Image: Capcom
Players will have a chance to test out Monster Hunter Wilds for a second time ahead of its official launch.
Monster Hunter Wilds, the highly-anticipated next mainline entry in Capcom's classic Monster Hunter series, will be getting a second open beta test ahead of the game's official launch on February 28. In addition, Capcom also revealed that Gypceros will return as a monster in the game, and will be available for players to hunt in the second open beta test.
Capcom announced the news in its 'New Year's Greetings 2025' video posted on the official Monster Hunter YouTube channel on Wednesday (January 8), which featured series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto.
When is the second Monster Hunter Wilds open beta test?
The second open beta test for Monster Hunter Wilds will take place across two four-day periods. The first starts on February 6 7PM PT (February 7 11AM SGT) and will end on February 9 6:59PM PT (February 10 10:59AM SGT), while the second starts on February 13 7PM PT (February 14 11AM SGT) and will end on February 16 6:59PM PT (February 17 10:59AM SGT).
According to Tsujimoto, the developers decided to host a second open beta test largely due to high fan demand. With that said, he also clarified that the second open beta test will not include various adjustments and improvements that will be present in the full release for Monster Hunter Wilds.
We've heard from many of you that you missed the chance to tke part in the first beta, or that you wanted to play again, which is why we decided to have a second one. In the meantime, the team is working hard on finishing development on the full game. This includes various adjustments and improvements, but I hope you can understand that this means that those improvements won't be ready to make it into the second open beta test. Here's to a great 2025 with Monster Hunter Wilds!
The game's first open beta test took place from October 31 to November 4 last year, notably pulling record-breaking numbers on Steam despite some graphics issues.
Just like in the first open beta, Monster Hunter Wilds' second open beta test will let players play through the first few hours of the game's story and participate in hunts in the Windward Plains locale. But this time around, the Gypceros will also be available to hunt alongside the likes of Chatacabra, Doshaguma, Balahara, and Rey Dau. Here's a rundown of all the major features available in the second beta test:
- Character Creation
The Character Creation screen will include the full suite of features that will be available in the full version of the games for players to design their perfect hunters and Palicos. Players will also have unlimited chances to remake their characters! Additionally, character creation data will carry over into the full version of the game.
- Story Trial
In the OBT, players will experience the beginning of Monster Hunter Wilds’ story, which includes the opening cutscene and the tutorial hunt involving the Chatacabra. During this story trial, players will get a feel for the weapon mechanics, as well as be acquainted with the seamless transition from cutscene to gameplay.
- Doshaguma Hunt
Players will also be able to participate in the Doshaguma Hunt, which is meant to be a preview of how the game is meant to be played as it features hunting the alpha of the Doshaguma pack in the vast expanse of the Windward Plains.
During the open beta test, players can deploy an SOS flare to call on other players online or NPC Support hunters to aid them during their hunt. A maximum of 4 players can be in a hunting party at once. Multiplayer will also feature crossplay support, allowing players to connect with others across different platforms.
Players who participate in the open beta test will also receive bonuses, which can be claimed upon the full game's release.
Gypceros returns in Monster Hunter Wilds
Image: Capcom
Aside from the announcement of the second open beta, Capcom also revealed that Monster Hunter Wilds will see the return of one of its classic monsters: Gypceros. This Bird Wyvern was first introduced in the original Monster Hunter game all the way back in 2004.
Gypceros is a crafty beast with plenty of weapons at its disposal to help protect it from other monsters and hunters alike. Its most iconic method of self-defense is the luminous crest on the top of its head, which can emit a bright flash of light that can stun both hunters and monsters looking at it. In addition, Gypceros can lob poison at its foes while also having an elastic tail and a rubbery hide – which renders it immune to Shock Traps and requires a good level of sharpness for melee weapons to pierce through.
Aside from its plethora of weaponry, Gypceros also makes use of trickery to get the better of unwary hunters. It is known to feign death in order to draw hunters close for a devastating surprise attack. This ability has been improved in Monster Hunter Wilds too, as the reveal video showed that the hunter can carve the Gypceros as if it was actually killed – only for the cunning beast to turn the tables. Newbie hunters, take note!
Monster Hunter Wilds will be released globally on February 28, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game will also be hosting an open beta test available to all players on every platform at the end of October.
For more information on Monster Hunter Wilds, check out the game's official website here.
