This game is all about 'git gud'. Basically, there is no 'character leveling'. As you progress into the games, the monsters gets stronger but so does the weapons and armor you craft. It maybe abit repetitive, but each situation is different. Nothing is scripted nor every battles are the same. It is all about how you study the monster's attack and how well you use the weapon of your choice. Some play speed, while some play range while others play hard hitters. MHW is considered my first official MH game and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

That is only for multiplayer purpose. I been solo-ing the whole game. You can finish the story mode on your own, no issues, but as mentioned, it requires you to 'git gud'. Studying the monster attacks and how good you are using the weapon of choice. As a casual player, patience is the key. Don't expect a hunt to end within 5 minutes. Expect a hunt to end within 20 minutes(real time) average. Multiplayer comes in when the monster is designed to be multiplayer (such as Kulve Tarroth and Behemoth) but majority of the monsters can be done solo. If you play multiplayer, monster's hp are higher and hope that you get a good team(unless you play with your friends coz 1 person's screw up can ruin the hunt easily), so it is easier and faster if you do it solo. This game really need to take your own sweet time to play. You can't rush in this game. You rush, you lose.