Is Monster Hunter: World Open World? The Answer Might Surprise You!

I mean, if you enjoy action RPGs and are interested in Monster Hunter: World, one of the biggest questions asked about it goes along the lines of: “Is Monster Hunter: World an open-world game?” Admittedly, it’s a fair question, considering most games these days—The Witcher 3, Breath of the Wild, and Red Dead Redemption 2—tout big, seamless open worlds.

The short answer is: No, Monster Hunter: World isn’t really open-world in that same vein. But don’t click away just yet! While Monster Hunter: World doesn’t offer a single, uninterrupted open world, it does feature large, interconnected zones that give you a sense of freedom and exploration.

Now, let me break it down in a way that helps you understand what the game offers and why it’s still incredibly satisfying—even without a full-fledged open-world structure.

What Does “Open World” Actually Mean?

Before diving into Monster Hunter: World, let’s define what exactly “open world” really means. A typical open-world game will have a large, seamless map one can move around on freely, exploring and completing tasks with no loading screens or segmented zones to constrain them.

Games such as Grand Theft Auto V or Skyrim obviously come to mind. In these games, you can literally traverse the entire map and never encounter a loading screen from area to area.

Now, with that said, let’s take a deeper dive into how Monster Hunter: World truly fits into this.

How Monster Hunter: World Is Structured

Monster Hunter: World is not technically open-world, yet it’s also not quite linear in design. It features a series of spacious, open areas to explore within the confines of specific missions or hunts. These areas are divided by loading screens, meaning one cannot travel seamlessly from one zone to the next, but once inside, the options to roam are free.

1. Grand, Spacious Maps

Each of these regions in the game, from Ancient Forest to Wildspire Waste to Coral Highlands, is itself a grand, overall map. These are not small, corridor-level maps; they are spacious, multilevel areas replete with places to go, secrets to find, and unique ecosystems to experience.

For example, the Ancient Forest is deeply vertical, filled with deep valleys and tall trees, with sometimes hidden pathways. It takes time to investigate every nook and cranny that one would find in most areas within the game.

One of the greatest things about Monster Hunter: World is that once you’re loaded into one of these maps, you can roam around however you want. You aren’t forced to follow a set path or restricted by invisible walls. Want to spend an hour gathering resources or exploring hidden caves? You can!

This makes Monster Hunter: World feel more open-ended, despite not being an open-world game by technicality.

2. Dynamic Environments

Each zone is big, but also dynamic. The monsters, when on the hunt, will interact with their surroundings; the weather may change; and yes, sometimes parts of zones do change. For example, in the Wildspire Waste, a monster might tear the terrain down in battle or even use environmental hazards against you. This adds a sense of realism and unpredictability that makes exploration feel alive.

Monster Hunter: World vs. Open-World Games

So, how exactly does Monster Hunter: World stack up against proper open-world games like Breath of the Wild or Horizon Zero Dawn?

Seamless Exploration

Most open-world games do not include loading screens between zones; however, Monster Hunter: World does. When you undertake a mission or expedition, you will have to load into a specific area.

Objective-Based

Instead of simply running around, you’re usually working towards objectives, like tracking or hunting a monster. That said, you do have the option to go on expeditions, which are essentially free-roam explorations where you can collect resources, hunt monsters at your leisure, and discover new areas.

Monster-Centric

Most open-world games contain elements of exploration, combat, and story-driven quests in their game world. Monster Hunter: World is decidedly focused on hunting monsters. In every mission or hunt, you’ll want to track, engage, and capture-or-kill massive creatures.

While it isn’t a “true” open world, the game strikes a good middle ground where you explore areas of great detail and variety.

Key Words and Games to Play Instead

Want more games like Monster Hunter: World? Alternatively, want to check out what other open-world or semi-open-world games are around? Consider checking out:

• Horizon Zero Dawn: A fully open-world gaming experience, focused on hunting mechanical beasts, but more story-oriented.
• The Witcher 3: An expansive open-world RPG focused on monster contracts with a heavier narrative.
• Dark Souls III: While not quite open-world, it has interconnected zones and provides a tough but combat-focused experience.

Why Does the Structure Work for Monster Hunter: World?

Some players might wish Monster Hunter: World were fully open-world, but the structure works great with the mechanics of the game. Here’s why:

Monster Hunting

The idea of Monster Hunter: World is to follow and hunt monsters. Each hunt begins with you tracking the path of footprints, claw marks, and other signals. Because you load into specific zones, the game can craft detailed environments for each monster, allowing more variation in hunts and greater challenges.

Depth of Combat

Since the game isn’t trying to emulate a seamless open world, it can focus resources on developing dynamic, smooth, and engaging combat. This results in some of the most intricate and satisfying combat seen in any action RPG.

Co-Op Friendly

The mission-based structure makes it easier to jump into multiplayer hunts with your friends. Without having to traverse a huge world just to meet up, you can take on specific challenges together.

FAQs

In conclusion, while Monster Hunter: World is not technically an open-world game, it still offers immersion and extensive gameplay through large, explorable zones. These allow ample freedom to roam, gather resources, and take on monsters without feeling confined, even if they aren’t part of a continuous open world.

The game’s structure is uniquely designed to provide focused, exciting hunts without requiring the player to traverse large, empty expanses. While it may not scratch the itch for those seeking a true open-world experience, Monster Hunter: World makes up for it with rich environments and intense gameplay. Happy hunting, and may your adventures in Monster Hunter: World be filled with exciting battles and satisfying victories!