Monster Hunter Wilds has finally arrived on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, continuing Capcom's legacy of thrilling beast-battling action. Following in the footsteps of Monster Hunter World and its expansive Iceborne DLC, Wilds offers a fresh adventure that fans are eager to dive into. But just how long does it take to conquer this new world? We've compiled the experiences of several IGN team members to give you a detailed look at the time it takes to finish the main story, engage with side content, and explore the post-game.
Tom Marks - Executive Reviews Editor, Games
It took me just under **15 hours** to see the credits roll in Monster Hunter Wilds' campaign. Unlike Monster Hunter Rise, where the first credit roll marks only the halfway point, Wilds' credits signify the true end of the story. However, this only concludes the Low Rank portion of the game. High Rank awaits with numerous side quests and challenging encounters, keeping the adventure far from over.
I spent **another 15 hours** tackling nearly all the High Rank quests, reaching what I consider the real endgame. By this point, I had encountered all the available monsters, unlocked all the crafting systems, and delved into the new Artian weapon system designed to keep players engaged. Thanks to Wilds' efficient grind, I only needed an additional five hours to optimize my preferred weapons and armor sets. Yet, there's always more to achieve across different weapon types and beyond.
Casey DeFreitas - Deputy Editor, Guides
I completed the final "story" mission in High Rank around the **40-hour mark**, roughly **22 hours after the Low Rank credits**. My time might not be entirely precise due to extensive menu idling for guide purposes. During the Low Rank phase, I focused primarily on crafting with available resources and progressing without repeating hunts. In High Rank, I explored more optional monsters and enjoyed hunts with friends, which are necessary to unlock further Story Missions.
I upgraded my weapon only once by hunting an extra Ajarakan, opting to rush to the end rather than optimize my gear. Ideally, with more time, I'd have spent around **60 hours** perfecting my armor and weapon sets. I still have several tasks ahead, including catching endemic life, fishing, and completing remaining Side Missions. I'm excited about farming for Talisman upgrades, experimenting with different armor, and trying my luck at crafting Artian weapons. Plus, there are upcoming event quests and title updates with new monsters to look forward to.
Simon Cardy - Senior Editorial Producer
I finished the main story of Monster Hunter Wilds in **just under 16 hours**, which was surprisingly quicker than my experience with Monster Hunter World. As a relative newcomer to the series, I found the battles quite manageable, with only occasional difficulties against apex predators. The game's streamlined approach, reduced emphasis on elemental strategies, and less intensive tracking and hunting made it more accessible for players like me.
The game's pacing, with a steady flow of story cutscenes and monster battles, felt somewhat influenced by Western cinematic styles. While this made the story more engaging and allowed for a swift conclusion, it also left me wondering if some of the core Monster Hunter elements were sacrificed until the post-game, which offers a more traditional experience.
Jada Griffin - Community Lead
It took me about **20 hours** to reach the initial credits in Monster Hunter Wilds. I spent most of this time on optional and side quests, but also enjoyed exploring the game's world, hunting endemic life, customizing my menus, and discovering optimal camp locations.
Completing all High-rank missions and side quests took me an additional **15 hours**. Since then, I've logged nearly **70 hours** in the post-credits phase, hunting monsters with friends, farming decorations, and pursuing monster crowns. While I've thoroughly enjoyed my time so far, I'm eagerly anticipating future title updates that will bring more monsters to the game.
Ronny Barrier - Producer, Guides
I reached the first credits after about **20 hours**, primarily focusing on the main story with occasional detours to craft appealing armor sets. Experimenting with different weapons, particularly the Switch Axe, extended my playtime compared to sticking with a single weapon like the sword and shield.
Currently at **65 hours**, I view the credits as more of a narrative turning point than the true ending. There's still so much to explore and hunt, with new monsters and gear to discover. The story feels like an extended tutorial, which suits me fine as it leads to more monster encounters—except for Congalala, whom I'd rather not see again.
