Games

Monster Hunter Wilds: Where And What Edition To Buy?

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1 month ago

October 21, 2024

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Monster Hunter Wilds is targeting fans of the series who enjoy the slower-paced epic adventures of Monster Hunter: World. Gamers can spend hours in bases and towns preparing to search for and confront fantastical beasts. However, significant changes in Monster Hunter Wilds include combat tweaks and enhanced visuals with dynamic weather.

Monster Hunter Wilds PC System Requirements Revealed

Table of Contents

PC players who want to discover Monster Hunter Wilds now know exactly which configuration they need to fully enjoy Capcom’s upcoming game.

The next addition to Capcom’s monster hunting franchise is set for release on February 28th, 2025. Xbox, PlayStation, and PC gamers can all discover if the game will become the definitive entry in the series. Despite a long wait until the Monster Hunter Wilds release date, various pre-order versions are already available. Are any more expensive editions worth the investment, or is the Standard Edition the only practical choice?

Monster Hunter Wilds Standard Edition

Affordable Introduction to the Monster Hunter

Monster Hunter Wilds combines the best elements of past entries in the series. Gamers can expect more diverse and detailed lands to explore with realistic weather effects. With the new highly agile Seikret mount, navigating the most treacherous areas is less daunting. The Monster Hunter Wilds Standard Edition is available in physical disc and digital forms for Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam gamers. Even this least expensive version ships with bonuses, including the Guild Knight Set layered armor. Players will also receive the Talisman: Hope Charm to add to inventories immediately.

Released: February 28, 2025
Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer
Engine: RE Engine
ESRB: T For Teen // Violence, Blood, Crude Humor

Pros

Available in physical and digital forms
Includes some exclusive pre-order bonuses
No early access makes more expensive versions less desirable

Cons

Steelbook Edition only costs $5 more

The Monster Hunter Wilds Standard Edition is the most economical way to explore the Forbidden Lands. Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam users have physical and digital versions to choose from that are sold at major retailers. As is common with the least expensive versions of games, there aren’t a ton of Monster Hunter Wilds pre-order bonuses included. Still, players can expect the following items for pre-ordering the Standard Edition:

Guild Knight Set Layered Armor
Hope Charm Talisman

The Guild Knight Set is purely cosmetic and won’t add to the defense stats of a player. However, the costume looks fairly ornate, and gamers can tame beasts while wearing feathers in their caps. Fans of The Three Musketeers will see many similarities in the armor’s design. Meanwhile, the Hope Charm will accompany one of the most basic armor sets in Monster Hunter Wilds. In past Monster Hunter titles, equipping charms provided some skill points, but it’s unknown whether the Hope Charm will have any such benefit. With new and super-powerful Apex predators roaming maps, hunters will need all the protection they can acquire.

With Capcom not mentioning any early-access period, gamers won’t feel as compelled to upgrade to pricier Monster Hunter Wilds editions. Buyers can also have a case and disc in an era when digital consoles like the PS5 Pro are moving away from physical media. When ordering from the PS Store, PlayStation users also receive an exclusive Digital Mini Art Book bonus to celebrate the detailed landscapes and monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds.

Monster Hunter Wilds Steelbook Edition

No-Brainer Upgrade from Standard Edition

Monster Hunter fans won’t want to hesitate to reserve their copy of the Monster Hunter Wilds Steelbook Edition. The premium Steelbook case is a durable collector’s item with unique artwork and includes a physical copy of the game. Like the Standard Edition, The Monster Hunter Wilds Steelbook Edition gives access to the same Guild Knight Set Layered Armor and Hope Charm Talisman bonus cosmetic items.

Released: February 28, 2025
Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer
Engine: RE Engine
ESRB: T For Teen // Violence, Blood, Crude Humor

Pros

Only $5 more than Standard Edition
Durable case with version-specific artwork

Steelbook cases are an alternative to most game discs’ flimsy plastic packaging. Typically, Steelbook versions of anticipated titles cost significantly more than standard editions, but that’s not the case with Monster Hunter Wilds. The Monster Hunter Wilds Steelbook Edition ships with the same bonuses as the Standard Edition. Even so, for just five dollars more, gamers interested in the most affordable physical disc option will find it hard to resist upgrading. The only disappointment is for PC users, since the Steelbook isn’t distributed with digital codes.

Monster Hunter Wilds Deluxe Edition

Adding Style to Hunters and Companions

The Monster Hunter Wilds Deluxe Edition allows players to tame beasts in style with an arsenal of cosmetic upgrades. In this all-digital release for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, hunters can adorn themselves with a decorative armor set, eyepatch, and wig. Faithful companions are also well-treated with costumes for Seikret mounts and ultra-cute Palico Felynes. During co-op gameplay, players will also have some unique gestures to show off. The Monster Hunter Wilds Deluxe Edition includes the bonus items shipping with the Standard Edition.

Released: February 28, 2025
Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer
Engine: RE Engine
ESRB: T For Teen // Violence, Blood, Crude Humor

Pros

Long list of cosmetic upgrades
Many customizations for palicoes and mounts
Gestures unique to Deluxe Edition

The Deluxe Edition is a digital-only release on the Xbox Games Store, PlayStation Store, and Steam. Monster Hunter Wilds players who enjoy giving unique looks to hunters and companions will gravitate toward this version. Hunters may feel a bit safer with the metal-clad Feudal Soldier set, even if it doesn’t enhance abilities. They are also supplied with alternative hairstyles, face paint, and an eyepatch. The complete list of bonus items in the Monster Hunter Wilds Deluxe Edition is as follows:

Feudal Soldier Hunter Layered Armor Set
Fencer’s Eyepatch and Oni Horns Wig for Hunters
Soldier’s Caparison and General’s Caparison for Seikrets
Felyne Ashigaru Layered Armor Set
Avian Wind Chime Pendant
Battle Cry and Uchiko Gestures
Hero’s Topknot and Refined Warrior Alternate Hairstyles
Hunter’s Kumadori and Special Bloom Face Paint
Avis Unit and Monsters of the Windward Plains Stickers
Russet Dawn Nameplate

The above content should be accessible on February 28, 2025, the Monster Hunter Wilds release date. Much of the Deluxe Edition focuses on companions and mounts, who play pivotal roles in Monster Hunter titles. The cutest assistants to hunters are palicoes, feline-inspired creatures that serve multiple roles during hunts. They won’t take down powerful creatures independently, but palicoes have some attack abilities and support their masters’ efforts. In a first for the series, these critters will be able to speak the same language as hunters. Any gamer who enjoys dressing up their pets will find the included Felyne Ashigaru armor set charming.

Even more dramatic changes have been made to Seikrets in Monster Hunter Wilds. Seikrets resemble bird-like dinosaurs that are fast enough to travel great distances in the game’s vast open world. While riding on these mounts, hunters can launch combo attacks or shoot at targets from a distance with ranged weapons. The creatures are expected to be very customizable, and the Deluxe Edition offers decorative military-themed coverings.

A hunter on a Seikret readying a bowgun in Monster Hunter Wilds

One Monster Hunter Wilds Mechanic Should Make Mounted Combat Smooth as Butter

Mounted combat is looking to bring a solid new approach to Monster Hunter Wilds’ hunts, notably spotlighted by one Seikret ability.

Whether gamers buy the Monster Hunter Wilds Deluxe Edition depends on how much they value cosmetics. While the DLC won’t make it easier to capture monsters, Capcom didn’t skimp on ways to personalize hunters and companions.

Monster Hunter Wilds Premium Deluxe Edition

Neverending DLC Content

The Monster Hunter Wilds Premium Deluxe Edition is the ultimate way for gamers to celebrate the return of the beloved series. This digital-only version includes all the bonuses of the Standard and Deluxe Editions. Buyers will also receive the Wyverian Ears Layered Armor Set, Bonus Hunter Profile Set, and a rendition of the famous Monster Hunter musical track, Proof of a Hero. Following the Monster Hunter Wilds release date on February 28th, Capcom will issue two additional Cosmetic DLC Packs.

Released: February 28, 2025
Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer
Engine: RE Engine
ESRB: T For Teen // Violence, Blood, Crude Humor

Pros

Additional DLC through at least Summer 2025
Includes new recording of famous Monster Hunter theme
Decent amount of extra content for $20 more than Deluxe Edition

Cons

Two DLC packs not distributed until after release

The Monster Hunter Wilds Premium Deluxe Edition piles on the DLC, supplying players with bonus items on and after release. Once again, most of the additional content doesn’t affect Hunter’s stats, but it’s not all costumes. The Premium Deluxe Edition consists of the bonuses present in the Standard and Deluxe versions, plus these items:

Monster Hunter Wilds Premium Deluxe Bonuses

Wyverian Ears Hunter Layered Armor
Premium Bonus Hunter Profile Set
2025 Re-Recording of Proof of a Hero

Wyverians are a charming pointy-eared race that has existed in the game since the initial 2004 Monster Hunter release. The Wyverian Ears pay tribute to these friendly characters who often prove helpful to Hunters. Layered armor in Monster Hunter Wilds fits over any existing armor, maintaining a player’s attributes. In a significant change to the Monster Hunter armor system, players can wear any items, regardless of gender.

Music has also played a huge role in the series, adding suspense to battles and giving the games a more cinematic feel. Proof of a Hero is one of the more recognizable themes, and the Monster Hunter Wilds Premium Deluxe Edition introduces a new rendition of the song. In past titles, players could choose what background music played in their rooms by accessing the music player. After returning from a difficult quest, hunters can relax with this track exclusive to the Premium Deluxe Edition.

With the Premium Deluxe Edition, the DLC parade continues long after the Monster Hunter Wilds release date. These two DLC packs will arrive in the Spring and Summer of 2025:

(Cosmetic DLC Pack 1 Expected in Spring 2025):

Hunter Layered Armor: 1 series (5 pieces), and 1 additional piece
2 Seikret Decorations
6 Pendants
1 Pose Set
1 Makeup/Face Paint
1 Sticker Set
1 Background Music Set
2 Pop-up Camp Customizations

(Cosmetic DLC Pack 2 Expected in Summer 2025):

Hunter Layered Armor: 1 series (5 pieces)
6 Pendants
2 Gesture Sets
2 Hairstyles
2 Makeup/Face Paint
1 Sticker Set

Pop-up camps will be essential in the upcoming game on larger Monster Hunter Wilds 3D maps. On long expeditions, Hunters can quickly set up a tent and prepare for the next stage of a quest. The first DLC pack gives players the ability to customize these camps.

Monster Hunter Wilds Ultra Collector’s Edition

Monster Hunter Wilds Ultimate Collectors Bonuses

One last Monster Hunter Wilds pre-order opportunity is sparking conversation. Unfortunately, the Monster Hunter Wilds Ultra Collector’s Edition is only available for PS5 gamers in Japan. That has other players envious, since it’s the only version that includes physical bonuses other than the Steelbook. Lucky hunters will receive:

Seikret Folding Bicycle (ships Spring/Early Summer 2025)
PS5 Standard Edition
Steelbook
Seikret Weapon Bag Style Pouch
Baby Seikret Plush Toy

The Seikret-themed folding bicycle is the most unusual addition. It’s unclear how a bicycle fits into the Monster Hunter Wilds world other than being decorated like the versatile mountable creatures. This part of the bundle is undoubtedly the biggest contributor to its price tag of just under $1300 USD.

Which Monster Hunter Wilds Version Should You Buy?

Gamers not enticed by cosmetic items will find little reason to upgrade from the Monster Hunter Wilds Standard Edition. Most bonus items in the Deluxe and Premium Deluxe versions are strictly cosmetic, like layered armor and makeup. On the other hand, the Steelbook Edition offers the most value as a collectible version of the game with a physical disc.

The pricier Monster Hunter Wilds versions include items that won’t make hunting easier. Many bonuses focus on companions and mounts, which will play a vital role in massive open-world environments. The more creative items, like a commemorative music track, celebrate the franchise’s long history. Sadly, the Ultra Collector’s Edition with foldable bicycle is only available overseas.

Old and new features in Monster Hunter Wilds could make it the definitive monster-hunting experience. Whatever pre-order decision gamers make, the included content will only add anticipation ahead of the Monster Hunter Wilds release.

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FAQ

Q: Is Monster Hunter Wilds a sequel to Monster Hunter: World?

Monster Hunter Wilds seems very familiar in structure to Monster Hunter: World and offers even more detailed open-world settings. In comparison, some gamers found Monster Hunter Rise overly simplified and too fast-paced. However, Monster Hunter Wilds also introduces new combat and mount mechanics to the series.

Q: Did Monster Hunter Rise sell better than Monster Hunter: World?

The 2018 Monster Hunter: World is the best-selling version of the game in the franchise’s history, which dates back to 2004. While Monster Hunter Rise didn’t come out until 2021, it currently trails its predecessor’s total sales by around 15 million.