conversation and controversy about the next Monster Hunter game, and the second is likely to do the same.

According to the official Monster Hunter website, the second beta for Monster Hunter Wilds will take place between February 7 and 10, as well as February 14 and 17, beginning at 3:00 AM GMT on both start dates. Players will be able to hop into (or back into) the Monster Hunter sequel, where they can experience a small slice of the game. This will allow players to create their characters and companions, head out on a few hunts, and interact with other players ahead of the game's full release on February 28.

What To Expect From The Next Beta Tests

A New Hunt & New Rewards

If you played the original Monster Hunter Wilds beta, you probably already know what to expect from the second. The new open beta will consist of almost exactly the same content as the first one: the full character creator, the introductory story mission, the Doshaguma hunt, and the optionally huntable Rey Dau all seem to be returning for the second beta period. However, this time, there'll also be an additional monster to hunt: the Gypceros, returning from the very first Monster Hunter game.

Alma smiling at the player while on a boat in Monster Hunter Wilds.
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10 Biggest Gameplay Changes We Noticed In The Monster Hunter Wilds Hands-On

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Much like the first open beta, the second open beta also offers rewards for participating players. They can claim two unique rewards: the Open Beta Test Bonus Pendant, and a consumable item pack. The Pendant was already available during the original open beta test, so that's nothing new to the returning players, but the item pack is unique to the second test, and can be claimed in addition to the first test's item pack. This one includes:

  • 10 Raw Meat
  • 3 Shock Traps
  • 3 Pitfall Traps
  • 10 Tranq Bombs
  • 3 Large Barrel Bombs
  • 5 Armor Spheres
  • 10 Flash Pods
  • 10 Large Dung Pods

Players will have to create character data during the second beta, and carry it over into the full game, to receive these rewards.

It's unknown exactly how participation in the second beta will work, but if it's anything like the first, it'll be pretty easy: players will have to the (likely free) beta software from their preferred online storefront once it becomes available, then open it when the beta starts. Since it wasn't necessary to purchase the game to enjoy the first beta, that rule will probably hold true for the second. The new MH Wilds beta will be available on all the same platforms as the final game: PC via Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Our Take: Monster Hunter Wilds Is Shaping Up Nicely

But You May Not See Those Improvements In The Second Beta

A player character riding a Seikret in Monster Hunter Wilds, overlooking a vast desert landscape.

Although the first open beta raised concerns about Monster Hunter Wilds' performance and gameplay, the developers have made it clear they're listening to and incorporating player . Each successive announcement seems to reveal a wealth of new features, and almost all of them seem to be for good. Personally, as a longtime Monster Hunter fan, I can't wait for the next game. I'll be the first to it it's different from what I'm used to, but I'm curious to see how the changes play out.

However, the devs have been careful to note that not all the proposed changes will appear in the second open beta. For that, players will need to wait for the full release. Even so, it'll be fascinating to see how far Monster Hunter Wilds has already come when the second beta begins on February 7.

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Your Rating

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Monster Hunter Wilds
Action
Adventure
8/10
10.0/10
Released
February 28, 2025
ESRB
T For Teen // Violence, Blood, Crude Humor
Developer(s)
Capcom
Publisher(s)
Capcom
Engine
RE Engine
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
Cross-Platform Play
Yes, all platforms
Cross Save
No

Monster Hunter Wilds is the highly anticipated follow-up to Capcom's multi-million seller, Monster Hunter World. Announced at The Game Awards 2023, Monster Hunter Wilds will put players into a sprawling world where they'll hunt monsters to create new weapons and armor while protecting their home base and uncovering the secrets of unexplored lands with friends or alone.

Franchise
Monster Hunter
Number of Players
1
Steam Deck Compatibility
Unknown
PC Release Date
February 28, 2025
Xbox Series X|S Release Date
February 28, 2025
PS5 Release Date
February 28, 2025
Platform(s)
PC
X|S Optimized
Yes