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Monster Hunter World

A triumph for the series and one of this generation's greatest games yet. Monster Hunter World takes the beating heart of a vital, niche franchise and elevates it toward universal appeal.
Monster Hunter World Game Cover
91%Game Brain Score
Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization
92% User Score Based on 96,352 reviews
Critic Score 89%Based on 58 reviews

Platforms

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Monster Hunter World Game Cover

About Monster Hunter World

Monster Hunter World is a single player and multiplayer open world hack and slash game with a fantasy theme. It was developed by CAPCOM Co., Ltd. and was released on August 8, 2018. It received positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

This version includes: - Monster Hunter: World - An illustrated steelbook of Nergigante.

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Games Like Monster Hunter World

Looking for games like Monster Hunter World? Here are top open world hack and slash recommendations with a fantasy focus, selected from player-similarity data — start with MONSTER HUNTER RISE, Monster Hunter Wilds or Leviaclaw.

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Reviews

92%Audience ScoreBased on 96,352 reviews
story1.8k positive mentions
grinding4.6k negative mentions

  • story

    11,812 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    15% positive mentions, 78% neutral mentions, 7% negative mentions

    The story in "Monster Hunter: World" is generally considered lackluster and serves primarily as a backdrop for the gameplay, which focuses on hunting monsters. Many players find the unskippable cutscenes and the requirement to watch them before joining friends in co-op missions frustrating, detracting from the overall experience. While the narrative is not the main draw of the game, it does provide some context for the hunts and introduces various monsters, but players often recommend prioritizing gameplay over story.

    • “Although it's not focused on story, it still had a pretty good plot progression and a feeling of character development.”
    • “The story was interesting, I also liked the monster and environment design and music.”
    • “The story is engaging, filled with surprises, and keeps you hooked from the get-go.”
    • “The story absolutely sucks, but you don't play Monster Hunter for the story.”
    • “The story is easily the worst part of the game; unskippable cutscenes and reminders of what you need to do to advance the story make grinding for better gear or trying to hunt optional monsters more of a chore.”
    • “The multiplayer aspect is a complete mess; you can't play through the story with friends unless everyone has watched the cutscenes, which is incredibly frustrating.”
  • gameplay

    8,979 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    39% positive mentions, 55% neutral mentions, 6% negative mentions

    The gameplay of "Monster Hunter: World" is widely praised for its addictive loop of hunting monsters, crafting gear, and engaging in challenging combat, which keeps players invested for hundreds of hours. While the game introduces a variety of mechanics and weapon types, allowing for diverse playstyles, many players note a steep learning curve and a reliance on grinding for materials. Some mechanics, such as the clutch claw introduced in the Iceborne expansion, have received mixed reviews, with some players finding them cumbersome or disruptive to the flow of combat. Overall, the game is celebrated for its depth, rewarding gameplay, and stunning visuals, making it a standout title in the action RPG genre.

    • “Monster Hunter World is not just a game; it's an epic journey into a meticulously crafted world filled with awe-inspiring monsters, breathtaking landscapes, and exhilarating gameplay.”
    • “Highly addictive gameplay loop that will have you grinding for hours trying to find the perfect armor and weapon set.”
    • “One of the most impressive aspects of Monster Hunter World is its deep and rewarding gameplay loop.”
    • “The food mechanic feels like a chore, and I do not see why it is at all necessary.”
    • “The tracking mechanic is kinda bad, the crafting is grindy, the hunts are repetitive, the monster journal should be able to contain way more information, and in general the gameplay loop didn't grab me.”
    • “The gameplay loop is simple: find monster x, kill/capture it, rinse and repeat, with a few twists and different side quests baked in along the way.”
  • graphics

    5,511 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    52% positive mentions, 44% neutral mentions, 4% negative mentions

    The graphics of "Monster Hunter: World" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and attention to detail, marking a significant upgrade from previous titles in the series. Players have praised the game's vibrant environments, intricate monster designs, and overall aesthetic appeal, which contribute to an immersive experience. However, some users have reported performance issues and graphical bugs, particularly on lower-end systems, indicating that while the graphics are impressive, they can be demanding on hardware.

    • “In addition to its exhilarating gameplay, Monster Hunter World also boasts stunning visuals and a dynamic soundtrack that perfectly complements the epic scale of the adventure.”
    • “The game's graphics are stunning, and the world is vast and immersive, but don't expect any hand-holding from the game developers.”
    • “The graphics are beautiful, the gameplay is challenging, but fair.”
    • “The touted open-world features only serve to mask the repetitive grind beneath bland visuals.”
    • “The graphics are a bit wonky here on PC, a weird mix of high def and low res (sometimes on the same character model) and I just can't seem to fix it no matter what settings I use.”
    • “The graphics are disappointing.”
  • grinding

    4,742 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    0% positive mentions, 3% neutral mentions, 97% negative mentions

    The grinding aspect of "Monster Hunter: World" is a central theme that garners mixed reactions from players. Many find the grind enjoyable and rewarding, as it involves hunting various monsters to gather materials for crafting and upgrading gear, which enhances the overall gameplay experience. However, some players express frustration with the repetitive nature of grinding, particularly in the late game where farming for specific decorations and materials can feel tedious and time-consuming. Overall, the game appeals to those who appreciate a grindy gameplay loop, especially when played with friends, while it may deter players who prefer a more streamlined or story-driven experience.

    • “Once you know the ropes, everything starts to go with ease and the steps begin to repeat, but they are not tedious because each monster you are hunting is different. They are enjoyable steps to repeat since this entry tunes down difficulty in favor of a broader audience and more fluidity in game progress.”
    • “The grind isn't tedious; it's actually enjoyable, and they continuously add free DLC and event quests.”
    • “In this game, it usually takes me around 10-15 hunts at most to get a set done, and I feel that amount is just right; not too grindy, but not too short either.”
    • “The game overall feels grindy, clunky, and boring.”
    • “The story is easily the worst part of the game; unskippable cutscenes and reminders of what you need to do to advance the story make doing things like grinding for better gear or trying to hunt the optional monsters more of a chore.”
    • “The tracking mechanic is kinda bad, the crafting is grindy, the hunts are repetitive, and in general, the gameplay loop didn't grab me.”
  • optimization

    2,442 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    18% positive mentions, 59% neutral mentions, 23% negative mentions

    The optimization of "Monster Hunter: World" has received mixed feedback from players. While some report smooth performance on high-end systems, many others experience significant issues, including frame drops, stuttering, and high CPU usage, particularly during intense battles or in specific areas like the Rotten Vale. The introduction of Denuvo DRM has also been criticized for negatively impacting performance and preventing modding, leading to frustration among the player base. Overall, while the game has potential, it requires further optimization to meet the expectations of PC gamers.

    • “The game runs smoothly with my lower-tier but more modern specs.”
    • “It's an incredible game; something that is great is that it is optimized.”
    • “The performance on PC is awesome.”
    • “The addition of DRM has significantly impacted performance, making the game unplayable for many users.”
    • “The game is poorly optimized, with performance drops and stuttering even on high-end systems.”
    • “Capcom's decision to implement DRM has led to increased CPU usage and reduced performance, frustrating many players.”
  • music

    1,198 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    52% positive mentions, 44% neutral mentions, 4% negative mentions

    The music in "Monster Hunter: World" has received widespread acclaim for its orchestral compositions that enhance the game's atmosphere and combat experience. Players appreciate the unique themes for each monster, which contribute to the intensity of battles, while the overall soundtrack is described as both beautiful and immersive. However, some critiques mention that certain tracks can become repetitive over time, and a few players feel that the music does not always match the high standards set by previous entries in the series.

    • “In addition to its exhilarating gameplay, Monster Hunter World also boasts stunning visuals and a dynamic soundtrack that perfectly complements the epic scale of the adventure.”
    • “The music, the combat system, and the visuals were all stunning!”
    • “The game's soundtrack is another standout element, enhancing the atmosphere with epic compositions that perfectly complement the intense battles and serene moments.”
    • “The music in the resting area is just stressful, which is unlike all the other Monster Hunter games where the music was very relaxing. Also, the smithing system is weird and inconvenient.”
    • “The only thing I hate in this game is the new Teostra's background music.”
    • “The music is terrible; Monster Hunter has been known for its fantastic soundtrack, but this game has cinematic garbage with no care or love put into it.”
  • replayability

    473 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    43% positive mentions, 54% neutral mentions, 3% negative mentions

    The game boasts exceptional replayability, with players highlighting its vast array of weapons, unique combat mechanics, and extensive content that encourages multiple playthroughs. Many reviews emphasize the enjoyment of experimenting with different weapon types and strategies, as well as the engaging multiplayer experience, which enhances the overall replay value. While some players note minor drawbacks, such as unskippable cutscenes, the consensus is that the game offers nearly endless replayability, especially with the addition of DLC and community mods.

    • “The game has so much content and is very fun with lots of replay value, as there are quite a few weapons.”
    • “The game is infinitely replayable, and fun both solo and with friends.”
    • “With many difficulty ranks, it greatly pushes replayability/content amount as only the most dedicated will push into the highest ranks and challenges.”
    • “The biggest negative is you can't skip cutscenes, so replayability can be rather annoying.”
    • “The gameplay being not satisfying and sometimes janky or frustrating, and also it being hard to get into new weapons, which ruins the replayability for me.”
    • “The dlc is worth more than the base game; the base game is short, and after you beat it, there is no replay value, save if you like killing the same monster over and over again to get the same looking gear only +1 style.”
  • humor

    456 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    98% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 2% negative mentions

    The humor in "Monster Hunter World" is a standout feature, characterized by its quirky weapon names, amusing monster interactions, and the lighthearted antics of players, especially in multiplayer settings. Players frequently highlight the game's ability to create hilarious moments through exaggerated animations, funny NPC dialogues, and the absurdity of battling massive creatures with oversized weapons. Overall, the game fosters a fun and jovial atmosphere, making it particularly enjoyable when played with friends.

    • “But fear not, for 'Monster Hunter World' isn't just about swinging swords and launching projectiles at overgrown lizards – it's about creating memories that'll have you chuckling long after you've vanquished your prey.”
    • “The game's humor isn't just about puns (though there are plenty of those, like 'Why did the Rathalos bring a ladder to the hunt? Because it wanted to go to new heights!').”
    • “It's so easy to make a horrible deformed creature it's not even funny.”
    • “While doing a rerun with another character, I've forgotten so many details about the story itself that it is just not funny... and the amount of mashing the button is not making it go any faster in dialogues.”
    • “It's not funny at all.”
    • “This is not funny of the new event since most players are waiting for a new monster, but we can see what they give a s_ h_ i_ t to us.”
  • stability

    455 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    27% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 73% negative mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and connectivity issues, particularly in multiplayer modes. While some users have experienced smooth gameplay with minimal bugs, others have faced significant technical problems, especially after updates or during online sessions. Overall, the game appears to have improved since its initial launch, but persistent glitches and performance issues remain a concern for many players.

    • “Having played Monster Hunter before on the PSP, I was genuinely happy when I tried this game. The controls felt so familiar and the game is quite optimized since it ran at a steady framerate even on my old GTX 760, no freezes, no lag, no drops.”
    • “The game runs great on my system, looks outstanding, and delivers everything I wanted from it.”
    • “The game is fun to play and runs great on my i7 6700k GTX 1080.”
    • “Every time I connect to his online session and enter a mission, it will let me play for about 3-5 minutes before everything freezes on my screen and it kicks me from his mission and session.”
    • “The game is great until you get to the glitches and bugs; I just spent the entire day trying to stop it from crashing when I load back onto my save. I had just beaten the monster that came from the energy cocoon, and once I got back to the 'base', it crashed and I was never able to fully load back onto that save.”
    • “Crashes, stutters, freezes, deleting save games... buyers beware - the Iceborne expansion has broken the game for many people and a fix is not in sight.”
  • atmosphere

    172 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    65% positive mentions, 33% neutral mentions, 2% negative mentions

    The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its breathtaking visuals, immersive sound design, and engaging music that enhances the overall experience. Players feel a strong connection to the beautifully crafted environments and ecosystems, which contribute to a sense of being part of a living world. The combination of vibrant graphics, dynamic audio, and a whimsical yet adventurous tone creates a captivating atmosphere that keeps players returning for more.

    • “Incredible atmosphere, really makes you feel like you are part of its ecosystem.”
    • “The atmosphere is breathtaking, the environment is awe-inspiring, and the monsters are the cherry on top.”
    • “The game's soundtrack is another standout element, enhancing the atmosphere with epic compositions that perfectly complement the intense battles and serene moments.”
    • “The world feels too colorful, too cheery; there is no darkness lurking around, creating an atmosphere of terror of a monster wanting to bite your head off.”
    • “My first Monster Hunter games were the 2nd and the 3rd generation, played those since 11 until 14 religiously, and now having played this, I can't tell what's the problem. Maybe it's the modern graphics or the massive amount of quality of life improvements, but this doesn't have that atmosphere I vibed to back then.”
    • “But veterans be warned, this game may put you off by its relative lack of atmosphere.”
  • monetization

    147 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    5% positive mentions, 55% neutral mentions, 40% negative mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the absence of pay-to-win mechanics and loot boxes, highlighting that most microtransactions are limited to cosmetic items. However, some users express frustration over the presence of numerous cosmetic microtransactions and the feeling that certain content is locked behind paywalls, leading to perceptions of the game as a cash grab. Overall, while the game is praised for its player-friendly monetization model compared to other titles, concerns about excessive cosmetic purchases and advertising persist.

    • “No microtransactions blocking off progression, no battle passes, no anti-consumer bullshit.”
    • “The monetization is the most consumer-friendly and player experience-focused that exists in the industry.”
    • “In an age of free-to-play games and microtransactions, Monster Hunter World gives much-needed relief without having any microtransactions at all.”
    • “The game is awesome, especially how Capcom always adds new monsters into the ecosystem.”
    • “This is the game that killed the Monster Hunter franchise; fuck this mass appeal nonsense and all of the million microtransactions it has.”
    • “Capcom has also loaded up a full $60 game with microtransactions, which should be illegal.”
  • emotional

    140 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    92% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 8% negative mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding it to be a wholesome and engaging experience, often highlighting the joy of hunting and the camaraderie within the community. However, the story and character development are frequently criticized as boring or lacking depth, leading to a disconnect between players and the narrative. Despite these shortcomings, the game elicits strong emotional responses during gameplay, particularly in high-stakes moments, making it memorable for many players.

    • “Then they did that thing that separates good writers from average: make absolutely memorable characters, make you invest yourself emotionally in them and then put them into impossible situations where they can’t possibly win.”
    • “Throughout my experience with this game, I have felt triumphant highs and soul-crushing lows, and only a truly marvelous gaming experience could manage to bring me on such an emotional roller coaster.”
    • “I love this game, probably one of the most important games in my life because of the time in which I came across it and the emotional pit it got me out of.”
    • “Excruciatingly boring story, excruciatingly boring missions where you wander for 10-20-30 minutes without finding anything.”
    • “This corresponds to about 4 sessions of 3 hours each, at the end of every single one of which I have been in a terrible mood because of the clunky controls, boring story missions or because I farmed for most of it to make a fight more doable, only to find the fight going the exact same way as before the farming, with damn near identical damage numbers.”
    • “It's a rather shallow experience with a boring story.”
  • character development

    56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    41% positive mentions, 43% neutral mentions, 16% negative mentions

    Character development in the game is generally viewed as lacking, with many reviewers noting that it is minimal or non-existent, particularly for supporting characters like the handler. While the character design and customization options are praised for their quality and creativity, the overall narrative and character progression fail to engage players deeply, leaving a sense of emptiness in the story. Despite the beautiful visuals and immersive environments, those seeking a rich storyline with substantial character development may find the game disappointing.

    • “The character design is realistic, each having a completely unique and styled personality that fits their visuals perfectly.”
    • “Awesome mix of action, exploration, and character development.”
    • “Character development is fun, and cut-scenes are epic and cinematic.”
    • “Wish a lot more emphasis was put on actual character development, in my opinion.”
    • “There's no character development whatsoever.”
    • “I realize that neither story, nor character development, nor world building was the main focus of the developers of this game, but it would be so much better if they put more effort into these parts and make the game something more than just a series of boss fights.”
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Play Times

130h Median play time
285h Average play time
30-400h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 670 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Monster Hunter World is a open world hack and slash game with fantasy theme. Common tags for Monster Hunter World include trading, exploration, atmospheric, third person, soundtrack and others.

Monster Hunter World is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam Deck and others.

On average players spend around 285 hours playing Monster Hunter World.

Monster Hunter World was released on August 8, 2018.

Monster Hunter World was developed by CAPCOM Co., Ltd..

Monster Hunter World has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked Monster Hunter World for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Monster Hunter World is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include MONSTER HUNTER RISE, Monster Hunter Wilds, Leviaclaw, Granblue Fantasy: Relink, CODE VEIN and others.