Beta Test Guide - Release Date & Schedule

Beta Test Schedule & Release Date for the Monster Hunter Wilds (MHW). See key dates, gameplay features, how to join, and the second beta test phase to join the pre-release action!

Open Beta Test 2 Schedule

Open Beta Test 2 is scheduled for February

The Open Beta Test 2 of Monster Hunter Wilds is scheduled for February. The first phase will run from 7:00 PM (PT) on February 6, 2025, while the second phase will begin at 7:00 PM (PT) on February 13, 2025. Both phases offer the same content, so be sure to participate during the test period!

First Phase: 2/6 - 2/9 (PT) 7:00 PM

The first phase of the Open Beta Test 2 will run from (PT) 7:00 PM on February 6, 2025, to 7:00 PM on February 9, 2025.

Second Phase: 2/13 - 2/16 (PT) 7:00 PM

The second phase of the Open Beta Test 2 will run from (PT) 7:00 PM on February 13, 2025, to 7:00 PM on February 16, 2025.

Open Beta Test 2 Contents & Details

Hunt Gypceros, A Returning Monster

Open Beta Test 2 introduces a hunting experience with the resurrected monster Gypceros, making its first appearance since Monster Hunter Generations. Don't miss the chance to enjoy this thrilling hunt during the beta!

Surprise Monster Appears?

Open Beta Test 2 will feature additional content beyond Gypceros, including a surprise monster you can hunt. Enjoy the excitement of discovering what's in store!

A Chance Hunting Arkveld?

The unrevealed surprise monster might turn out to be Akveld, the title monster of Monster Hunter Wilds. Considering that previous beta versions have featured hunts with each title's main monster, the likelihood seems quite high.

Open Beta Test 1 Content Available

Everything in the Open Beta Test 2 will be the same as the first, except for Gypceros and the surprise content. Note that all announced weapon adjustments and other content will only be available in the final version of the game.

Character Customization Carried Over To Full Version

Character customization made during the beta test will carry over to the final version. The customization options will be the same as in the full release, so take your time creating the perfect character if you're particular about it.

Experience Story Trial

After creating a character, you will dive straight into a quest that introduces the story, starting from the tutorial and leading to the subjugation of Chatacabra. Once defeated, you're free to explore the Windward Plains at your own pace.

Practice Barrels Near Alma

When you talk to Alma and select a weapon, you'll find a practice barrel on the right side of her tent. This is the only place to practice in beta, so be cautious. If you wish to use the practice barrel again, you can back up your save files and delete the data.

Doshaguma Subjugation Quest

After completing the story trial quest, it's best to tackle the Doshaguma subjugation quest next. While you can freely explore the Windward Plains at this stage, defeating Doshaguma will unlock Rey Dau and lobby member quest.

Joining Lobby Member Quest Available

From this point, you can join other players' quests in the lobby or SOS flare quest by speaking with Alma. You can join a lobby quest like Rey Dau, which has a specific appearance condition and seems to be quite popular.

Field Survey Quest

While exploring the map after defeating Doshaguma, you can target a monster of your choice and begin a quest to hunt it. This is known as a Field Survey. Field Surveys can also be initiated by attacking a large monster continually.

If you're in an Environment Link, Link Members will send a request to the Link Leader to initiate the Field Survey quest.

Optional Quest

To unlock the Optional Quest, you need to defeat a monster first, then speak to Alma to make that monster available as an optional quest. Essentially, you must first encounter and defeat a creature before it becomes eligible. These quests can be repeated as many times as you like.

Once you accept an optional quest, you will be relocated to the designated environment. After successfully hunting the main target, you will return to your original environment.

Other Content to Experience

Multiplayer With Crossplay

In the Open Beta Test, you can send a SOS Flare or invite friends to join your Link Party, enabling cross-platform multiplayer. If you can't gather enough participants, up to 3 NPC Hunters will assist you in the quest, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable multiple experience in Monster Hunter Wilds.

Test All Weapon Types

Just like in other titles, you can test all weapon types and practice combos. Additionally, Monster Hunter Wilds allows you to switch between up to two weapon types that you're equipped with, letting you experiment with different weapons.

You can choose the weapon you're most skilled with and pair it with a weapon you'd like to use as a substitute, offering a versatile combat experience.

Windward Plains Exploration

In the Open Beta, you can freely explore the Windward Plains map. Along with defeating monsters, you can discover "sub-camps," encounter "environmental monsters," gather new materials, and many more, so take your time to explore in preparation for the full release!

How to Download Open Beta

Steam PS5

How to Download Open Beta on Steam (PC)

Search "Monster Hunter Wilds"

Pre-Download Date	Open Beta 2 Pre-Download Date has not been announced.

Once the Open Beta Test starts, search for "Monster Hunter Wilds" in the Steam Store, then jump to the product page.

Select "Request Access"

While in the Monster Hunter Wilds product page, scroll down until you find the Monster Hunter Wilds Playtest. Select "Request Access" → "Play Now."

Select Install

Open Beta Period	【First Phase】 PT: 2/6/2025 (7PM) - 2/9/2025 (7PM) 【Second Phase】 PT: 2/13/2025 (7PM) - 2/16/2025 (7PM)

After pressing "Play Now." an installation screen will appear. You can enjoy the game for as long as you like during the Open Beta period.

How to Download Open Beta Test on PS5

Search "Monster Hunter Wilds" On PS Store

Pre-Download Date	Open Beta 2 Pre-Download Date has not been announced.

Open the PS Store from the PS5 home screen, then search for "Monster Hunter Wilds" using the search window in the top right. Once you find it, open the Monster Hunter Wilds page.

Select The "Three-Dots"

When you open the Monster Hunter Wilds page, click the three-dot menu and select Monster Hunter Wilds Beta Test.

Add to Library to Start Download

File Size	16.61GB or more

After selecting "Monster Hunter Wilds Beta Test," select Add to Library → Download to begin downloading the Open Beta. The file size is 16.61GB or more, so if you don't have enough free space, go to "Settings" → "Storage" and delete unnecessary data to free up space.

Play the Game After Downloading

Open Beta Period	【First Phase】 PT: 2/6/2025 (7PM) - 2/9/2025 (7PM) 【Second Phase】 PT: 2/13/2025 (7PM) - 2/16/2025 (7PM)

After downloading, you can play Monster Hunter Wilds Beta Test as much as you like during the Open Beta period.

Data Transfer & Participation Bonuses

Character Customization Carried Over

Character creation in the beta test offers the same features as the full version, and any character customization detail you saved will be transferred to the full release.

Other Data Will Not Transfer

Please note that data other than character customization, such as materials obtained, hunt progression, and friend information, will not transfer to the final build of the game.

Participation Bonuses

Weapon Pendant	・Palico Teddy
Item Pack (Open Beta Test 1)	・Mega Potion x10 ・Ration x5 ・Lifepowder ×5 ・Max Potion×2 ・Herbal medicine×2 ・Nulberry×2 ・Armor Sphere×5
Item Pack (Open Beta Test 2)	・Raw Meat×10 ・Shock Trap ×3 ・Pitfall Trap×3 ・Tranq Bomb ×10 ・Large Barrel bomb ×3 ・Armor Sphere ×5 ・Flash Pod ×10 ・Large Dung Pod ×10

If you participate in Monster Hunter Wilds beta test, you'll receive a Pendant to decorate your weapon and an item pack as a bonus. Simply play the full version of the game with the same account you used for the beta to claim your rewards.

PS5 FPS In Open Beta Test

60fps Experience For PS5 is confirmed

In the open beta test version, it has been confirmed that setting the option to "Frame Rate Priority" achieved a maximum of 60fps on PS5. However, there are variations in fps, and when other players gather, the fps can drop significantly.

Image Quality Is Lower Than Resolution Priority

※The difference in image quality becomes more noticeable during movement.

If you set the option to "Frame Rate Priority," the image quality will drop significantly. Even in still images, you'll notice changes in textures, so be cautious if you want to fully enjoy the game.

Pre-Launch Content That Will Be Updated On Release Version

The official "Pre-Launch Community Update" has been released, revealing adjustments and changes from the open beta test version to the full release version.

PS5 FPS Improvement

In Monster Hunter Wilds, the PS5 frame rate has seen significant improvements by selecting the Frame Rate Priority setting. Performance has been optimized to deliver a stable output of up to 60fps.

4 Weapon Changes

Insect Glaive
Lance
Switch Axe
Sword & Shield

Insect Glaive Changes

Changes Overview

◆Added "Vaulting Dance" to strengthen aerial action. 　┗Can combo into a variety of aerial actions after vaulting. 　┗Aerial Attack Power boost increases 2 levels each time you vault. ◆Added an offset effect at the beginning of Descending Slash. ◆Orange extract effect also negates knockback while weapon is drawn. Red + White + Orange extract effect now also mitigates wind pressure, tremors, and roars.

Vaulting Dance

The Vaulting Dance is a special maneuver that lets hunters chain aerial attacks by using monsters as springboards to leap into the air. During the beta test, it was disabled to encourage players to try out the new motions. Many players are thrilled to see the return of this signature action for the Insect Glaive.

Offset Effect And Enhanced Extract

An Offset Effect was added at the beginning of Descending Slash, and the extract effect has been enhanced, significantly expanding the range of attacks. Beta trial players who have used the Insect Glaive have praised it as the best version yet.

▼Descending Slash Charge Mechanic

There were some concerns about the difficulty of the charge mechanic for Descending Slash. However, after considering the benefits of allowing players to become accustomed to the mechanic and the expanded gameplay possibilities it offers, the developers decided to retain the charge mechanic.

Lance Changes

◆"Charge Counter" allows guarding while charging. 　└Can be chained into from any other move. ◆"Power Guard" will charge to higher levels when successfully used to defend against stronger monster attacks. ◆"Perfect Guard" and "Power Guard" can now be chained into a new move. ◆The timing for canceling the "Guard Dash" during combos is set to be faster. ◆The plan is to remove any action branches that could potentially confuse players or result in accidental actions.

Enhanced Guard And Counter Maneuverability

"Charge Counter" can now be guarded during charging and utilized from any combo. Additionally, "Power Guard" charge levels increase based on the strength of attacks received from monsters. Overall, this enhances the efficiency of guarding and counter mechanics.

Power Guard Gains New Actions

After executing "Perfect Guard" or "Power Guard," you can now perform a new follow-up action that involves jumping forward and thrusting with the spear. This addition provides more post-guard options, making it easier to deal damage.

Guard Dash And Combo Refined

The 'Guard Dash' cancel timing will be sped up for smoother transitions during combos. Additionally, actions that might confuse players or cause unintended actions will undergo minor adjustments, such as removing problematic follow-up actions.

Switch Axe Changes

◆Various adjustments have been made to make the switch to Sword Mode after charging the Axe Mode gauge feel more rewarding and satisfying. ◆Parametere improvements made to various moves, including Full Release Slash. ◆Knockback is now negated when using Full Release Slash.

Improved Gauge Charging And Sword Damage

Switch Axe now alleviates the difficulty of accumulating gauge in Axe Mode, and adjustments have been made to increase Sword Axe's attack power, making it more powerful and responsive to gauge consumption. The video shows landing attacks that now give more impact and a satisfying feel.

Full Release Slash Damage Increased

Full Release Slash has been enhanced in power and responsiveness, positioning it as a decisive move worthy of the Switch Axe's signature attack. Additionally, the effect of immunity to knockback will also be added.

Other Actions Improved

Minor adjustments will be made, such as improving the usability of the counter slash and shortening the gap after Focus Strike. These changes aim to enhance the playability of actions that were previously difficult to handle.

Sword & Shield Changes

◆Rising Slash can now be used while guarding. ◆Parameter improvements to various attacks, especially for Basic Attacks and Perfect Rush ◆Improved responsiveness of mobile Chop, Side Slash, Guard Slash, and Perfect Rush. ◆Enhanced evade window for "Backstep" and "Sliding Swipe."

Improved Backstep And Sliding Slash

Sword & Shield will see improvements in power and speed of various attacks, added derivative of "Rising Slash" during guard, and strengthened evade window for "Backstep" and "Sliding Swipe." Overall, the performance has been enhanced for easier handling in combat.

Bow & Other Weapon Changes

Bow
Great Sword
Hammer
Hunting Horn
Others

Bow Changes

Changes Overview
◆Bow has been rebalanced, with increased attack power and improved responsiveness for moves like basic attacks and "Arc Shots", while the power of "Tracer Shots" has been toned down. ◆When using "Focus Strike" on a monster, multiple wounds are now locked onto one by one with a brief delay in between, rather than all at once.

Tracer Shots Power Decreased, Other Attacks Strengthened

Adjustments will be made to "Tracer Shot," reducing its excessive power while improving the overall power (Basic Combo, Arc Shots, etc.) instead. This isn't a pure weakening but a rebalancing, allowing attacks other than 'Tracer Shots' to do solid damage.

Focus Strike Locks On One By One

Bow's Focus Strike was previously able to lock on to multiple wounds at once, but this will be changed to lock on to each wound one by one. Additionally, the time required for a focus attack will be longer, increasing the risk of lower DPS and vulnerability to attacks.

Great Sword: Enhanced True Charged Slash

In the Monster Hunter Wilds community update, it was revealed that the Great Sword's balance will be adjusted. The hit stop, hit effects, and sound effects (SE) of 'True Charged Slash' have been tweaked, while its power will be improved.

Hammer: Reduced Upswing

In the Monster Hunter community update, Hammer adjustments were revealed. Upswings will no longer launch people into the air. However, it will still knock down allies, so be careful when using it in multiplayer.

Hunting Horn Changes

◆Adjust the overall performance of sub-weapons. └Melodies only provided an Attack Up [Small] boost in OBT. └In the full version, Attack Up [Large] and melody effect duration is extended, making it too powerful as a sub-weapon. ◆Adjustments are planned, including the removal of status-up effect from melodies for other Hunters and the extension of melody effect time when switching to other weapon types. ◆Movement speed increase from the melody effect "Self-Improvement" is planned to be increased in the upcoming adjustment.

In the Monster Hunter Wilds community update, it was revealed that balance adjustments will be made to Hunting Horn. During the OBT, the melody effect provided is Attack Up [Small], but in the full version, it has been upgraded to Attack Up [Large] along with skills that extend the melody effect duration. These changes were made because it was deemed too powerful as a sub-weapon.

Melody Effect Adjusted When Switching Hunters Or Weapons

Plans to adjust the status-up effect of melodies on nearby Hunter allies. Additionally, adjustments will include removing the extension of melody effect time when switching to another weapon type.

Self-Improvement Move Speed Increased

Hunting Horn's melody, "Self-Improvement," will be revised to increase movement speed. These adjustments aim to improve balance while maintaining its value as a support weapon.

Other Weapon Changes

・General wide-ranging adjustments to skill and elemental values to balance for full game content, including endgame. ・Overall adjustments to hit detection and low damage output compared to past MH titles.

Weapon & Skill Changes

New Equipment Skills Added When Upgraded

Before Upgrade	After Upgrade

Weapons come with equipment skills, and some can be upgraded to add new skills. The skills obtained before the upgrade will be inherited without any loss, so there is no disadvantage when strengthening the weapon.

Skills Attached To Weapons And Armor Are Different

Decorations Can Be Equipped In Weapon Slots

Weapons feature slots in recent and previous series. You can activate any skill by equipping them with decorations.

Gameplay & Multiplayer Changes

Hitstop And SE Changes

Adjusting attacks to feel more weighty and impactful, focusing on big moves and finishers.

Mitigation Of Friendly Fire

Lobby Adjustments

Changes To Monster Area Movement Frequency

The monster's movement frequency has been adjusted to be closer to that of Monster Hunter: World. Using tools like pop-up camps and fast travel to anticipate and get ahead of monster's movement can also be useful.

Related Links

Latest News & Guides

New Features	Release Date & Platforms	Save Data Bonuses
All Monsters List	All Weapon List	All Character List
Cross-Play	Predictions & Speculations	Focus Mode
Steam Version	Returning Monsters List	New Monsters List
Will It Be Released On The Switch Or PS4?	Seikret	Slinger Guide

Monster Guides

Doshaguma	Chatacabra
Balahara	-