In an exclusive interview with the developers of Monster Hunter World, we learned more about the endgame of the action RPG. Learn more about the playtime of the story campaign, what to expect afterwards, and how maps influence the gameplay.
The heart of Monster Hunter World will be the grind for better gear. You slay powerful monsters to get good loot.
In World, there will also be a story campaign that is supposed to be larger than in previous installments. Warning: Spoilers ahead.
The story of Monster Hunter World summarized:
- Every 10 years, the Elder Dragons fly across the sea to the New World.
- A research group wants to explore this phenomenon and understand why the dragons make this journey.
- In Monster Hunter World, a large ship with monster hunters arrives in the New World. They want to take down the massive Elder Dragon “Zorah Magdaros.” This beast resembles a living volcano. The players take on the role of one of these hunters.
- In the city of Astera, there is a collection of researchers and hunters. The hunters help the researchers understand and investigate the monsters. Ultimately, the hunters also serve to protect the people in Astera and keep dangerous creatures at bay.
How long is the playtime of Monster Hunter World?
We wanted to find out what players can expect once they have completed the story of Monster Hunter World and how long it will take them to do so. In an exclusive interview, producer Ryozo Tsujimoto and director Yuya Tokuda revealed what players can expect after the story.
Mein-MMO: How long do you estimate players will play on average? Does Monster Hunter World have an endgame?
Tokuda: “I estimate it will take approximately 40 to 50 hours to complete the story, depending on the player types. But it wouldn’t be a Monster Hunter game if there weren’t any content to enjoy afterwards. Players can continue to forge and upgrade their favorite weapons and armor even after the story has long ended.”
Fujioka: Not only that! We will also release weekly event quests and free updates after the launch that players can enjoy.”
The maps influence gameplay in Monster Hunter World
We were also curious about how the maps will influence gameplay and where the developers drew their inspiration for the maps.
Mein-MMO: The map Coral Highlands introduces vertical gameplay into your franchise. Can we expect to see even more new gameplay mechanics in Monster Hunter World?
Tokuda: “All maps have a concept for an ecosystem and the game design, in other words, the experience we want to give players. The Coral Highlands is definitely designed for verticality. However, it is not the first time that we have vertical areas in the series.
Starting with the underwater areas in Monster Hunter Tri and continuing with the map design of MH4. Here we learned how to properly use verticality and elevations in maps. We were able to apply that knowledge in World.
We tried out all sorts of new things in World. There are areas with waist-deep water that slow you down as you wade through it.
When developing the maps, we first focused on interesting features like these that would bring more variety to the gameplay. When players return to areas or hunt the same monsters, they can have a different experience each time.”
Mein-MMO: Your team traveled the world for the development of Monster Hunter World. Which places left the biggest impression on you and influenced Monster Hunter World?
Tokuda: “A group of designers visited various regions in Australia, including Tasmania. This had a significant impact.
The background designers used the areas in Australia as inspiration for the plants in the Ancient Forest and the anthills in the Wildspire Waste. The designer responsible for incorporating plants and stones into the maps said that her visit brought her a lot.
She said it was a huge difference to see how vegetation grows and interacts with the environment instead of just seeing it in photos.”
That was the second part of our interview with the developers of Monster Hunter World.
- The first part can be found here: “Destiny players are more easily excited about Monster Hunter World”
- And the last part here: Monster Hunter World PC: Work begins only after console release
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