It’s almost time to play Monster Hunter Wilds, as Capcom’s latest beast-slaying adventure is prepared to launch globally on Feb. 28. We really can’t wait to get our hands on it, especially after that Metacritic score was released, and we’re sure that you’re excited for it too! There’s a lot of new stuff coming in Monster Hunter Wilds, so there’s a lot to look forward to.
To get us all prepared and hyped up for Monster Hunter Wilds, we’ve put together this launch guide to tell you all you need to know about Monster Hunter Wilds before release. We’re going to breakdown all your questions, from what you get if you preorder, when you can download it, what time it launches, what’s coming after launch and more. Read on and gear up, as we prepare to take our trip into Monster Hunter Wilds!
When does Monster Hunter Wilds launch?
Thankfully, Capcom released an official global launch timing map that we’ll include right here to answer this easily. There are a lot of different release times across console and PC in each different region, so find whichever timezone pin is closest to your region and that’s when you can play the game!
To cover our largest audience though, folks in North America can play on console and PC at 12am EST, which is 9pm PST for those on the western coast of the USA. In Europe, the game launches at the flexible 12AM continent-wide on consoles, and than a set 5AM GMT for PC (and so on for other European timezones). Again, if you’re confused just check out the map!
When can I download Monster Hunter Wilds?
This is a lot easier to explain than when the game launches. For players on PS5, you can pre-load 48 hours before whatever the launch time is in your region. Check out the launch time section above, find your region and check the time – exactly 2 days before that you can start pre-loading Monster Hunter Wilds on PS5.
For Xbox Series X|S and PC players though, pre-loading begins globally at 9PM PT, 12AM ET, 5AM GMT, and so on. If you’re an Xbox or PC player, we’ve put together a countdown page to help you find out exactly when you can pre-load Monster Hunter Wilds – click right here to see it!
What comes with each edition of Monster Hunter Wilds?
There’s a few different versions of Monster Hunter Wilds we’ll break down for you. There are physical editions which are only available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and digital editions which come across all three platforms including PC.
The physical editions of Monster Hunter Wilds all come with a Standard Edition copy of the game, which purchased by itself is just the regular game with no extra content other than the pre-order bonus if you buy the game early (more on that later). There is also a Steelbook Edition, which is the Standard Edition just described but with an added bonus of a stunning steelbook case. Finally, there’s the flashy Lenticular Edition, which seems to be Europe-exclusive. This is the standard edition of the game with a lenticular sleeve, showcasing the cover art in motion when tilted side to side.
If you’re planning on buying the game digitally, then there are three different editions available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. The digital Standard Edition is once again just the base game with pre-order bonus if you buy early.
Next is the digital Deluxe Edition, which comes with the base game and the deluxe kit, which is: two layered armor sets, two Seikret (mount) decorations, a Felyne (cat companion) armor set, a pendant, two gestures, two hairstyles, two face paint options, two stickers and a new name plate.
Finally, the digital Premium Deluxe Edition gives you the Standard Edition game, the deluxe pack from the Deluxe Edition detailed above, a Premium Bonus pack of a new armor item, a set of profile decorations and a special BGM song in-game – as well as both future cosmetic DLC packs; one releasing in Spring, one releasing in Summer. Both will add new armor for hunters alongside a wealth of other items.
What are the Monster Hunter Wilds pre-order bonuses?
Any pre-order of any edition of Monster Hunter Wilds comes with the Guild Knight Set of layered amor, along with a Hope Charm Talisman. The outfits look really impressive, with a red color motif complimenting lots of sharp angles and that fancy curled feather on the hat completes the look.
We don’t actually know yet what the Hope Charm Talisman will do, but we can make a bit of a guess. Talismans are in other games such as Monster Hunter Rise, and they’re equippable items that contribute towards the skills your hunter has. The Hope Charm therefore will likely boost a skill related to your survivability or skills in combat.
Will Monster Hunter Wilds have patches and future DLC?
Yes! Monster Hunter Wilds already has two confirmed cosmetic DLC packs which will release in Spring and Summer of this year, both of which are included in the digital Premium Deluxe Edition. There are also two confirmed free DLC content updates, currently just named ‘Title Update 1’ and ‘Title Update 2’, which will also have seasonal releases of Spring and Summer respectively. We don’t know yet if there will be paid DLC, but as both Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Rise received full paid expansions, we think it’s likely.
As for patches, there will be a big Day 1 update – and we mean big. The first update, known by the catchy name 1.000.020, will be almost 18GB on PS5. We don’t know the file size on other systems yet, but it will likely be similar. The update will likely contain bug fixes, higher quality textures and quality of life fixes, delivered in time for the launch of the full Monster Hunter Wilds launch.
Can I try Monster Hunter Wilds early?
Both beta periods of Monster Hunter Wilds have passed, but there is good news for PC players. As some are worried about how the game will perform on their rigs, Capcom have released an official benchmarking tool which you can download right now on the Monster Hunter Wilds Steam page. If you’re thinking of playing the game on PC, it’s probably worth checking how well you can run it first.
And that’s it! Everything you need to know to prepare for Monster Hunter Wilds before it releases on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC later this week. We even wrote a piece about getting into the series if you’re a newbie. Let us know if you’re excited in the comments down below, and stay tuned to GameLuster for more Monster Hunter coverage through the week.
