Monster Hunter Wilds receives an Open Beta Test for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam on October 31

Capcom had a lot of new information for Monster Hunter Wilds in its October 2024 Monster Hunter Wilds Showcase event. They debuted a new trailer showing off the Oilwell Basin region for the first time, along with several new monsters. Plus, producer Ryozo Tsujimoto announced that players will be able to try Monster Hunter Wilds completely for free with a limited-time Open Beta Test from October 31 to November 3 (Pacific Time). The open beta will be on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam; PS+ subscribers can exclusively get early access to it starting on October 28.

The new trailer introducing the Oilwell Basin showed off the dangerous, hostile nature of the environment with combustible oil that can cover surroundings in flame instantaneously. A fight with the creepy Rompopolo monster shows that parts of the region will severely limit the Hunter's ability to move around freely. Meanwhile, the Ajarakan pounds players mercilessly as it can traverse the fighting arena on the ceiling to close the gap swiftly. A new fearsome monster that the characters refer to as the Black Flame is also briefly shown facing off against the main character.

Before concluding the showcase, Tsujimoto unveiled that Monster Hunter Wilds would be conducting an Open Beta Test and the details surrounding it. People interested to try the open beta do not need PlayStation Plus subscription, nor a Game Pass subscription to play it when it's live on all three platforms. The early access period is only available to PlayStation Plus subscribers on PS5. The Monster Hunter Wilds open beta supports crossplay, so people will be able to party up with others on different platforms.

Players in the open beta will have the opportunity to design their main character and Palico companion; people can continually remake their character and Palico as much as they want during the open beta. They can transfer them into the full release on February 28, 2025, as well. Open beta participants will receive a special cosmetic Pendant they can put onto their weapon or Seikret mount. In the open beta, players can play through the very beginning of Monster Hunter Wilds' story, as well as a separate Doshaguma Hunt quest.

Monster Hunter Wilds is releasing worldwide simultaneous on February 28, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam). Watch the new trailer down below, along with more information and screenshots.

Today, Monster Hunter Wilds producer Ryozo Tsujimoto unveiled the latest trailer for the highly anticipated action RPG as well as details on an upcoming Open Beta Test during Capcom’s October Monster Hunter Wilds Showcase. The fiery new footage revealed the captivating surroundings and inhabitants of the new Oilwell Basin ecosystem, including the mysterious monster known as the “Black Flame,” even more new monsters living within the region, and the local craftsman village Azuz. Tsujimoto followed these new game details with the announcement of an Open Beta Test taking place next week across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The Open Beta Test will run October 31 – November 3 Pacific Time (PT), and PlayStation Plus subscribers can get a head start on PlayStation 5 with an exclusive early access period starting on October 28 PT.
 
Monster Hunter Wilds launches on February 28, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. To watch the full showcase and latest trailer, visit the official Monster Hunter YouTube channel and check out the Capcom Press Center for more assets.

Ready to Combust

The Oilwell Basin is a dangerous territory defined by the bubbling oil wells for which it is named. This terrain is known to erupt into raging flames during a period of Inclemency known as the Firespring. The newly revealed Brute Wyvern Rompopolo prowls within areas blanketed in a deep oil silt. This fearsome predator expels a toxic gas from its tongue to weaken its prey before using its tail to inject gas into the tar blanketing the ground causing bubbling eruptions. Rompopolo often finds itself battling for territory against roaming Ajarakan, another previously unseen monster that calls this region home. This red-hot Fanged Beast rubs its thick shell to cover itself in a sweltering armor. Amidst this incredibly harsh, ever-changing environment, the skilled craftsman village of Azuz grew around a massive central forge. While the local artisans and fearsome wildlife struggle to survive, a mysterious monster known to locals as the “Black Flame” lurks deep beneath the basin.

Play the Open Beta

Following the exciting new trailer, Tsujimoto revealed that eager hunters can soon experience Monster Hunter Wilds at home for the first time by participating in an Open Beta Test across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam with cross-play supported between all platforms. Participants will also receive a special bonus Pendant to decorate their weapons or Seikret mount alongside a helpful item pack in the full release of Monster Hunter Wilds. The Open Beta Test will include three separate experiences: the complete character creation tool with character creation data that will be transferable to the full game upon release, a Story Trial, and the free-roaming Doshaguma Hunt. In the Story Trial, players can experience the opening cutscene of the game along with basic tutorials while hunting a Chatacabra, while in the Doshaguma Hunt, players can pursue the Alpha of a Doshaguma pack or explore the Windward Plains. Both the Story Trial and Doshaguma Hunt can be experienced solo, or players can use an SOS flare to create a party of up to four players online or call in assistance from NPC Support Hunters.

The Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test will take place at the following times for each platform:

  • PlayStation 5
    • PlayStation Plus Early Access: October 28 at 8:00pm PT – October 30 at 7:59pm PT
    • Non-PlayStation Plus Subscribers: October 31 at 8:00pm PT – November 3 at 6:59pm PT*
  • Xbox Series X|S**: October 31 at 8:00pm PT – November 3 at 6:59pm PT*
  • Steam: October 31 at 8:00pm PT – November 3 at 6:59pm PT*

*Time Adjusted for Daylight Savings Time
**Game Pass Core or Ultimate subscription not required for OBT access

Monster Hunter Wilds Oilwell Basin
Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test Character Creator
Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test Screenshots