How Long Is Monster Hunter Wilds?

It's finally here! Monster Hunter Wilds has arrived on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This latest entry in Capcom's beast-battling action series follows in the massive footsteps of its predecessor, Monster Hunter World, and its expansive Iceborne expansion. But just how long will it take to conquer? We asked several members of the IGN team to share their experiences, detailing their playtime, priorities, and post-game adventures.

Tom Marks - Executive Reviews Editor, Games

I finished Monster Hunter Wilds' campaign in just under 15 hours. Unlike Monster Hunter Rise, this is the actual story's conclusion, not a halfway point. However, completing the campaign only finishes Low Rank. High Rank awaits, brimming with side quests and tougher challenges. So, consider this just the beginning.

It took me another 15 hours to complete almost all of those quests and reach what I'd consider the true endgame. This involved battling every monster, unlocking all crafting systems, and mastering the custom Artian weapon system—designed to keep you engaged long after the credits roll. Thanks to Wilds' streamlined grind, I only needed an additional five hours to acquire my desired peak weapons and armor sets. Of course, plenty more awaits across other weapon types and beyond.

I finished Monster Hunter Wilds' final High Rank story mission around 40 hours, approximately 22 hours after completing Low Rank. It's hard to be perfectly precise, as I spent considerable time in menus for guide creation. During Low Rank, I focused on crafting what I could and progressing, skipping repeated hunts. My High Rank approach was similar, though I diverted from story missions to hunt optional monsters with friends (a necessity for unlocking story missions).

I only upgraded my weapon once by hunting an extra Ajarakan, otherwise prioritizing reaching the final mission. This isn't my preferred playstyle; with more time, I likely would have reached 60 hours, crafting more efficient armor and weapons.

I still need to complete endemic life collection and fishing, along with six post-story side missions. At least one more optional quest likely awaits. Beyond that, I plan to farm monsters for Talisman upgrades, craft different armor, experiment with Artian weapons, and replay the story with friends while learning new weapons. Future title updates and event quests further extend the adventure.

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Simon Cardy - Senior Editorial Producer

I completed Monster Hunter Wilds' main story in just under 16 hours, a surprising runtime compared to World, where I reached 25 hours without finishing. As a relative newcomer to the series, I found many battles surprisingly easy. While I fainted a couple of times against apex predators, the overall experience felt breezy. The streamlined gameplay, scaling back elemental weaknesses, crafting requirements, and hunting mechanics, likely contributed to this shorter playtime.

The consistent story cutscene/monster battle rhythm, lasting until the credits, also impacted the runtime. It felt less like a pure Monster Hunter experience and more like a Western cinematic story. While I appreciated the swift story conclusion, I wonder if it sacrifices elements that define the series' appeal until the post-game.

Jada Griffin - Community Lead

I reached Monster Hunter Wilds' initial credits in about 20 hours, mostly spent on optional and side quests. I also spent time exploring, hunting endemic life, customizing menus and shouts, and finding optimal camp locations.

Completing all High-rank missions and side quests took 15 hours. I've spent nearly 70 hours overall in post-game activities like hunting with friends, decoration farming, and hunting for monster crowns. I'm excited for future title updates adding new monsters.

I saw the first credits after about 20 hours, mainly focusing on the story with occasional armor set grinding. I also experimented with various weapons (Switch Axe is awesome!), extending my playtime. With 65 hours currently logged, I don't consider the initial credits the true ending; much more hunting, monsters, and crafting remain. The story feels like an extended tutorial, which I appreciate, allowing for continued monster battles (except Congalala—never again!).