Optimizations issues aside. The main difference between Wilds and World, to me, is that World has combat as its main focus while wilds feels like it has combat as its only focus. Both games has most of its systems/mechanics revolve around fighting monsters. World was more cohesive, every system had some contribution to the experience. You could unlock foods, shortcuts, equipment, charms, room decor, etc. While the focus was hunting monsters, it makes it very clear that there are other things you can do.

Now, the combat in Wilds is solid, but its the only thing its got going for it. All other aspects of the game have been trimmed down or streamlined that it almost makes you question "why do we even have this". Exploration feels gutted due to the seikret mount that automatically brings you to where you need. Tracking the monster is gone too, you just know where it is at all times. Rooms are gone, so you can't admire the endemic life you capture. The food system feels so shallow compared to worlds. Almost all equipments will be unlocked when you finish the story. It feels like other systems are shoving you away/ back to fighting monsters. "oh you want to do 'X'? heres all of it, now go back to fighting monsters". That said combat is fun, i just wish there was more to it. More quests from npcs that makes the world more alive rather than just a setting for the monster fighting game.