Image credit: Capcom

If you’ve been wondering whether your current machine can handle the upcoming new entry in the Monster Hunter series, or whether you are going to enjoy new systems introduced in MH Wilds, you’re in luck, because there’s an open beta weekend coming at the end of October.

Video by Monster Hunter

First off, the timetable: the beta will run between:

  • GMT: November 1st, 3:00 am – November 4th, 2:59 am
  • PT: October 31st, 8:00 pm – November 3rd, 6:59 pm

Adjust for your timezones accordingly.

Now, the key info out of the way, what is the beta going to feature? A lot, actually. There will be three game modes:

  • Full character creator – quite possibly inspired by the popularity ofd Dragon Dogma 2’s character creation demo, the open beta of WH Wilds will have a fully featured creator, and apparently you’ll even be able to import you Beta character to the full game, so start planning your Hunter and Palico’s appearances now.
  • Story Trial – the opening sequence of the game, including the intro cutscene and the Chatacabra hunt teaching you the basics. It will also showcase how the game approached transitioning from cutscene to gameplay
  • Doshaguma Hunt – a standalone hunt, sending you after a giant shaggy beast that likes running in packs. It’s going to give a feel for what a typical, non-story hunt is going to be like.

The beta will also feature a multiplayer option, including cross-platform co-op, and if none of your friends are interested, you will be able to call in NPC hunters, just like in the full game.

It’s a lot to have fun with, and such a short period of availability. Hopefully the character creator will remain as a persistent demo, at least.

The full version of Monster Hunter Wilds will launch of February 28th, 2025, and will feature, among other things, a large, dynamic open world, a whole host of new (and some returning) monsters, and a fully voiced protagonist of your own design.

Happy hunting!