The eagerly anticipated *Monster Hunter Wilds* has finally arrived on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, continuing the legacy of Capcom's renowned monster-hunting series. Following the footsteps of *Monster Hunter World* and its expansive *Iceborne* DLC, *Wilds* promises a thrilling experience. Here, we delve into how long it took various members of the IGN team to complete the main story, their focus during gameplay, and their engagement with the post-game content.

Tom Marks - Executive Reviews Editor, Games

I completed the campaign of *Monster Hunter Wilds* in just under **15 hours**, reaching the true end of the story. Unlike *Monster Hunter Rise*, where the first credits roll at the midpoint, *Wilds* marks the end of Low Rank with its credits. However, the adventure doesn't stop there; High Rank awaits with numerous side quests and tougher challenges.

It took me **another 15 hours** to tackle most of these High Rank quests and reach what I consider the true endgame. By this point, I had battled all available monsters, unlocked all initial crafting and system mechanics, and delved into the new Artian weapon system. Thanks to the game's streamlined progression, I only needed **an additional five hours** to optimize my preferred weapons and armor set, though there's still much to explore across different weapon types.

Casey DeFreitas - Deputy Editor, Guides

I reached the final "story" mission in High Rank at around **40 hours**, **22 hours after seeing the credits for Low Rank**. My time tracking might not be pinpoint accurate due to idle menu time for guide creation. During the Low Rank phase, I focused primarily on progressing through the story with minimal engagement in the game's intricate systems, crafting gear as I went along without repeating hunts. In High Rank, I ventured off the story path to engage with optional monsters and hunt with friends, which is necessary to unlock further Story Missions.

I only made a specific effort to upgrade my weapon once by hunting an Ajarakan. If I had more time, I estimate my total playtime could have reached **60 hours**, allowing me to craft a more effective armor and weapon set. Post-game, I still have endemic life to catch, fishing to do, and six monster-hunting Side Missions to complete. Plus, I'm eager to farm monsters for Talisman upgrades, experiment with different armor, and explore the Artian weapon system. I plan to replay the story leisurely with friends while learning new weapons, and I'm excited about the upcoming event quests and title updates with new monsters.

Simon Cardy - Senior Editorial Producer

I finished the main story of *Monster Hunter Wilds* in **just under 16 hours**, a quicker pace than my 25-hour journey in *Monster Hunter World*. As a relative newcomer to the series, I found the battles surprisingly manageable, though the apex predators did occasionally pose a challenge. The game's design to accommodate newcomers, with simplified elements like reduced focus on crafting and tracking, contributed to this shorter runtime.

The consistent flow of story cutscenes and monster battles until the credits made it feel less like traditional *Monster Hunter* and more influenced by Western cinematic storytelling. While this allowed for a swift conclusion to the initial story, it may have sacrificed some of the depth that fans cherish, which hopefully will be explored more in the post-game.

Jada Griffin - Community Lead

It took me about **20 hours** to see the initial credits in *Monster Hunter Wilds*. Much of this time was spent on optional and side quests, with some time dedicated to exploring the game's world, hunting endemic life, customizing menus, and finding optimal camp locations.

Completing all High Rank missions and side quests took **another 15 hours**, allowing me to encounter all the post-credits monsters. So far, I've spent nearly **70 hours** in the post-game, enjoying hunts with friends, farming decorations, and pursuing monster crowns. I'm eagerly awaiting future title updates that will bring more monsters to *Wilds*.

Ronny Barrier - Producer, Guides

I reached the first credits in *Monster Hunter Wilds* after **20 hours**, focusing primarily on the story with occasional detours to craft appealing armor sets and experiment with various weapons, particularly the Switch Axe.

Currently at **65 hours**, I view the credits not as an end but as a transition into the broader world of *Wilds*. There's much more to explore, from hunting new monsters to crafting new gear. The story feels like an extended tutorial, setting the stage for the real adventure ahead, though I could do without encounters with Congalala.