Monster Hunter Wilds: Duration Revealed

Monster Hunter Wilds, the latest installment in Capcom's acclaimed beast-battling action series, has finally arrived on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Following the footsteps of its predecessor, Monster Hunter World, and the expansive Iceborne DLC, Wilds promises a thrilling adventure. But just how long does it take to conquer this beast? Here's a detailed breakdown from the IGN team on their journey through the main story, their priorities, and their time spent in the postgame.

Tom Marks - Executive Reviews Editor, Games

I reached the credits in Monster Hunter Wilds’ campaign in just under **15 hours**. This marks the true end of the story, unlike the initial credit roll in Monster Hunter Rise, which only signifies the halfway point. However, completing the campaign only concludes the Low Rank, with High Rank awaiting to challenge you further with side quests and tougher battles.

It took me **another 15 hours** to tackle nearly all of those High Rank quests, reaching what I consider the proper endgame. By this point, I had battled every monster, unlocked all available systems and crafting options, and delved into the custom Artian weapon system, which is designed to keep players engaged. Thanks to Wilds’ streamlined grind, it only took me another five hours to optimize my preferred weapons and armor set, though there's always more to explore across different weapon types.

Casey DeFreitas - Deputy Editor, Guides

I completed the final "story" mission in High Rank at around **40 hours**, approximately **22 hours after seeing the credits for Low Rank**. My time might not be precise due to idle moments spent in menus for guide purposes. During the Low Rank, I didn't delve into the intricate systems, crafting only what was necessary and progressing without repeating hunts. In High Rank, I occasionally ventured off to hunt new optional monsters and engaged in multiplayer hunts, which are essential to unlock further Story Missions.

I only upgraded my weapon once specifically, by hunting an extra Ajarakan, before rushing to the end. If time permitted, I would have spent closer to **60 hours** perfecting my armor and weapon set. My journey isn't over yet; I still have endemic life-catching, fishing, and six monster-hunting Side Missions to tackle, along with at least one more optional quest. My plans include farming monsters for Talisman upgrades, crafting different armor, and experimenting with Artian weapons. Plus, I'll be leisurely replaying the story with friends while learning new weapons. With event quests starting next week and upcoming title updates introducing new monsters, there's plenty more to look forward to in Monster Hunter Wilds.

Simon Cardy - Senior Editorial Producer

It took me **just under 16 hours** to finish Monster Hunter Wilds’ main story, which was shorter than expected compared to Monster Hunter World's 25-hour campaign. As a relative newcomer to the series, I found the battles more manageable, though the apex predators did pose a challenge. The game's streamlined approach, reducing the need for extensive tracking and crafting, contributed to this shorter runtime.

The game's structure, with a consistent flow of story cutscenes and monster battles leading to the credits, felt less like a traditional Monster Hunter experience and more like a story-driven game. While this made it easier to reach the story's conclusion, it left me wondering if it sacrifices some of the series' core elements until the post-game.

Jada Griffin - Community Lead

I reached the initial credits in Monster Hunter Wilds after about **20 hours**, spending most of that time on optional and side quests. I also enjoyed exploring the world, hunting endemic life, customizing my settings, and finding optimal camp locations.

It took me **15 hours to complete all the High-rank missions** and see all the monsters post-credits. So far, I've spent nearly **70 hours** in the post-credits world, hunting monsters with friends, farming decorations, and chasing monster crowns. I'm excited about the future title updates that will bring more monsters to the game.

Ronny Barrier - Producer, Guides

I hit the first credits in Monster Hunter Wilds after **20 hours**, mainly focusing on the story with occasional diversions to craft cool armor sets and experiment with different weapons, particularly the Switch Axe. At **65 hours** now, I don't see the credits as the real ending but more as a transition into the deeper gameplay.

There's still so much to do, from hunting new monsters to crafting new gear. The story feels like an extended tutorial, which suits me fine as it leads to more monster encounters. Except for Congalala—I could do without seeing him again.