Rating 8.5/10
When Monster Hunter: World launched in 2018, it wasn’t just another entry in Capcom’s long-running series—it was a turning point. For the first time, the franchise that had dominated in Japan for years truly broke into the global mainstream. With its massive monsters, deep crafting systems, and co-op hunts, Monster Hunter: World turned niche into worldwide success. But how does the base game hold up today, years later, without the Iceborne expansion? Let’s dive in.
A World Worth Exploring
The setting of Monster Hunter: World lives up to its name. Each biome—from the lush Ancient Forest to the fiery Elder’s Recess—feels alive with ecosystems where monsters hunt, fight, and adapt. Unlike older entries with segmented zones, World offers seamless open areas, making hunts more dynamic and immersive.
Gathering resources, tracking footprints, and following scoutflies all contribute to the sense that you’re part of a living, breathing ecosystem. It’s not just about the monsters—it’s about the entire food chain.
Combat: Deep but Accessible
Combat has always been the heart of Monster Hunter, and World balances depth with accessibility better than any entry before it. With 14 weapon types, from the beginner-friendly Sword & Shield to the high-skill Bowguns, there’s truly a style for everyone.
The base game introduces quality-of-life improvements that new players desperately needed:
- No loading between zones mid-hunt.
- Slinger tool for utility like grappling and distraction.
- Clearer tutorials that help you learn without overwhelming.
Every monster encounter feels like a puzzle—study its patterns, exploit its weaknesses, and adapt on the fly. The thrill of finally taking down a towering Rathalos after a long fight is unmatched.
Progression and Gear Grind
Hunting monsters isn’t just for glory—it’s for gear crafting. Carving parts from monsters and forging weapons/armor is addictive, and every set looks as intimidating as the creature it came from.
The progression loop is straightforward:
- Hunt a monster.
- Craft better gear.
- Take on tougher monsters.
This grind can be repetitive for some, but fans of loot-driven games will find it rewarding. The satisfaction of wearing a full set you earned piece by piece is central to Monster Hunter’s appeal.
Story: Functional but Forgettable
The narrative in Monster Hunter: World is serviceable at best. You play as a Hunter sent to the New World to study—and ultimately fight—the massive Elder Dragons. Cutscenes are frequent early on but lack depth, mostly serving as excuses to send you after the next big creature.
While the story won’t blow anyone away, it does its job of introducing monsters and escalating stakes. For most players, the real story is written in the hunts themselves.
Multiplayer: The Game’s True Heart
Hunting is fun solo, but World shines brightest in multiplayer co-op. Joining friends (or random hunters) to take down colossal beasts feels like the ultimate teamwork test. Coordinating traps, healing, and combos creates unforgettable moments—especially when hunts go down to the wire.
However, the multiplayer system in the base game isn’t perfect. SOS flares make it easier to call for help, but session lobbies can be clunky, and watching mandatory cutscenes before joining a friend’s story quest can be frustrating.
Visuals and Performance
Even today, Monster Hunter: World looks fantastic. The monster designs are detailed, animations are fluid, and environments are dense with life. On PC, the game still pushes hardware, though optimization has improved over the years.
The sound design is equally impressive—roars, footsteps, and orchestral battle themes make every hunt feel cinematic.
The Grind Without Iceborne
Here’s the catch: without the Iceborne expansion, the base game can feel limited once you reach the endgame. Content caps out with Elder Dragons like Nergigante and Teostra, and while these fights are epic, hardcore players may burn through the available monsters faster than expected.
Still, for newcomers, the base game easily offers 60–100 hours of content, more if you enjoy farming gear sets and experimenting with different weapons.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Gorgeous, living ecosystems.
- Deep, rewarding combat with 14 unique weapon types.
- Accessible for newcomers without sacrificing depth.
- Addictive gear progression and monster variety.
- Fantastic in co-op.
Cons:
- Story is bland and forgettable.
- Multiplayer systems can be clunky.
- Repetitive grind may turn off some players.
- Endgame is shallow without the Iceborne expansion.
Final Verdict
Monster Hunter: World (base game) is a landmark entry that successfully brought the franchise to a global audience. While its story is weak and its endgame lighter without Iceborne, the core hunting loop is still one of the most satisfying experiences in modern gaming.
If you’re new to Monster Hunter, World is still the best entry point—accessible, beautiful, and endlessly rewarding.