Both Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Tests have ended. The full game launched on February 28, 2025, so the beta is no longer available to download or join. Here is what each test included, what carried over, and which platforms were listed.
When was the Monster Hunter Wilds beta?
Capcom held two Open Beta Tests before the full game launched. The dates below follow Pacific Time (PT), as given in Capcom’s announcements; the second test’s schedule was described as approximate and subject to change.
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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Star Wars Outlaws - Limited Edition (Amazon Exclusive), PlayStation 5 | $35.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Monster Hunter Wilds - Lenticular Sleeve Edition /PS5 | $35.86 | Buy on Amazon |
| Test | Dates (PT) | What was added |
|---|---|---|
| Open Beta Test 1 | October 31–November 3, 2024 | Character creation, a Story Trial, and a Doshaguma Hunt in the Windward Plains. |
| Open Beta Test 2 | February 6–9 and February 13–16, 2025 | OBT1 content, plus a Gypceros trial hunt and further announced quest, training, and multiplayer features. |
Capcom’s Japan-facing announcement listed the OBT2 dates as February 7–10 and February 14–17, 2025, in Japan Standard Time. Those are the same windows expressed in a different time zone. Capcom’s OBT1 announcement and its OBT2 announcement provide the test schedules and details.
What did the first beta include?
OBT1 let players create a hunter and palico, try a Story Trial, and hunt Doshaguma in the Windward Plains. Character appearance could be edited during the beta. Capcom said players could carry their character creation data into the full game, but not their beta gameplay progress.
#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.
Participants were also promised a pendant and an item pack for the full release. Capcom described these as downloadable content; they were not physical beta rewards. See Capcom’s OBT1 announcement for the original feature and carryover terms.
What changed in the second beta?
OBT2 reused the first test’s content and added a trial hunt against Gypceros. Capcom’s later, more detailed announcement also listed an Arkveld high-difficulty quest, access to the Base Camp Training Area for trying weapons, and additional multiplayer options. Capcom warned that some weapon specifications in the training area differed from the retail game.
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.
Additional multiplayer options
- Private Lobbies: a way to play with a selected group in a private lobby.
- Online Single Player: a listed option for playing solo while online.
These details describe what Capcom announced for OBT2; they do not mean the beta remains playable. The official OBT2 announcement outlines the added hunt, quest, training area, and multiplayer options.
Did beta characters or progress transfer?
Character creation data could be carried into the full game, but progress earned by playing the beta could not. In practical terms, the supported carryover was the created character—not completed hunts or other gameplay progress. Capcom’s OBT1 announcement also said characters could be edited during the test.
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- Only at Amazon Limited Edition Content - The Rogue Infiltrator Character Pack includes cosmetics for Kay and Nix.
- Discover a galaxy of opportunity. Explore distinct locations with bustling cities and cantinas. Race across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each location brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.
- Experience an original scoundrel story. Live the high-stakes lifestyle of an outlaw. Turn any situation to your advantage with Nix by your side: fight with your blaster, overcome enemies with stealth and gadgets, or find the right moments to distract enemies and gain the upper hand.
- Embark on high-stakes missions. Take on high-risk, high-reward missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as one of the galaxy’s most wanted. Every choice you make influences your ever-changing reputation.
- Jump into the pilot seat. Pilot your ship, the Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with the Empire and other foes. Find the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand.
Which platforms had the beta, and was a subscription required?
Capcom listed PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam for the beta. Its Japan-facing OBT2 announcement said PS Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core/Ultimate was not required to participate in that beta. That statement is specific to the OBT2 terms described in that regional announcement; it should not be read as a general rule for online play in the retail game. Capcom’s Japanese OBT2 release gives the platform, JST schedule, and beta subscription information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How can you play Monster Hunter Wilds now?
The beta is over. Capcom announced the full game for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with cross-play, and set its release date for February 28, 2025. For the finished game, check the current listing for your platform and region. Capcom’s launch announcement confirms the platforms, cross-play, and release date.
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.
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