Capcom has released an open beta for Monster Hunter Wilds, an exciting chance to get an early taste of this much-anticipated game. The beta lets players dive into an open-world experience, exploring diverse landscapes and taking on formidable monsters in a mix of solo and multiplayer modes. Here’s everything you need to know about accessing the beta, what content it includes, and a few essential gameplay tips.
When and How to Access the Open Beta
The open beta for Monster Hunter Wilds is set to run from October 31 to November 3, but there’s a bonus for PlayStation Plus subscribers on PS5. Those members get early access starting October 28 at 8 PM PT until October 30 at 7:59 PM PT. If you don’t have PlayStation Plus, no worries—you can still join when it opens to everyone on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
To participate, head to your platform’s storefront—PlayStation Store, Xbox Game Store, or Steam—where you’ll find the beta client available for free download. You don’t need to pre-order the game or register; it’s as simple as downloading the client when the beta goes live.
What to Expect in the Beta
The beta gives a full taste of character customization, a signature part of the Monster Hunter series. You’ll create a custom hunter and their trusty Palico companion, with extensive options for appearance. This progress carries over to the full game, so it’s worth putting thought into your character design.
Once you’re ready, jump into the opening story segment, where you’ll be introduced to the game’s setting and mechanics through an immersive tutorial and a hunt. The tutorial leads you through a quest to hunt a monster known as the Chatacabra. In addition, players can take on Doshaguma, a challenging creature that demands strategy and skill, providing a satisfying introduction to the gameplay. You can choose to hunt alone, use an SOS flare to invite other players, or summon NPC Support Hunters, adding flexibility to suit different playstyles.
Exploring Monster Hunter Wilds’ World
The Monster Hunter Wilds beta showcases a specific area in the Forbidden Lands, a vast and open environment that players are free to explore. Known for its unique blend of realism and fantasy, the Monster Hunter series makes every area feel like a living ecosystem. Each region has distinct terrains and landmarks, with the open-world design allowing seamless exploration without loading screens between areas. From climbing cliffs to navigating dense forests, there’s a lot to discover as you hunt and gather resources for crafting.
One highlight of this installment is the Oilwell Basin, featured in the beta as a key location. It’s a unique ecosystem filled with both familiar and new monster species, like Rompopoplo and the powerful Ajarakan. Capcom has incorporated a day-night cycle and dynamic weather that impact monster behavior and offer new hunting opportunities. Staying alert and understanding these environmental cues can give players an edge in taking down larger prey.
Key Gameplay Mechanics
One of the new mechanics in Monster Hunter Wilds is the ability to use a mount called the Seikret. You can hop on to traverse the map quickly, making it easier to track monsters or escape dangerous situations. Weapons, too, have seen updates with smoother animations and combat sequences, so every swing and shot feels fluid and responsive. The beta includes access to nearly all weapon types, so you can try different ones to find your preferred playstyle.
The game also supports crossplay during the beta, allowing players from different platforms to team up. This feature expands the community and helps in forming hunting parties, especially useful for tougher monsters where cooperative strategies can make all the difference.
Rewards for Beta Participation
If you participate in the beta, you’ll receive an Open Beta Test Bonus Pendant to equip in the full version of the game, along with a Bonus Item Pack featuring useful items like Mega Potions, Armor Spheres, and Lifepowder. These are essential resources that can help during hunts, especially as monsters become more challenging. Be sure to save your character data from the beta to unlock these items after the game’s release.
Preparing for the Full Release
Monster Hunter Wilds is set to officially release on February 28, 2025, and pre-orders are open. Those who pre-order will get exclusive items like the Guild Knight Layered Armor Set and the Hope Charm Talisman. Capcom is also offering a Deluxe Edition that includes in-game bonuses, poses, and cosmetic DLC packs set to release post-launch.
