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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Monster Hunter Wilds launched worldwide on February 28, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The reported unlock times varied by platform: consoles were scheduled to unlock at midnight local time, while Steam was scheduled to unlock at 5:00 AM UTC. Those platform-specific times come from a February 2025 Steam Community user post, not an official Capcom schedule.
When did Monster Hunter Wilds launch?
Capcom announced September 25, 2024, that Monster Hunter Wilds would release on February 28, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Capcom’s announcement set the date; PlayStation Blog also described February 28 as the global launch date in a post by Capcom USA’s Joseph Bustos, who wrote, “The hunt begins in Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28, 2025!” PlayStation Blog
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Monster Hunter Wilds Steelbook | $32.89 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Wild Hearts - PlayStation 5 | $20.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Maximum Entertainment 34 Sports Games - World Edition (PS5) | $26.70 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Monster Hunter Wilds - Lenticular Sleeve Edition /PS5 | $35.86 | Buy on Amazon |
Capcom later confirmed the game had launched simultaneously on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on February 28, 2025. Capcom’s March 31, 2025 release makes clear that the date is now historical, not an upcoming launch.
Reported preload and unlock times by platform
The following schedule was posted by a Steam Community user on February 24, 2025. It is not an official Capcom or platform-operator confirmation, so treat the precise times as reported information rather than an authoritative current schedule. Steam Community post
#1 Best Overall
- Wild New Adventure – Monster Hunter Wilds follows the story of a special Research Commission investigating the Forbidden Lands. Fully voiced for the first time in the series, the hunter is joined in their journey by a colorful cast of characters, including a Palico partner, Guild-appointed Handler Alma, trusty smithy Gemma, and the mysterious child Nata. Together, the team ventures into an unexplored new frontier where surprises await around every corner.
- A Living World – The Forbidden Lands spans multiple biomes with dynamic identities, such as the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, where the ecosystems shift between vibrant seasons brimming with life, and unforgiving climates where monsters fight over limited resources. Changes in the landscape will impact the creatures that live there and push hunters to adapt as well.
- New Monsters and Wildlife – Monster Hunter Wilds features a variety of new creatures, ranging from herds of small species to large monsters – some of which roam the Forbidden Lands in packs. Every creature hunters encounter in the wild has carved out a special place in its habitat and possesses unique attacks and behaviors.
- Players can also now ride atop the Seikret, an agile new mount enabling hunters to traverse difficult terrain, perform actions like sharpening weapons on the move, and switch between two weapons while out on hunts!
- Evolved Hunting Action – The series’ acclaimed action-packed gameplay is back and more exciting than ever! Hunters can look forward to tracking down monsters with an array of new moves, special abilities, equipment, and more. The action also now flows seamlessly from cutscenes to gameplay, resulting in a new level of immersion.
| Platform | Reported preload start | Reported unlock |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 | 48 hours before launch in each region | Midnight local time on February 28, 2025 |
| Xbox Series X|S | February 25, 2025, at 9:00 PM Pacific Time globally | Midnight local time on February 28, 2025 |
| Steam (PC) | February 25, 2025, at 9:00 PM Pacific Time globally | 5:00 AM UTC on February 28, 2025 |
Why “global launch” did not mean one identical clock time
February 28 was the shared calendar release date, but the reported schedule used different timing conventions. PS5 and Xbox were listed as unlocking at midnight in each region, while Steam had a single stated UTC unlock time. Your local clock time therefore depended on platform and, for console players, region. The cited user post does not establish that Capcom officially endorsed those precise timings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you still preload the game?
No. The preload windows above were for the February 2025 launch and have passed. They describe historical availability, not an option to preload the game now.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Wild New Adventure – Monster Hunter Wilds follows the story of a special Research Commission investigating the Forbidden Lands. Fully voiced for the first time in the series, the hunter is joined in their journey by a colorful cast of characters, including a Palico partner, Guild-appointed Handler Alma, trusty smithy Gemma, and the mysterious child Nata. Together, the team ventures into an unexplored new frontier where surprises await around every corner.
- A Living World – The Forbidden Lands spans multiple biomes with dynamic identities, such as the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, where the ecosystems shift between vibrant seasons brimming with life, and unforgiving climates where monsters fight over limited resources. Changes in the landscape will impact the creatures that live there and push hunters to adapt as well.
- New Monsters and Wildlife – Monster Hunter Wilds features a variety of new creatures, ranging from herds of small species to large monsters – some of which roam the Forbidden Lands in packs. Every creature hunters encounter in the wild has carved out a special place in its habitat and possesses unique attacks and behaviors.
- Evolved Hunting Action – The series’ acclaimed action-packed gameplay is back and more exciting than ever! Hunters can look forward to tracking down monsters with an array of new moves, special abilities, equipment, and more. The action also now flows seamlessly from cutscenes to gameplay, resulting in a new level of immersion.
- Crossplay Multiplayer – Alongside the option to enjoy the story of Monster Hunter Wilds solo, hunters can join up to three other players across any platform to explore the world together and take on the game’s challenges as a hunting party or receive aid from notable story characters as Support Hunter NPCs.
Rank #3
- Enter the stadium and take part of one of the biggest competitions across 34 sports: from swimming, soccer, extreme bike, weightlifting, trampoline and much more!
- Defend your own country and visit the World: United States, Australia, Japan, France…
- Train yourself alone or compete with your friends!
- An enhanced version of “30 Sport Games in 1”, with revamped design, new games and more customisation!
Rank #2
- Hunt giant nature-infused bests – Survive their attacks, learn from their behaviors, and use your Karakuri and your weapons in combination to cut these creatures down to size.
- Craft your hunting grounds – You are the only one in Azuma able to wield the Karakuri technology.
- Hunt in a pack, or be a lone wolf – In WILD HEARTS you can face the Kemono alone or unite with up to two friends (or other players) to stalk and hunt your prey.
- Gear up to hunt, hunt to gear up – Create your character, then gather materials from each hunt and build an array of armor and weapons.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
