‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ open beta test on Xbox and Steam PC: How to download early, beta launch times in your region, and more

Here’s what you need to do to access the Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test on Xbox and PC platforms, and join the hunt.

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•When will it start?•How to download the Beta on Xbox•How to download the Beta on PC•Requirements, content, and full-game rewards•Will I need Xbox Game Pass?•When will the Open Beta Test end?

Capcom’s highly-anticipated action-hunting title,Monster Hunter Wilds, has at last launched itsOpen Beta Testfor Xbox and PC platforms. If you’re a longtime fan ofMonster Hunterfan that’s been chomping at the bit to play this game early before its February 28, 2025 release date like me, you’re probably thinking “How on Earth do I access the Open Beta Test?”

Well, don’t worry because we have you covered with information on how to access the beta and download it on Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. Here’s what you need to know on how to join the Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test which has recently gone live on October 31, 2024.

Monster Hunter Wilds - When does the Open Beta Test start?

Monster Hunter Wilds - When does the Open Beta Test start?

The Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test will go live at the following times depending on your region and timezone:

Monster Hunter Wilds - How to download the Open Beta Test on Xbox

Monster Hunter Wilds - How to download the Open Beta Test on Xbox

To access the beta on Xbox Series X|S, all you need to do is go to the Microsoft Store app on your console, search for ‘Monster Hunter Wilds Beta’ and you will find a store page for it. Once you enter the store page, simply press the ‘GET free’ button there and you will begin downloading it.

Alternatively, you can go through the following steps:

If you have connected your Xbox to your Microsoft Account already, you should also be able to sign in to theMonster Hunter Wilds beta test on the Xbox Store on the webhere and install the game remotely.

Monster Hunter Wilds - How to download the Open Beta Test on PC

To access the beta on PC, head over to the Steam app store and search for Monster Hunter Wilds until you see its store page. Click on it to enter and you will see an option called “Play the Monster Hunter Wilds Playtest now!” which will allow you to download the Open Beta Test on Steam, as shown above.

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Monster Hunter Wilds - What are the Open Beta Test’s requirements, content, and full-game?

-Monster Hunter Wilds list of PC spec requirements-Monster Hunters Wilds FAQ-Monster Hunter Wilds Hunting Horn-Monster Hunter Wilds Bow trailer-Monster Hunter Wilds Gunlance trailer

Since this is an Open Beta Test, it’s open to the public at large so there’s no need to worry about signing up for any exclusive beta access programs beforehand to download.

The content of the Open Test Beta will consist of a Character Creator where you get to create your avatar (which can be transferred to the full game), a Story Trial mission that introduces players to the story while providing a tutorial on how to use their weapon against a Chatacabra, and a hunting mission where the player must hunt down a Doshaguma.

Players who participate and complete the missions in this Open Beta Test will be given special rewards in the full game. These include a cosmetic pendant that players can attach to their Seikret mount or weapons, and an item pack containing several healing items and armor upgrade materials to help them during the beginning of the full game.

Monster Hunter Wilds - Will I need Xbox Game Pass to play the Open Beta Test?

Xbox players won’t need anXbox Game Passsubscription to download and play the Open Beta Test. However, the full game will require it if players wish to play with other players in online multiplayer hunts.

Monster Hunter Wilds - When will the Open Beta Test end?

The Open Beta Test will last until these following times depending on your home region:

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PlayStation fans have already gotten their hands on the Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test thanks to PlayStation Plus Early Access and from what I’ve seen of their gameplay impressions, it’s gotten me even more excited to try it out more than I already am. Thenew monsterslook so much fun to fight, the Windward Plains locale looks so massive with tons of secrets to uncover, and the new combat mechanics implemented for theweaponslook so cool to use.

In addition, Capcom has opened a survey onMonster Hunter Wilds' official websitewhere players can provide feedback during their time in the beta, which may help improve the quality of the full game.

I can’t wait to finally get a taste of Monster Hunter Wilds this weekend through the Open Beta Test (which has already reached overhalf a million concurrent players on Steamalone), mess around with the in-depth character creator for hours on end, and master all the new awesome weapon moves in preparation for when the game fully launches in just a few months from now.

Monster Hunter Wilds, the next-gen successor to one of Capcom’sbest Xbox gamesandbest PC games, Monster Hunter World, is scheduled to launch on February 28, 2025, forXbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Explore the uncharted Forbidden Lands to discover long-lost secrets and hunt monsters to protect the balance of nature in Monster Hunter Wilds. Hunt the vicious beasts of the Forbidden Lands alone or with your friends in 4-player online co-op.

Pre-order at:Amazon|Best Buy|GreenManGaming (Steam)

Alexander Cope is a gaming veteran of 30-plus years, primarily covering PC and Xbox games here on Windows Central. Gaming since the 8-bit era, Alexander’s expertise revolves around gaming guides and news, with a particular focus on Japanese titles from the likes of Elden Ring to Final Fantasy. Alexander is always on deck to help our readers conquer the industry’s most difficult games — when he can pry himself away from Monster Hunter that is!