The highly anticipated next installment in the renowned Monster Hunter series, Monster Hunter Wilds, is set to make its debut in early 2025. However, gamers eager for a taste of the action will have the opportunity to dive into an open beta event during the final week of October. Notably, some players will gain access a few days earlier, heightening the excitement surrounding this release. Capcom has emphasized that participation in the open beta will be entirely free, ensuring that fans can join the hunt without any financial commitment.
When Does the Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Start?
The open beta for Monster Hunter Wilds will be available across all major gaming platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Regardless of which platform you choose, you will be engaging with the same thrilling content, and in an effort to streamline the experience, players will also be able to pre-load the beta ahead of its official launch.
The beta session kicks off on October 31 at 11 p.m. Eastern time and will run until November 3 at 10 p.m. Eastern time, providing several days for players to explore the game’s vast environments. To avoid delays during the beta itself, players can begin pre-loading the necessary files starting on October 30 at 11 p.m. Eastern. Simply navigate to the game’s page on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, or Steam to initiate the download.
While the main beta access is open to everyone, PlayStation 5 users who subscribe to PlayStation Plus will benefit from an exclusive early access period. This additional window allows PS Plus members to join the game two days earlier, from October 28 at 11 p.m. Eastern to October 30 at 11 p.m. Eastern, though there will be a brief 24-hour gap before the general beta opens. To facilitate this, pre-loading for PS Plus users can begin on October 27 at 11 p.m. Eastern.
Does Progress Carry Over to Monster Hunter Wilds From the Beta?
The open beta for Monster Hunter Wilds includes opportunities for character creation and two thrilling monster hunts. Participants should note that most of the progress made will not carry over to the full game, meaning any experience points or items gained through encounters with formidable creatures like the Chatacabra or Doshaguma will not be retained. However, players will be able to save their character creation data and import it into the full game once it launches, giving them a head start on personalizing their in-game avatar.
This approach mirrors the process seen in Dragon’s Dogma 2, where players could create their character prior to the game’s release. However, Monster Hunter Wilds enhances this experience by allowing players to actively engage with the gameplay before the official launch.
Are There Any Rewards for Playing the Monster Hunter Wilds Beta?
Despite the fact that progress from the beta will not transfer to the finalized game, participating players will not walk away empty-handed. Everyone who joins the open beta will receive a bundle of valuable in-game items, including potions. Most notably, players can secure a charming Palico pendant to adorn their gear in the full game, adding a delightful touch to their hunter’s aesthetic.
To claim these rewards, players simply need to play Monster Hunter Wilds on the platform used during the beta and import their save data into the main game upon its release.
The full version of Monster Hunter Wilds will not be available until February 28, 2025, but the open beta provides an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in its treacherous landscapes and encounter its ferocious monsters firsthand. Even for those who may not invest significant time in the beta, this event is an invaluable chance to refine character creations ahead of the official launch and snag an irresistibly cute in-game accessory.