Monster Hunter Wildsis targeting fans of the series who enjoy the slower-paced epic adventures ofMonster Hunter: World. Gamers can spend hours in bases and towns preparing to search for and confront fantastical beasts. However, significantchanges inMonster Hunter Wildsinclude combat tweaks and enhanced visuals with dynamic weather.
The next addition to Capcom’s monster hunting franchise is set for release on February 28th, 2025. Xbox, PlayStation, and PC gamers can all discover if the game will become the definitive entry in the series. Despite a long wait until theMonster Hunter Wildsrelease date,various pre-order versions are already available. Are any more expensive editions worth the investment, or is the Standard Edition the only practical choice?
Monster Hunter Wilds Standard Edition
WHERE TO PLAY
Monster Hunter Wildscombines the best elements of past entries in the series. Gamers can expect more diverse and detailed lands to explore with realistic weather effects. With the new highly agile Seikret mount, navigating the most treacherous areas is less daunting. TheMonster Hunter WildsStandard Edition is available in physical disc and digital forms for Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam gamers. Even this least expensive version ships with bonuses, including the Guild Knight Set layered armor. Players will also receive the Talisman: Hope Charm to add to inventories immediately.
TheMonster Hunter WildsStandard Edition is the most economical way to explore the Forbidden Lands. Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam users have physical and digital versions to choose from that are sold at major retailers. As is common with the least expensive versions of games, there aren’t a ton ofMonster Hunter Wildspre-order bonusesincluded. Still, players can expect the following items for pre-ordering the Standard Edition:
The Guild Knight Set is purely cosmetic and won’t add to the defense stats of a player. However, the costume looks fairly ornate, and gamers can tame beasts while wearing feathers in their caps. Fans ofThe Three Musketeerswill see many similarities in the armor’s design. Meanwhile, the Hope Charm will accompany one of the most basic armor sets inMonster Hunter Wilds. In pastMonster Huntertitles, equipping charms provided some skill points, but it’s unknown whether the Hope Charm will have any such benefit. With new and super-powerful Apex predators roaming maps, hunters will need all the protection they can acquire.
With Capcom not mentioning any early-access period, gamers won’t feel as compelled to upgrade to pricierMonster Hunter Wildseditions. Buyers can also have a case and disc in an era whendigital consoles like the PS5 Proare moving away from physical media. When ordering from the PS Store, PlayStation users also receive an exclusive Digital Mini Art Book bonus to celebrate the detailed landscapes and monsters inMonster Hunter Wilds.
Monster Hunter Wilds Steelbook Edition
Monster Hunterfans won’t want to hesitate to reserve their copy of theMonster Hunter Wilds Steelbook Edition. The premium Steelbook case is a durable collector’s item with unique artwork and includes a physical copy of the game. Like the Standard Edition, TheMonster Hunter Wilds Steelbook Editiongives access to the same Guild Knight Set Layered Armor and Hope Charm Talisman bonus cosmetic items.
Steelbook cases are an alternative to most game discs' flimsy plastic packaging. Typically, Steelbook versions of anticipated titles cost significantly more than standard editions, but that’s not the case withMonster Hunter Wilds. TheMonster Hunter WildsSteelbook Edition ships with the same bonuses as the Standard Edition. Even so, for just five dollars more, gamers interested in the most affordable physical disc option will find it hard to resist upgrading. The only disappointment is for PC users, since the Steelbook isn’t distributed with digital codes.
Monster Hunter Wilds Deluxe Edition
TheMonster Hunter WildsDeluxe Edition allows players to tame beasts in style with an arsenal of cosmetic upgrades. In this all-digital release for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, hunters can adorn themselves with a decorative armor set, eyepatch, and wig. Faithful companions are also well-treated with costumes for Seikret mounts and ultra-cute Palico Felynes. During co-op gameplay, players will also have some unique gestures to show off. TheMonster Hunter WildsDeluxe Edition includes the bonus items shipping with the Standard Edition.
The Deluxe Edition is a digital-only release on the Xbox Games Store, PlayStation Store, and Steam. Monster Hunter Wildsplayers who enjoy giving unique looks to hunters and companions will gravitate toward this version. Hunters may feel a bit safer with the metal-clad Feudal Soldier set, even if it doesn’t enhance abilities. They are also supplied with alternative hairstyles, face paint, and an eyepatch. The complete list of bonus items in theMonster Hunter WildsDeluxe Editionis as follows:
The above content should be accessible on Jul 08, 2025, theMonster Hunter Wildsrelease date. Much of the Deluxe Edition focuses on companions and mounts, who play pivotal roles inMonster Huntertitles. The cutest assistants to hunters are palicoes, feline-inspired creatures that serve multiple roles during hunts. They won’t take down powerful creatures independently, but palicoes have some attack abilities and support their masters' efforts. In a first for the series, these critters will be able to speak the same language as hunters. Any gamer who enjoys dressing up their pets will find the included Felyne Ashigaru armor set charming.
Even more dramatic changes have been made toSeikrets inMonster Hunter Wilds. Seikrets resemble bird-like dinosaurs that are fast enough to travel great distances in the game’s vast open world. While riding on these mounts, hunters can launch combo attacks or shoot at targets from a distance with ranged weapons. The creatures are expected to be very customizable, and the Deluxe Edition offers decorative military-themed coverings.
Whether gamers buy theMonster Hunter WildsDeluxe Edition depends on how much they value cosmetics. While the DLC won’t make it easier to capture monsters, Capcom didn’t skimp on ways to personalize hunters and companions.
Monster Hunter Wilds Premium Deluxe Edition
TheMonster Hunter WildsPremium Deluxe Edition is the ultimate way for gamers to celebrate the return of the beloved series. This digital-only version includes all the bonuses of the Standard and Deluxe Editions. Buyers will also receive the Wyverian Ears Layered Armor Set, Bonus Hunter Profile Set, and a rendition of the famousMonster Huntermusical track,Proof of a Hero.Following theMonster Hunter Wildsrelease date on February 28th, Capcom will issue two additional Cosmetic DLC Packs.
TheMonster Hunter WildsPremium Deluxe Edition piles on the DLC, supplying players with bonus items on and after release. Once again, most of the additional content doesn’t affect Hunter’s stats, but it’s not all costumes. The Premium Deluxe Edition consists of the bonuses present in the Standard and Deluxe versions, plus these items:
Wyverians are a charming pointy-eared race that has existed in the game since the initial 2004Monster Hunterrelease. The Wyverian Ears pay tribute to these friendly characters who often prove helpful to Hunters. Layered armor inMonster Hunter Wildsfits over any existing armor, maintaining a player’s attributes. In a significantchange to theMonster Hunterarmor system, players can wear any items, regardless of gender.
Music has also played a huge role in the series, adding suspense to battles and giving the games a more cinematic feel. Proof of a Hero is one of the more recognizable themes, and theMonster Hunter WildsPremium Deluxe Edition introduces a new rendition of the song. In past titles, players could choose what background music played in their rooms by accessing the music player. After returning from a difficult quest, hunters can relax with this track exclusive to the Premium Deluxe Edition.
With the Premium Deluxe Edition, the DLC parade continues long after theMonster Hunter Wildsrelease date.These two DLC packs will arrive in the Spring and Summer of 2025:
(Cosmetic DLC Pack 1 Expected in Spring 2025):
(Cosmetic DLC Pack 2 Expected in Summer 2025):
Pop-up camps will be essential in the upcoming game onlargerMonster Hunter Wilds3D maps. On long expeditions, Hunters can quickly set up a tent and prepare for the next stage of a quest. The first DLC pack gives players the ability to customize these camps.
Monster Hunter Wilds Ultra Collector’s Edition
One lastMonster Hunter Wildspre-order opportunity is sparking conversation. Unfortunately, theMonster Hunter WildsUltra Collector’s Edition is only available for PS5 gamers in Japan. That has other players envious, since it’s the only version that includes physical bonuses other than the Steelbook. Lucky hunters will receive:
The Seikret-themed folding bicycle is the most unusual addition. It’s unclear how a bicycle fits into theMonster Hunter Wildsworld other than being decorated like the versatile mountable creatures. This part of the bundle is undoubtedly the biggest contributor to its price tag of just under $1300 USD.
Which Monster Hunter Wilds Version Should You Buy?
Gamers not enticed by cosmetic items will find little reason to upgrade from theMonster Hunter WildsStandard Edition.Most bonus items in the Deluxe and Premium Deluxe versions are strictly cosmetic, like layered armor and makeup. On the other hand, the Steelbook Edition offers the most value as a collectible version of the game with a physical disc.
The pricierMonster Hunter Wildsversions include items that won’t make hunting easier. Many bonuses focus on companions and mounts, which will play a vital role in massive open-world environments. The more creative items, like a commemorative music track, celebrate the franchise’s long history. Sadly, the Ultra Collector’s Edition with foldable bicycle is only available overseas.
Old andnew features inMonster Hunter Wildscould make it the definitive monster-hunting experience. Whatever pre-order decision gamers make, the included content will only add anticipation ahead of theMonster Hunter Wildsrelease.
FAQ
Q: Is Monster Hunter Wilds a sequel to Monster Hunter: World?
Monster Hunter Wildsseems very familiar in structure toMonster Hunter: Worldand offers even more detailed open-world settings. In comparison, some gamers foundMonster Hunter Riseoverly simplified and too fast-paced. However,Monster Hunter Wildsalso introduces new combat and mount mechanics to the series.
Q: Did Monster Hunter Rise sell better than Monster Hunter: World?
The 2018Monster Hunter: Worldis the best-selling version of the game in the franchise’s history, which dates back to 2004. WhileMonster Hunter Risedidn’t come out until 2021, it currently trails its predecessor’s total sales by around 15 million.
