Genre: Action RPG | Developer: Capcom | Release Date: 2018
Published by Capcom, the game was released on Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. Monster Hunter: World is the fifth main entry in the Monster Hunter series.
Campaign
Monster Hunter: World offers a more narrative-driven campaign than previous titles in the franchise, introducing players to the Fifth Fleet’s journey to the New World to study Elder Dragons and investigate a mysterious phenomenon involving Zorah Magdaros. The campaign acts as both a tutorial and a long-form progression guide, steadily introducing new mechanics, environments, and monster behaviors through escalating missions and cutscenes. What sets this campaign apart is how it blends cinematic storytelling with the core gameplay loop of hunting, crafting, and upgrading.
Players assume the role of a customizable Hunter, supported by an endearing Palico companion and backed by an array of support characters from the Research Commission. Though most of these characters exist primarily to funnel players toward the next hunt, a few, like the exuberant Handler and grim Admiral, do stand out. Story-wise, while it won't rival deep RPG narratives, the campaign is compelling enough to keep players engaged, especially as it offers access to increasingly formidable monsters and complex gear systems.
The pacing of the campaign is well-measured—hunts are lengthy, challenging, and require real preparation. Although the world itself is divided into regions rather than an open-world map, the seamless design of each biome (from the lush Ancient Forest to the toxic Rotten Vale) adds a sense of exploration and purpose to each mission. The Elder Crossing mystery offers a surprisingly strong central hook, with twists leading up to an impressive final battle. Overall, the campaign is substantial, immersive, and rich in content, even if it’s ultimately a vessel for grinding and high-stakes boss fights.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Gameplay
Where Monster Hunter: World truly shines is its gameplay. Every hunt is a miniature survival experience: tracking, prepping, engaging, and surviving against massive beasts with unique patterns, elemental affinities, and behavior. Each of the game’s 14 weapon types is essentially a class of its own, featuring deep mechanics, skill expression, and playstyle variety—whether you’re slashing with the Greatsword, supporting with the Hunting Horn, or flying across the battlefield with the Insect Glaive.
Combat is deliberate, weighty, and incredibly rewarding. Learning a monster’s attack pattern, baiting its movement, and timing your combos or traps never gets old. The “slinger” tool adds tactical depth, allowing players to launch environmental hazards or distract enemies mid-fight. Mounting monsters, breaking parts, and triggering turf wars between rival creatures add cinematic chaos to the battles. The inclusion of a scoutfly tracking system makes it easier for newcomers to follow clues and locate monsters without the traditional paintball mechanic, streamlining the experience without dumbing it down.
Multiplayer integration is solid, with up to four hunters teaming up to take down monsters in expeditions or SOS flares. That said, the lobby system and quest-joining process can feel clunky at times, especially when trying to join mid-mission. Post-launch content and updates, including special event monsters like Behemoth and crossover collaborations, extend the gameplay lifespan significantly.
Progression is driven by gear—each monster drops unique materials used to craft armor and weapons. This constant gear grind loop is what gives the game its insane longevity. While the grind won’t be for everyone, it's finely tuned and fair. Every failure feels like a learning opportunity, and every successful hunt is a true moment of triumph.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Production
Visually, Monster Hunter: World is stunning. Capcom’s RE Engine (adapted for this title) delivers detailed environments and beautifully animated monsters that feel alive, threatening, and powerful. Each biome is intricately designed, with verticality, hidden alcoves, and interactive environmental elements—like falling boulders or poison plants—that make the world feel rich and dynamic. Monsters aren’t just designed well, they behave intelligently: limping when injured, retreating to nests, or going berserk in enraged states.
The sound design complements this with a strong orchestral soundtrack that rises and falls with the intensity of the hunt. Battles with Elder Dragons feel appropriately epic, and quiet moments in the forest or coral highlands are filled with ambient noise and wildlife sounds that enhance immersion. Voice acting is serviceable but not particularly standout—characters tend to shout “Hunter!” or offer exposition more than meaningful dialogue. That said, the overall atmosphere is elevated by strong sound mixing and musical cues that signal danger or opportunity.
Menus, UI, and gear management are all a bit overwhelming at first, especially for new players, but Capcom has implemented helpful tutorials and guides. Crafting, upgrading, decorating weapons with jewels, and balancing skillsets is like fine-tuning a build in an RPG. There’s real visual satisfaction in watching your hunter’s armor evolve, often themed after the monsters you've conquered.
Despite the heavy focus on hunting, the game includes some charming downtime—petting your Palico, eating meals with exaggerated animations at the Canteen, or relaxing in your personal room, which can be customized. The production is polished, dense, and dripping with personality.
Rating: 5 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Monster Hunter: World is a masterclass in action RPG design, blending strategic, satisfying combat with massive amounts of content and customization. While its campaign is linear and the systems can be dense, the gameplay loop and world-building keep players engaged for dozens—if not hundreds—of hours. It’s a monster of a game. Monster Hunter: World gets 5 out of 5
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