Does Monster Hunter Wilds Have Early Access

Everything you need to know about Capcom’s upcoming title, Monster Hunter Wilds, and whether it will have early access, or not.

Monster Hunter Wilds key art (Image via Capcom)
Monster Hunter Wilds key art (Image via Capcom)

Monster Hunter Wilds is just a few weeks away from its official release date, February 28, 2025. Surprisingly enough, even weeks ahead of its official release, Monster Hunter Wilds is already topping Steam charts in terms of pre-orders. As of writing this article, Capcom’s upcoming Monster Hunter game has already climbed Steam’s Best Sellers list.

Considering how most Triple-A titles offer “early access” or “advanced access” incentives for pre-ordering games, you might be thinking the same holds true for the upcoming Monster Hunter title. However, Monster Hunter Wilds does not feature any early access incentive for pre-ordering. Furthermore, early access isn’t part of the Deluxe or Premium Editions either.

However, if you do pre-order the Premium Deluxe Edition of the game, you will be granted early access to some of the post-launch content. Here’s everything you need to know about Monster Hunter Wilds, its pre-orders, editions, and more.

When Is Monster Hunter Wilds Releasing?

Monster Hunter Wilds (Image via Capcom)
Monster Hunter Wilds (Image via Capcom)

Monster Hunter Wilds will release on February 28, 2025. The game is coming to all current-generation platforms, i.e., PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam). Do note that regardless of whichever version you choose to buy, i.e., Standard, Deluxe, ir Premium Deluxe, you will only be able to access the game starting February 28, 2025.

There is no early access incentive to pre-ordering or getting the premium editions of the game. Furthermore, the game is currently available for pre-order across all platforms. However, pre-downloads are yet to go live. On PS5, the pre-load is expected to go live on February 26, 2025.

Whereas, on Xbox and PC, pre-load for Monster Hunter Wilds will go live roughly 48-24 hours prior to release. If you’re looking to give the game a spin ahead of its official release date, you’re in luck. Capcom has already announced a second Open Beta Test for Monster Hunter Wilds. The OBT will go live on February 9, 2024, and will be available till February 16, 2025.

Monster Hunter Wilds Editions

Monster Hunter Wilds Editions (Image via Capcom)
Monster Hunter Wilds Editions (Image via Capcom)

Although there’s no early access incentive for Monster Hunter Wilds, there is something similar to that for its DLCs. Essentially, if you pre-order or even purchase the Premium Deluxe Edition of the game, you will get early access to some of its seasonal DLCs.

The DLCs basically include cosmetics, i.e., Layered Armor, background OST (BGM), chat stickers, and other in-game exclusives. While these DLCs don’t serve any gameplay benefit, they do give you more options to customize your “monster-hunting experience.” Here’s a breakdown of the different editions of Monster Hunter Wilds:

Standard Edition ($69.99)

  • Base game

Deluxe Edition ($89.99)

  • Base game
  • Deluxe Pack

The Deluxe Pack includes the following items:

  • Hunter Layered Armor Set: Feudal Soldier, Hunter Layered Armor: Fencer’s Eyepatch, Oni Horns Wig
  • Seikret Decoration: Soldier’s Caparison, General’s Caparison
  • Felyne Layered Armor Set: Felyne Ashigaru
  • Pendant: Avian Wind Chime
  • Gesture: Battle Cry, Uchiko
  • Hairstyle: Hero’s Topknot, Refined Warrior
  • Makeup/Face Paint: Hunter’s Kumadori, Special Bloom
  • Sticker Set: Avis Unit, Monsters of the Windward Plains
  • Nameplate: Extra Frame – Russet Dawn

Premium Deluxe Edition ($109.99)

  • Base game
  • Deluxe Pack
  • Premium Bonus
  • Cosmetic DLC Packs 1 & 2

The Premium Bonus includes the following items:

  • Hunter Layered Armor: Wyverian Ears
  • Premium Bonus Hunter Profile Set
  • BGM: Proof of a Hero (2025 Recording)

The Cosmetic DLC Pack 1 (planned for release in Spring 2025) includes the following:

  • Hunter layered armor: 1 series (5 pieces) and 1 piece
  • Seikret decorations: 2
  • Pendants: 6 (Color variation)
  • Pose Sets: 1
  • Makeup/Facepaint: 1
  • Sticker set: 1
  • BGM Set: 1
  • Pop-up camp customization contents: 2

The Cosmetic DLC Pack 2 (planned for release in Summer 2025) includes the following:

  • Hunter layered armor: 1 series (5 pieces)
  • Pendants: 6 (Color variation)
  • Gesture sets: 2
  • Hairstyles: 2
  • Makeup/Facepaint: 2
  • Sticker set: 1

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