A new Monster Hunter Wilds Showcase from CAPCOM has revealed a bevvy of new information about the next title in the historic monster hunting series, including several new monsters, a brand new location, and a list of Open Beta dates and times for those looking to get their hands on the game before it’s official release in February of next year.
First and foremost, the showcase revealed three new monsters as well as the new locale where they dwell, the Oilwell Basin. This dark, cavernous landscape is flush with oilwells and free-flowing pockets of rich oil which will burst into explosive flames during the Firespring, the Oilwell Basin’s Inclemency event. The Oilwell Basin is also home to the village of Azuz, the Everforge, where its people toil as talented craftsmen.
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- Rompopolo, Oilsilt Monster
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- Ajarakan, Flaming Monkey
The Oilwell Basin is home to three new monsters. The first is the mosquito-esque Rompopolo, a Brute Wyvern that inhabits the deep oilsilts of the Oilwell Basin, lurking in the dark liquid to ambush any who dare approach it. On the opposite end is Ajarakan, a new Fanged Beast monster who takes after a monkey and prefers to emerge during the Firespring where it will attack with the hard flame-like scales from its back.
Finally, there’s also the Black Flame, a mysterious new monster who haunts the people of Azuz and acts as the Oilwell Basin’s apex predator. Its name is similar to the White Wraith, Monster Hunter Wild’s flagship monster, which may point towards the Black Flame being an Elder Dragon. Unlike most of the monsters in Wilds, the Black Flame is a tentacled cephalopod creature that can freely spew flames.
The Black Flame of Azuz
The most exciting info revealed during the showcase was the announcement of a new Open Beta that players worldwide can take part in. This Beta will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam and will feature three key components, with the first being Monster Hunter Wilds’ full character creator where you can design your Hunter and Palico companion. You can also choose to carry this appearance data over to the full game when it releases.
The Beta itself will include a Story Trial from the beginning of Monster Hunter Wilds where you’ll be tasked with hunting down a rogue Chatacabra, as well as a more involved Hunt against an Alpha Doshaguma. You’ll be able to test all of the fourteen available weapon types and explore the Windward Plains. You’ll also be able to use an SOS Flare in either of these Hunts to summon other players to your side or to summon special NPC Hunters to help you, which you can customise by talking to Alma.
Open Beta Contents
If you have a PlayStation 5 and a PS Plus Subscription, you’ll be able to play the Open Beta a bit earlier than everyone else. The PlayStation early access Open Beta dates and times for Monster Hunter Wilds are as follows:
- Monday, October 28th at 8:00 PM PT – Wednesday, October 30th at 7:59 PM PT
- Tuesday, October 29th at 03:00 AM GMT – Thursday, October 31st at 2:59 AM GMT
Meanwhile, the full release of the Open Beta for Monster Hunter Wilds Beta will begin on October 31st for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam:
- Thursday, October 31st at 8:00 PM PT – Sunday, November 3rd at 6:59 PM PT
- Friday, November 1st at 3:00 AM GMT – Monday, November 4th at 2:59 AM GMT
Anybody who participates in the Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta will receive a special bonus Palico pendant to redeem in the full game. This Pendant can be used to customise your weapons or your Seikret.
Open Beta Bonus Pendant
Monster Hunter Wilds is set to release on February 28th 2025.
