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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The first Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test has ended. It ran from late October to November 4, 2024, and included crossplay; the game itself launched on February 28, 2025. The dates below are historical, not an upcoming test schedule.
When was the Monster Hunter Wilds open beta?
PlayStation 5 had two access periods. PlayStation Plus members could join first, followed by all PlayStation Network account holders. The times below are from PlayStation’s announcement; it noted that start times could vary.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Monster Hunter Wilds Steelbook | $32.89 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Wild Hearts - PlayStation 5 | $20.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Maximum Entertainment 34 Sports Games - World Edition (PS5) | $26.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Monster Hunter Wilds - Lenticular Sleeve Edition /PS5 | $35.86 | Buy on Amazon |
| PlayStation access | Pacific Time | GMT |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation Plus early access | Monday, October 28, 2024, 8 p.m. to Wednesday, October 30, 7:59 p.m. | Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 3 a.m. to Thursday, October 31, 2:59 a.m. |
| All PlayStation Network account holders | Thursday, October 31, 2024, 8 p.m. to Sunday, November 3, 6:59 p.m. | Friday, November 1, 2024, 3 a.m. to Monday, November 4, 2:59 a.m. |
These detailed intervals apply to the PlayStation announcement, not a verified hour-by-hour schedule for other platforms. Capcom Germany lists PlayStation, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam as beta platforms, and gives the overall test end as November 4, 2024, at 3:59 a.m. Central European Time. PlayStation’s announcement; Capcom Germany’s beta guide.
Did the beta include crossplay, and which platforms could join?
Yes. Capcom Germany confirmed crossplay for the Open Beta Test and the full game. Beta platforms were PlayStation, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, so players could use the test to play with friends on other platforms. The detailed access times above are specifically for PS5; the sources here do not establish matching Xbox or Steam windows.
#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.
What could players do in the beta?
- Create a hunter and Palico.
- Play a story demo covering the opening and a basic tutorial.
- Hunt Doshaguma, with multiplayer SOS connections available for the hunt.
Character-creation data could be imported into the full game, but beta gameplay progress did not carry over. Capcom Germany also listed a pendant and an item bundle as participation bonuses for the full game. Capcom Germany’s beta guide; PlayStation’s announcement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the beta still available?
No. The beta ended in November 2024. Capcom announced the full game for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with a release date of February 28, 2025. Capcom’s release announcement.
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.
