Our author Schuhmann was able to play the beta of Monster Hunter World on PC and is mildly excited in the playtest of the Steam version: This is something different. Beginners should not be afraid to get started. It is as complex as everyone says, but it’s manageable.
Technical Problems: I was able to play the beta version of Monster Hunter World over the past few days. At first, I was a bit skeptical. My computer is about 2 years old, I have a GTX 980 graphics card, 16 GB of RAM, and a pretty decent CPU.
But now a patch has arrived. Now Monster Hunter World runs stably at medium settings with about 45 FPS at a resolution of 2560×1440. At the highest graphic setting, my FPS dropped to 30. I have not had any more crashes since the 138 MB patch.
I am sure there’s still a lot to adjust, but for me it was fine. I’m not that much of an FPS hawk anyway. I know many get a fit over it, but for me, 30 FPS is still “smooth” when they are stable. Ironically, I have a 144hz monitor, but that’s a story for another day.
I played this much: I played for about 6 hours, which includes the first story missions and some optional quests. If you want, you can keep going after monsters you have already slain and kill them again.
With 6 hours, I would say I’m roughly out of the “tutorial,” but still relatively at the beginning.
I haven’t tested this: I haven’t played any group content in the beta. I was only solo. You can team up with up to three friends.
Complex, but easy to get into
Entering as a beginner: I have no experience with the “Monster Hunter” franchise. I know many are familiar with the series from consoles and rave about the legendary complexity of the series. The only thing I have played in that direction was Dauntless.
However, I had no trouble finding my way in the game. But you can tell right from the start what a complex game you are facing:
You have the choice between countless different weapons – I chose the Morph Axe and ignored the rest
In the world, you find countless resources, insects, ores, and flowers. I diligently collected them, but had no idea what I needed them for
And there is a complex crafting system. My “MMORPG” general knowledge was enough to allow me to enjoy the first upgrades. I made a large axe from the body of one of the first monsters I killed. That felt great
What I knew was: regularly drink HP potions and sharpen the weapon – that’s also somehow cool and is part of the rhythm of the fights.
Controls and combat pleasantly simple: Even without prior knowledge, Monster Hunter World was fun for me from the very first minute.
It’s nice how easily and dynamically you move through the world. I slid down slopes, swung on vines, or hooked onto a flying dinosaur, but somehow I always reached my destination safely. There is no fall damage – it invites you to run around a bit more recklessly.
Overall, the controls seem to work well on PC – I had no trouble finding my way around.
From the outside, I often thought: The game looks incredibly complex, but once you’re in, it moves along nicely.
The negatives – what I didn’t like
What I didn’t really like was the story so far. It looks very standard to me. Although that’s not so important in this game. You can skip dialogue passages.
I find the companion in the story quest, the Wild Keeper, looks oddly strange on PC. This is kind of “Uncanny Valley” stuff: she is supposed to look human but it doesn’t. She looks creepy.
The positives, what I liked about Monster Hunter World
The hunt for the monsters is really fun. You follow scouting bugs, a green trail, and chase the beasts
The battles themselves are epic. The fights follow a rhythm. You sense when to pull back and when to pursue the monster. It’s hard to describe, but a unique feeling that I really liked. Especially when you loot the severed tail of such a beast during a battle pause, that’s really cool. And from that, you can make armor – ha.
The Palico, the animal companion, is just awesome. It’s a great idea to have a little buddy who gives you HP potions, distracts the monster, and meows around with some comments. Especially since he calls me “Miauster,” as it should be.
The game also breathes an interesting fantasy atmosphere with the huge weapons, grotesque monsters, and the cat creatures running around.
Monster Hunter World already gives me the feeling of having a lot to offer: In side quests, I can immediately fish or catch mini-monsters. I am sure after 6 hours: That’s a lot of game for every Euro.
The positives clearly outweigh the negatives.
Timing for the PC release could have been better
Unfortunately a bit late: Actually, Monster Hunter World would have been the ideal game for MMORPG fans looking for a change. Although it’s not an MMORPG, it satisfies the “loot, grind, hunt” longing that many MMORPG fans feel.
Not much has happened this year for PC players, except for The Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset a few months ago.
However, PC players had to wait a long time for the port. The game has been out on consoles since January 26. The hunting craze has faded for PS4 and Xbox One. This makes PC players feel like they are arriving late to the party.
Additionally, Monster Hunter World now launches almost simultaneously with WoW: Battle for Azeroth. It’s a shame, as it could have been recommended as alternative fodder to some WoW players.
Should you buy Monster Hunter World on PC?
This is my recommendation: I think anyone who is looking for a new game and has time should definitely check out Monster Hunter World. Monster Hunter World has been out on PS4 and Xbox One for months now. You can find out exactly who the game is for and what strengths and weaknesses it has.
I find the PC implementation solid, even though it will likely disappoint those who want really high FPS.
Importantly: There is no need to be afraid of a too difficult entry. Players with RPG experience should find their way around. Although the game is definitely complex, you can start slowly and do not need to know and understand all systems immediately to have fun with Monster Hunter World.
If someone is unsure, they can also consult this review.
If you’re not extremely eager: If you can wait because you’re feeling inclined to play WoW: Battle for Azeroth right now, then feel free to wait until Monster Hunter World goes on sale on Steam. PC players have already waited a long time for the game, so they can hold off for a few more months.
We extensively covered Monster Hunter World when it was new on PS4 and Xbox One. I can therefore recommend this article by our expert Leya on what to know before purchasing.
Monster Hunter World is an action RPG in which you take on the role of a monster hunter. Set off on the trail of powerful beasts and take them down alone or in ...
