that add new story content, characters, and quests to the game. These updates often include new monsters to hunt, new areas to explore, and new plot twists that advance the story.
Players who want to experience the full scope of the game’s story should make sure to check out the DLCs and updates, which are available for download on the game’s official website or through the game’s online store. These additions can add several hours of new content to the game, and provide a fresh experience for players who have already completed the main story.
How does the main story in Monster Hunter World compare to other games in the series?
The main story in Monster Hunter World is one of the most polished and engaging in the series, with a more cinematic and narrative-driven approach than previous games. The story is more heavily focused on character development and plot twists, and features a more dramatic and epic scope than earlier games in the series.
However, the story still retains the core elements that fans of the series love, including the thrill of the hunt, the excitement of discovery, and the sense of accomplishment when taking down a tough monster. Players who are familiar with the series will feel right at home, while new players will be drawn into the world and its characters.
Will completing the main story affect my ability to play online multiplayer?
Completing the main story in Monster Hunter World will not affect a player’s ability to play online multiplayer. The game’s online features are available to all players, regardless of their progress through the main story.
In fact, completing the main story can often provide players with new opportunities and challenges in online multiplayer, such as access to new monsters, quests, and gear. Players who have completed the main story can still join up with friends and take on co-op challenges, hunt together, or participate in online events and activities.