5 key takeaways from Monster Hunter Wilds release date trailer

Monster Hunter Wilds has released new footage and trailers in the recently concluded State of Play 2024 showcase. We’ve got a new release date trailer as well as a beginner’s guide trailer that share a lot of new information about the Wilds. Thanks to these, we and the community now have plenty of information to work with, which allows us to paint a clearer picture of what to expect.

Monster Hunter Wilds is scheduled for release on February 28, 2025. Based on the trailer, we have listed five key takeaways that can help you get an idea of what’s to come in the game.

Note: This list is subjective and does not follow any particular order.

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5 key takeaways from Monster Hunter Wilds new trailers

1) A wild new world to explore

Nata will be central to the plot (Image via Capcom)

According to the trailer, players will explore a new map in Monster Hunter Wilds, called the Forbidden Lands - a recently discovered, uncharted territory that has captured the guild's attention. This area, previously believed to be uninhabited, became a focus of investigation after a young boy named Nata was found there.

Nata, who survived an attack on his village by a mysterious monster, is at the heart of the guild's mission, prompting them to explore these dangerous lands and uncover the secrets behind the terrifying creature known as the White Wraith. The narrative follows the player's journey to rescue Nata's people, the Keepers, while discovering the lore hidden within the Forbidden Lands.

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2) New expedition teams

The expedition team will be your new family (Image via Capcom)

Once you start the game, you will become a part of an Expedition Team, where each member plays a different role from among Hunter, Handler, Smithy, and Palico. The Hunter (the one you play as) takes on the responsibility of fighting monsters, while the Handler manages the quests, provides essential information, and authorizes hunts.

The Smithy crafts and forges equipment from monster materials, ensuring the Hunter is well-prepared for each encounter. The Palico companion offers critical support during hunts, helping with various tasks as needed. There are other expeditioners too, who will join on various missions.

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3) New biomes and ecosystems

The seasons will determine the condition of the Biome (Image via Capcom)

Monster Hunter Wilds will put a lot of emphasis on the biomes and ecosystems. The player’s journey begins in the Windward Plains, which features ever-changing weather and seasonal cycles. The plains offer both wealth and hardships, as the weather dictates the behavior of the wildlife. During the Fallow season, carnivores compete fiercely for food, while the Plenty season brings abundance to the land.

The plains also feature a Sand Tide weather which spawns thunderstorms and lighting. The Hunters will need to learn and adapt to each of the game’s weather and ecosystem elements to prepare for their hunts and effectively predict their prey’s behavior.

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4) Base Camp and Pop-Up Camps

Place Pop-up camps as fast travel points (Image via Capcom)

Central to the expedition is the Base Camp, the heart of all operations. Here, you can craft weapons, upgrade armor, resupply provisions, and prepare for the dangers ahead. The Base Camp is essential for strategizing and recovering between hunts.

Additionally, you have access to Pop-up Camps, which serve as temporary bases in the field, allowing fast travel, equipment changes, and restocking of items. However, these camps are fragile and vulnerable to monster attacks, so you need to carefully choose where you put them.

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5) Combat mechanics

Use the environments around you (Image via Capcom)

The combat in Monster Hunter Wilds is among the most versatile and in-depth in the series. You won’t rely solely on your weapon to defeat your target; the environment will also play a significant role in subduing monsters. You will need to assess each situation like a true hunter, using the environment, traps, and even other monsters to turn the tide in your favor.

In this game, the monsters are not only aggressive toward Hunters but also toward each other. While it may seem like a cowardly strategy, sometimes it’s wise to let the creatures fight among themselves and swoop in during the final moments to kill the weakened prey. You can also use items like bomb barrels to disrupt the monsters.