It won’t be until next year that players will be able to explore the Forbidden Lands, the new setting for Monster Hunter Wilds, but an open beta serves to tide over the wait. Capcom announced the dates during a brief showcase held on 23 October, offering an extended look at character creation, gameplay mechanics, and visual fidelity.
PlayStation Plus subscribers can access the open beta test from 29 to 31 October, starting at 11am (GMT+8) and ending at 10.59am. At the same time, the general crowd will be able to join in on the fun till 4 November, 11am.
The experience includes the full character creator, where players’ creations can be transferred to the full game, the Story Trial, and a hunt for the Alpha Doshaguma. All participants will also receive the Stuffed Felyne Teddy charm when the high-anticipated entry drops on 28 February 2025 — the same day the limited-edition Monster Hunter Wilds PlayStation 5 DualSense controller is set to release.
Celebrating the title’s release in style, it comes in a Volcanic Red colourway with floral patterns on the handles, the Forbidden Area Research Team logo on the touchpad, and a “Quest Completed!” icon on the upper lefthand corner. The same detailing can be found on a separate PS5 cover, decked out in a more subtle Midnight Black.
Pre-orders for both accessories open on 22 November, with the themed controller retailing for S$119. No pricing details are given for the latter, so it’s likely to be a Japan exclusive. Per tradition, the base game will be sold separately.
Monster Hunter Wilds is set to usher in several firsts for the series, starting with cross-play support. While all 14 weapon types remain the same as its predecessor, the combat system now features Focus Mode, allowing players to attack wounded parts — highlighted in red — for more damage, and the option to wield a second weapon while riding atop the Seikret.
Dynamic weather conditions have also been introduced for greater immersion, alongside a more realistic, seamless environment designed to meld hunters, monsters, and the overall ecosystem. Additionally, the player character and their Palicoes will be fully voiced, and armour is no longer tied to gender. A new trailer unveiled even more of what’s to come, with the official PlayStation blog listing the following:
- Oilwell Basin: The Oilwell Basin is a new locale where the expedition team arrives. As the name implies, the area is brimming with oil wells, which will periodically burst into violent flames.
- Azuz, the Everforge: In the Oilwell Basin, there’s a community that has settled around a large fire forge, where people skilled in the art of forging reside.
- The Black Flame: A mysterious monster the people from Azuz call the “Black Flame.”
- Fanged Beast, Ajarakan: With a distinct well-developed shell that covers its back, Ajarakan is active during the Inclemency of the Oilwell Basin, the Firespring, and turns into a sweltering red when it rubs its shell against itself.
- Brute Wyvern, Rompopolo: A monster that inhabits areas with deep oil silts.
Monster Hunter Wilds releases 28 February 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Kevin Low
