Monster Hunter: World — Review (2026): Is It Worth Playing?
Monster Hunter: World is the most successful entry in Capcom's series (released 2018, Iceborne expansion 2019), selling over 25 million copies. Players take on the role of hunters tracking giant monsters through the ecosystems of the New World — from the Ancient Forest to the Coral Highlands.
What is the game about
You are a Hunter of the Fifth Fleet, exploring the New World. Every hunt is preparation: study the monster's behavior, craft gear from its parts, choose your weapon. The game is divided into Low Rank and High Rank (Master Rank with Iceborne), where monsters become stronger and new ones appear — from the Great Jagras to dragons like Nergigante and Velkhana.
Gameplay
- 14 weapon types: from giant greatswords to insect glaives and hunting horns — each with unique movesets.
- Ecosystem: monsters hunt each other and interact with the environment — use this to your advantage.
- Co-op for up to 4 players: hunting with friends is faster and more fun.
- Iceborne: the expansion adds the Hoarfrost Reach region, Master Rank, and new monsters.
- Crafting: turn monster parts into weapons and armor with unique skills.
Should you play it in 2026
Yes. World is the best entry point for newcomers: tutorials are clear, and depth comes gradually. If you love challenge and gear collection, this is hundreds of hours of content. The co-op makes every hunt better.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Huge monster variety | Difficult start without guides |
| Perfect co-op | Grind for materials at high ranks |
| Beautiful graphics and animations | Requires patience |
FAQ
Do I need to play previous Monster Hunter games? No, each entry is standalone.
How many hours? 40 hours for the main story, 100+ with Iceborne.
Is it on PC? Yes, all platforms.
Is there Russian voice acting? Text translation; voice acting is Japanese/English.