Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test 2: Start date, rewards & how to participate

Monster Hunter Wilds is launching in February 2025, but fans can play it early thanks to the second Open Beta period.

The next installment in the beloved Monster Hunter series features plenty of weapons to wield, and monsters to battle. For those keen to jump into the Capcom release early, the Open Beta test is returning for a second time where you’ll be able to hunt the Gypceros.

When is Monster Hunter Wilds’ Open Beta Test 2?

As a result of the PlayStation Network outage on February 7 that made online play impossible for PlayStation 4 and 5 owners, Capcom has extended the duration of Monster Hunter Wilds’ second Open Beta Test 2 weekend for all platforms by 24 hours.

The revised dates and times for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC via Steam are as follows:

• February 6, 2025, 7:00 PM PT / Sunday 9, 2025 6:59 PM [Concluded]
• February 13, 20225, 7:00 PM PT / February 14, 3 AM GMT – February 17, 6:59 PT / February 18, 2:59 AM GMT

This test will also feature crossplay across all platforms and is available to anyone on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and those who are not subscribed to PlayStation Plus or Game Pass Core / Ultimate.

Anyone who took part in the first test on PS5 will be able to carry their character creation data over.

Requirements & how to participate

To participate, you’ll need at least 18 GB of free space on your PS5, Xbox Series X/S or PC. The beta can be pre-downloaded starting the day before each access window to give you a head start.

Joining the beta is straightforward:

1. Head to the PlayStation, Xbox, or Steam stores during the pre-download period.
2. Search for Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta.
3. Download and install the beta (ensure you have enough free space).
4. Once the beta begins, you’ll be ready to jump into the game.

During the beta, you can experience:

• Character creation: Allows you to create your hunter and companion, Palico.
• Story trial: Play through the game’s beginning.
• New online features: The second Open Beta Test will allow players to create private lobbies meaning you can hunt with friends.
• Training Area: A new training dummy lets you practice combos, test DPS, and perfect your counter timing.
• Doshaguma hunt: Take on a fearsome monster, either solo or with friends (which includes crossplay across all platforms).
• Gypceros hunt: Hunt for this returning monster from the series.
• Arkveld Hunt: Test your might against Monster Hunter Wilds’ flagship Monster.

Rewards

By participating in the Open Beta, you’ll unlock a Pendant and an Item Pack to decorate your weapons and Seikret.

These will be available as downloadable content when the game officially launches on February 28, 2025.

That’s all you need to know about the second beta test. For more on Monster Hunter Wilds, check out the system requirements, and whether it’s open world.