Monster Hunter Wilds: all the news from Gamescom Opening Night Live

Behold the reveal of a new locale submerged in scarlet colored water, new characters pivotal to the story, and of course, ferocious new monsters, all part of our 3rd trailer for Monster Hunter Wilds. We’re excited to share this first breakdown of the details below, straight to all our hunters on PlayStation. 

Watch the brand-new trailer and read on to learn more about the Forbidden Lands, the inhabitants of hunters’ base camp in the Windward Plains, as well as the mysterious monster that stirred up a storm in our previous trailer. 

Step into the Scarlet Forest and stand against a new foe

Together with members of the Research Commission, we step into a new locale in the Forbidden Lands and come face to face with the new large monster that calls it home. This new spider-like monster is part of the rare Temnoceran classification of monsters, which have been few and far between throughout the series. 

The Scarlet Forest

Follow the river from the Windward Plains to enter the verdant Scarlet Forest, lush with tall trees and abundant water. This isn’t your ordinary forest, however. As the name suggests, the towering greenery above is offset by water colored with a deep red hue. 

Lala Barina

New to Monster Hunter Wilds is the Temnoceran Lala Barina, which inhabits the Scarlet Forest. Normally covered in white fur, Lala Barina can unfold its thorax at will, revealing a dazzling yet dangerous blooming rose appearance.

Massive, ever-changing environments

The vast and dynamic environments of Monster Hunter Wilds can radically change on the fly. During the harsh Fallow period, hungry predators roam the diminished land for food, resulting in more aggressive and dangerous herds of monsters. 

The Fallow period is typically followed by a locale’s Inclemency: a harsh ecological event which may drastically alter the ecosystem altogether. Expect to encounter the area’s dangerous apex monster during Inclemency. In the Windward Plains, the specific Inclemency is a great rolling sandstorm with thunder known as the Sandtide. 

A semblance of harmony returns to the land following the end of Inclemency with the Plenty period, where the land teems with life once again. 

Expect the unexpected in the dynamic locales of Monster Hunter Wilds, where no two hunts are ever the same. 

Fallow period of the “Windward Plains”

In the “Windward plains,” an unusual Inclemency occurs, with thunderous Sandtides

The Plenty period of the “Windward Plains”

A Thunderous Apex Reveal

In each locale in Monster Hunter Wilds, apex monsters reign at the top of the ecosystem. 

Rey Dau

While only briefly sighted in our previous trailer, the mysterious monster Rey Dau is no longer a flash of lighting, now appearing in full form. This flying wyvern reigns as the apex monster of the Windward Plains. 

Rey Dau most often appears during the Sandtide Inclemency in the Windward Plains and is fully adapted to its harsh weather conditions. Accompanied by large-scale lightning strikes, Rey Dau possess a mastery of the elements by unleashing earth-shattering electrical discharge attacks of its own. 

Beware its spectacular aerial dance as it takes to the sky to deliver destruction from above. 

More new faces join the Forbidden Lands Research Commission

Olivia

Meet Olivia, a hammer-wielding member of the Hunter’s Guild who joins the Research Commission. She previously served the Guild by taking on special missions, and now joins the hunter and their crew into the Forbidden Lands. 

If summoned, Olivia can also assist as a Support Hunter during quests. 

Athos

Olivia is joined by her trusty long-haired Palico, Athos. Having accompanied her through many missions, this Palico is considered elite amongst its peers.  

Hunt in a group, even in single-player

Like previous games in the Monster Hunters series, you’ll be able to fire off an SOS flare to request aid from up to 3 other hunters online. 

However, if you’re looking to hunt in a group while playing in single-player, the new Support Hunter system is may be just what you’re looking for. New to Monster Hunter Wilds, you can now call-in aid from NPC Support Hunters while playing in single-player.

Support Hunter

SOS flare settings can be customized to be either “player only” or “support hunter” only, as well as the number of players in multiplayer. NPC support hunters can also join if no players have answered your SOS flare after a certain amount of time.  

The Base Camp: your home away from home

Base Camp of the Windward Plains

The Base Camp of the Windward Plains serves as your base of operations. Prepare for hunts by visiting the smithy for new weapons and armor, buy items, prepare food, and more. At the base camp, you can communicate with members of the research commission. 

Kunafa, Windsong Village

Areas in the Forbidden Lands contain established settlements inhabited by the local population for generations. Experience their culture and community that has been greatly shaped by their environment.  

The Windsong Village, Kunafa, is one such settlement in the Windward Plains. The village is known as the home of the Seikret and is also renowned for the cheese produced by the milk of their livestock. 

We hope you look forward to the interesting interactions between the members of the Research Commission and the villagers.

Explore and hunt in new ways

Larger and more dynamic locales mean new ways to hunt. Embark on Expeditions in Monster Hunter Wilds with multiple objectives in mind. Hunt seamlessly by targeting monsters on the field and attacking them to start a new quest. Keep in mind that some monsters cannot be set as targets during specific story progression situations.

Meals

Tasty food is a must in every Monster Hunter game, and Monster Hunter Wilds takes things to new heights by allowing you to cook anywhere, without returning to camp. Cook and eat delicious food while in the field by using a Portable BBQ Grill, increasing your strength and stats temporarily. 

Portable BBQ Grills can also still be used to grill meat. Get your grill timing right to cook a well-done steak that will increase your maximum stamina and restore your health and stamina. 

Pop-up camps

Keep an eye out in the field for places where you can set a Pop-up camp. A limited number of these camps can be created in fixed locations throughout the vast locales, allowing you to fast travel, manage your items and equipment, start new quests, return after fainting. 

An Evolved Hunt

Monster Hunter Wilds retains the signature feel of the hunt, challenging hunters to master a wide variety of unique weapons and use everything at their disposal to achieve victory. Whether it’s taking advantage of the terrain, weather, endemic life, or items in your kit, every advantage is key while in a hunt. Monster Hunter Wilds further layers onto the core hunting mechanics with all new ones. 

Power Clash

Clash in an intense power struggle when guarding against certain monster attacks. Go all out and push the monster back to make it stagger, then close in for a powerful follow-up attack.  

Offset Attack (*available for some weapon types only)

When your attack clashes with a monster’s attack at the same time while using certain weapon types, an Offset Attack can occur. The attack will send the monster reeling, allowing you to follow up with a unique attack.  

Be sure to visit the official Monster Hunter Wilds website to catch up on our videos summarizing the new Focus Mode, as well as our Weapon Overviews for all 14 types. 

We hope you’ve enjoyed all the Monster Hunter Wilds details we’ve revealed today! Before we go, we’ve got two more details to touch on. 

Your Palico is a dedicated partner that will support you in your hunt in various ways, from attacking to recovering your health, and more! Stay tuned in the future to learn more about their unique support behaviors. 

It wouldn’t be a Monster Hunter game without lovingly crafted cooking scenes! The team has gone the extra mile to present food with as detailed and mouthwatering presentation as possible to make everyone say “So tasty!” We hope touches like these, alongside the rich world, story, monsters, and action show the level of detail and care being put into the game. 

Monster Hunter Wilds is scheduled for global release on PS5 in 2025! Be on the lookout for more news to come.