The beta test for Monster Hunter Wilds is just around the corner, allowing players to jump into a series of exciting hunts on their Seikret mounts. You’ll also get a chance to customize your hunter and Palico, with your designs carrying over to the full game set to release in February 2025. If you’re eager to get an early taste of the action, here’s everything you need to know to join the Monster Hunter Wilds beta during the upcoming open testing period.
When is the Monster Hunter Wilds beta?
The Monster Hunter Wilds beta will be launched in two phases: the first is an exclusive early access period for PlayStation Plus subscribers on PS5, followed by a full open beta available for players on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam. Here are the dates and times:
- PS5 PlayStation Plus Exclusive Early Access:
Begins – October 28 at 8 PM PDT / 11 PM EDT / 3 AM GMT (October 29)
Ends – October 30 at 7:59 PM PDT / 10:59 PM EDT / 2:59 AM GMT (October 31) - Open Beta for PS5, Xbox Series, and Steam:
Begins – October 31 at 8 PM PDT / 11 PM EDT / 3 AM GMT (November 1)
Ends – November 3 at 6:59 PM PST / 9:59 PM EST / 2:59 AM GMT (November 4)
How to access the Monster Hunter Wilds open beta
The Monster Hunter Wilds open beta will be accessible to all players on PS5, Xbox Series, and Steam without requiring any online subscriptions. However, PlayStation Plus is needed to participate in the exclusive early access phase. You can pre-download the beta from the respective stores after these times, ensuring you’re ready to play when the servers launch:
- PS5 (PlayStation Plus subscribers only):
Available from October 27 at 8 PM PDT / 11 PM EDT / 3 AM GMT (October 28) - For PS5, Xbox Series, and Steam:
Available from October 30 at 8 PM PDT / 11 PM EDT / 3 AM GMT (October 31)
Keep in mind that while you can play the Monster Hunter Wilds open beta online without a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core/Ultimate subscription, you will need one for online play in the full version of the game once it launches in February 2025.
What’s included in the Monster Hunter Wilds beta?
Players will begin the Monster Hunter Wilds beta with access to the full Character Creation suite, allowing you to craft your hunter and Palico exactly how you want them. You can remake your character as often as you’d like during the beta, and your creation will carry over to the complete game, so you can dive right into your adventure when it launches.
After creating your character, you can watch the opening cutscene and complete a tutorial where you’ll hunt a Chatacabra, familiarizing yourself with the game’s weapons and mechanics. Following that, you can jump into an open-world hunt against a Doshaguma, aiming to take down the pack’s alpha while riding your Seikret and exploring the expansive environment. Anytime during these hunts, you can send an SOS Flare for assistance from other players through crossplay, or call in up to three NPC Support Hunters to help you out.
Rewards for taking part in the Monster Hunter Wilds beta
All participants in the Monster Hunter Wilds beta will earn the Open Beta Test Bonus Pendant, which can be attached to your hunter. Additionally, you’ll receive the Open Beta Test Bonus Item Pack, which contains:
- Mega Potion x 10
- Ration x 5
- Lifepowder x 5
- Max Potion x 2
- Herbal Medicine x 2
- Nulberry x 2
- Armor Sphere x 5
To qualify for these rewards, you need to create character data during the Monster Hunter Wilds open beta and play the full game on the same platform as the beta.