Monster Hunter Wilds

What it is

Monster Hunter Wilds is an action RPG developed and published by Capcom. Players create a professional hunter, investigate large natural environments and fight monsters to obtain materials for weapons and armor. Progression revolves around learning encounters, improving equipment and taking on further hunts, with both solo play and cooperative multiplayer supported. Its central setting, the Forbidden Lands, changes between periods of scarcity, dangerous weather and abundant wildlife.

Capcom released the game on February 28, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC through Steam. Nintendo Switch 2 is the confirmed additional platform, with a December 4, 2026 release date. As of October 26, 2026, that version remains separate from the already-released versions: its announced features include all free title-update content, online crossplay and local wireless multiplayer between Switch 2 systems.

Story and setting

The story follows the Forbidden Lands Research Commission, an expedition organized after a boy named Nata was rescued near the region’s border. His account of a monster attacking his village prompts the Guild to investigate. The expedition searches for the mysterious White Wraith while seeking answers about Nata’s people, the Keepers, and the relationship between the region’s inhabitants and its monsters.

The protagonist is a customizable Hunter rather than a fixed named hero. Their companions include a Palico, the handler Alma and the smithy Gemma. Alma manages quests and supplies information in the field, while Gemma handles weapon and armor crafting. Nata accompanies the expedition and is central to its investigation. Other commission members, including the hammer-wielding Olivia, also provide support.

Environmental change is an established part of the setting. The Fallow, Inclemency and Plenty periods affect the conditions in which wildlife survives. The Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest demonstrate these contrasts through changing weather, resources and monster activity. Arkveld, the flagship monster with distinctive chain-like wings, sits at the center of the expedition’s initial mystery.

Gameplay and modes

Wilds retains 14 weapon types, covering options such as Great Sword, Hunting Horn, Lance, Insect Glaive, Bow and the two Bowguns. Each has its own actions and handling. Hunters gather resources and use materials obtained from monsters to craft equipment, making repeated encounters part of progression rather than treating every hunt as a one-time story mission.

Focus Mode gives players more precise control over the direction of attacks and guards. It also highlights wounds and exposed weak points, which can be targeted with weapon-specific Focus Strikes. Other combat mechanics include Power Clashes and Offset Attacks, while the Hook Slinger collects materials and activates environmental interactions from a distance.

The Seikret mount supports both travel and preparation. It can guide the hunter toward a selected destination, carry a second weapon and allow activities such as sharpening, healing and gathering while moving. Switching between the two carried weapons does not require returning to a base camp.

The game supports single-player and online cooperative hunts with up to four players. Support Hunters can fill openings in a party, including when playing solo. Crossplay connects PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam players, and is also confirmed for the Switch 2 version. Local wireless play is an additional Switch 2 feature, not a shared-screen mode. Crossplay does not provide cross-platform save progression.

Reception

Critical reception at release was broadly positive, particularly around combat, accessibility and the convenience of moving between preparation and hunting. TechRadar highlighted the streamlined route into hunts and the environmental presentation. Other assessments were more qualified: Gaming Nexus criticized the interface and campaign pacing, while Gamekult questioned whether some systems had become overly simplified.

Technical performance is an important part of the game’s post-launch history. Capcom has continued issuing stability and performance fixes, including the Steam hotfix released on August 14, 2026, to address frame-rate drops following the preceding update. Those patch notes establish ongoing corrective work, rather than a guarantee of identical performance on every PC configuration. A free Prologue Demo provides a way to assess the opening gameplay before purchasing.

Post-launch updates and editions

Free updates expanded the base game with the Grand Hub, additional monsters and further equipment and challenges. The added roster includes Mizutsune, Lagiacrus, Seregios and Gogmazios. Free Title Update 4 arrived on December 16, 2025, introducing Gogmazios and associated Gogma Artian weapon upgrades. The February 18, 2026 update added permanent Arch-tempered Arkveld content and demanding 10-star Arch-tempered hunts.

Capcom announced the paid expansion Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance on June 8, 2026, with a 2027 release window. Its announced additions include Master Rank quests, new areas and monsters, and the Boost Bracer combat feature. Subsequent official reveals confirmed Teostra and Khezu. The expansion requires the base game and completion of the seven-star assignment Awaking From a Dream; it is not part of the currently available base-game content.

Purchase options changed in August 2026. The standard game now has a $39.99 US list price. Gold Edition costs $79.99 and combines the game with the Cosmetic DLC Collection and premium bonuses. The original digital Deluxe Edition, Premium Deluxe Edition and Cosmetic DLC Pass were discontinued, although existing owners retain their purchases.

A separate physical Deluxe Edition is announced for Nintendo Switch 2 at $39.99, including the game and a Deluxe Pack voucher. Cosmetic bundles should not be confused with Ascendance: the expansion is a separate product, and its exact release date and US price have not been announced.