Release Date & Platforms

Monster Hunter Wilds is set to launch on February 28, 2025, making it one of the biggest releases of the year as it is one of the largest game series and this new game is the newest in the franchise after Monster Hunter: World (which was successful and remains very active even after many years). The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Gameplay & New Features

The game builds upon the foundation of Monster Hunter World, but introduces several key changes:

• Larger and More Dynamic Maps: Expanding beyond Monster Hunter World, Wilds features massive, seamless landscapes with dynamic weather and ecosystem interactions new to the Monster Hunter franchise.
• Expanded Multiplayer & Social Features – With larger lobbies (going up to 100 players). Capcom introduced reworked 4-player parties with the new link system which lets you swap members as you see fit.
• Advanced Weather System & Hunts: Some monsters will only spawn in certain weather conditions, making it trickier (and more thrilling) to hunt them down. Not only that but temperature management will also be in the game, so stay warm (or chill).
• Improved Palicoes: Palicoes are companions in Monster Hunter Wilds, and they’ve only been improved for Wilds as they can speak (and be toggled off, thankfully) and you can have up to two to aid you in your hunts if you prefer playing the game solo.
• Mounted Combat: Seikret is the new mount that can take hunters to monsters automatically or be ridden manually. It can also carry a second weapon and has a bag where players can have extra supplies, useful in certain situations and hunts.

Confirmed New Monsters

Here are the confirmed monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds so far, each offering unique experiences, here is a list of the ones that were revealed (more are very likely to come!):

Doshaguma – A massive, bear-like beast with incredible strength and thick hide. Highly aggressive, it relies on brute force to overwhelm its prey.

Chatacabra – A frog-like amphibian that uses its sticky saliva to coat itself in rocks, forming makeshift armor. As the fight progresses, it continuously reinforces its defenses.

Ceratonoth – A large, horned herbivore that roams in herds. While generally peaceful, it will retaliate fiercely if provoked.

Balahara – A swift, reptilian predator with razor-sharp claws. It specializes in ambush tactics, striking its prey with speed and precision.

Arkveld – A flying wyvern with chain-like appendages. Once thought extinct, it may possess unique abilities tied to its enigmatic nature.

Game Editions & Prices

Monster Hunter Wilds will launch with three different editions: Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition, and Premium Deluxe Edition, each offering different bonuses.

Standard Edition ($69.99)

• Includes the base game only and nothing else, letting you play on February 28.

Deluxe Edition ($89.99)

• Includes everything in the Standard Edition plus the Deluxe Pack, which offers:
• Hunter Layered Armor Set: Feudal Soldier
• Hunter Layered Armor: Fencer’s Eyepatch
• Oni Horns Wig
• Seikret Decorations: Soldier’s Caparison & General’s Caparison
• Felyne Layered Armor Set: Felyne Ashigaru
• Pendant: Avian Wind Chime
• Gestures: Battle Cry & Uchiko
• Hairstyles: Hero’s Topknot & Refined Warrior
• Makeup/Face Paint: Hunter’s Kumadori & Special Bloom
• Sticker Set: Avis Unit & Monsters of the Windward Plains
• Nameplate: Extra Frame – Russet Dawn (Pre-order bonus)​.

Premium Deluxe Edition ($109.99)

• Includes everything in the Deluxe Edition, plus:
• Hunter Layered Armor: Wyverian Ears
• Premium Bonus Hunter Profile Set
• Background Music (BGM): Proof of a Hero
• Cosmetic DLC Packs 1 and 2 (which will be released post-launch)​

Beta Content Recap

The Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta, which took place from February 6–9 and February 13–16, 2025, allowed players to test new features and mechanics ahead of the game's full release and let them practice against certain monsters while also seeing if their setups can actually run the game.

The beta included:

• Character Creation – Players could design their hunters, and these could be carried over to the full game release, skipping the process when the game releases and letting players jump right into it.
• Story Trial – A preview of the opening sequence and tutorial bit of the game.
• Monster Hunts – The beta had monsters like Gypceros, Chatacabra, and Doshaguma, offering a good idea of the new hunting mechanics.
• Windward Plains Map – An open-world region with exploration, material gathering, and temporary Pop-Up Camps, adding even more to the demo experience as it shows off a big part of the game.
• Seikret Mounts – This is the new mount feature that players will be using a lot throughout the game and naturally it was available in the beta to help move around.

Beta Rewards (for Full Game)

By participating in the beta, players unlocked rewards that transfer to the full game if they chose to buy it and play when release comes around:

• Pendant - Palico Teddy (a decorative weapon charm).
• Item Packs:
• Beta 1 Pack – Included Mega Potions, Rations, Lifepowder, Max Potions, Herbal Medicine, and Armor Spheres.
• Beta 2 Pack – Included Raw Meat, Shock Traps, Pitfall Traps, Tranq Bombs, Barrel Bombs, Flash Pods, and Large Dung Pods​​.

Performance & Feedback

Players praised the improved monster AI, fluid combat, and environment, though a lot of them experienced performance issues, particularly on PC with AMD GPUs, as the game didn’t appear to be very well optimized, but nothing that couldn’t be helped with a touch of frame generation. Capcom acknowledged balance tweaks and mechanic refinements before launch but many question just how many things they ca tweak before the game releases.

Conclusion

Monster Hunter Wilds is launching on February 28, 2025, and it’s looking up to be one of the biggest games in the series and one of the biggest game releases of 2025 even though the year just started. With a large map, changing environments (and weather), improved multiplayer, and all-new monsters, it brings great new features while keeping the classic Monster Hunter feel players have enjoyed since the original in 2004. Players can choose from different game editions based on budget, and those who tried the beta got an early look at what’s coming (and a few rewards too). With so much to offer, this game is set to be a must-play for both longtime fans and new players. As always though, it is best not to pre-order before release and instead wait for some reviews to come in first before deciding if you want to spend the money.