When is the Monster Hunter Wilds release date? Following Monster Hunter’s migration onto PC in recent years, we’re sharpening our blades in preparation for the next installment of Capcom’s high-fantasy hunting game.
We’ve already seen some of the big changes coming to the RPG game series with Monster Hunter Wilds, including unprecedented mount mobility and all-new mechanics. Thanks to the power of next-gen consoles, Wilds is shaping up to be a stunning open-world game, as Ken’s Monster Hunter Wilds final preview can attest. Here’s everything we know about the Monster Hunter Wilds release date and features, from combat to cooking.
Monster Hunter Wilds release date
The Monster Hunter Wilds release date is Friday, February 28, 2025. It’s the first game in the mainline series to be available on PC from day one, launching alongside PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Capcom’s fantasy hunting game was first announced during the Game Awards 2023 show. It’s available on PC exclusively via Steam, but we’ve also got the latest on whether we’ll see Monster Hunter Wilds on Game Pass any time soon.
The Monster Hunter Wilds beta has now wrapped up after giving eager fans a taste of what Wilds has to offer ahead of launch. Director Yuyu Tokuda has confirmed several big changes following beta feedback, though we won’t see them until launch.
We also know that several free title updates are in the post-launch pipeline. This follows World and Rise, which both had new monsters, events, and collaborations to keep diehard hunters coming back for more. However, it seems unlikely that a new Monster Hunters Wilds weapon will appear on Capcom’s roadmap.
Monster Hunter Wilds trailers
The first trailer gave us an early look at Monster Hunter Wilds new mount. This feathered raptor functions very similar to Monster Hunter Rise Palamutes. Later revealed to be called Seikrets, they can also glide for a short time and are a bit more nimble, able to hop between crags.
We’re shown a herd of smaller herbivorous Monster Hunter Wilds monsters pursued by a herd of Doshaguma right as a sandstorm hits. At the end of the trailer, a similar sandstorm transforms the barren wasteland into rich plains with flowing rivers and lush grass.
The next trailer debuted during the May 2024 PlayStation State of Play stream. This includes the Chatacabra, a hulking gorilla-toad monster, along with the MHWilds characters set to accompany us on our hunting expedition in the Forbidden Lands.
Next up is the Summer Game Fest trailer, which features a scripted sequence as the hunters are attacked by a pack of a new leviathan-class monster: Balahara. In it, we get confirmation of the return of Monster Hunter World’s turf wars. This time around, a pack can gang up on lone stragglers, as shown by the Doshaguma quickly being overwhelmed by several Balahara.
The team released another trailer at Gamescom Opening Night Live alongside a lengthy blog post that reveals The Scarlet Forest. This eerie region’s landscape is characterized by its blood-red rivers and large, spider-like monsters called Lala Barina that live within it. We also found out more about apex predators, the new large monsters that guard each region, and a fresh look at the base camp.
The Monster Hunter Wilds release date reveal trailer aired during Sony’s September State of Play. In it, we got confirmation of this installment’s flagship monster: Arkveld, the White Wraith. This behemoth takes front and center in the story, as the hunter sets off on an expedition into the Forbidden Lands to rescue the Keepers. We also get a closer look at the extreme weather effects and destructible environments during hectic hunts against brand-new monsters.
The fifth Monster Hunter Wilds trailer arrived in late October 2024, introducing us to the Forbidden Lands’ third location: the Oilwell Basin. Here we meet the people of Azuz, The Everforge, and get a sneak peek at three fiery new monsters.
Monster Hunter Wilds gameplay
Now that players have had a chance to get their hands on the game, it’s clear how the base weapons stack up against each other in our Monster Hunter Wilds weapons tier list. Some weapons, like the Great Sword and Hammer, remain true to classic Monster Hunter combat. Others are due a bold new overhaul, such as the MH Wilds Lance. Remember, if you’re playing with a group of people, even the worst weapons can be helpful under certain conditions.
Hunters will now have more precise control over their movements thanks to the Monster Hunter Wilds focus mode, which lets you aim and block attacks in the direction the camera is facing. This mode gives players more precision than ever before, making it easier to focus on wounds and weak spots. This makes the combat in Wilds more accessible than its predecessors, minimizing the frustration of a missed attack.
Monster Hunter Wilds also introduces new dynamic weather effects that affect the local monster population and how they interact with one another. These inclemencies range from thunderous sandstorms and torrential rainstorms, with a higher chance of encountering apex predators like Uth Duna and Rey Dau.
Regions are also susceptible to fallow periods where food becomes scarce, triggering aggression in predators and herbivores alike. These turbulent phases are followed by a period of plenty, restoring balance to the ecosystem.
Finally, there’s a long-awaited Monster Hunter Wilds customization overhaul lined up that removes gender-locked armor. Instead, players can swap between different versions of each gear set. Fashion hunters, rejoice!
Capcom hasn’t forgotten to reward its most loyal hunters, either. Palico armor sets and weapons are available to claim for those who have played World and Rise. World players receive the Felynne Leather armor set and the Felyne Acorn Spade weapon, whereas Rise making it through the Rise campaign as far as the Iceborne expansion earns you the Felyne Duffel armor set and the Felyne Trekker Peckaxe.
Now that you’re prepared for the Monster Hunter Wilds release date, get set for the hunt with the MHWilds PC benchmark tool. We’ve also got Capcom’s official stance on Monster Hunter Wilds pay-to-win DLC, plus a handy list of the best games like Monster Hunter if you want to warm up those hunting muscles ahead of launch.
