Whether discussing its devoted fanbase or its talented cast, Monster Hunter Wilds has emerged as one of the most anticipated titles of 2025, despite not having officially launched yet. The developers at Capcom are hard at work, and recently, IGN had the opportunity to speak with Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto and Director Yuya Tokuda at the IGN Fan Fest. The duo shed light on what players can expect once the game is released on February 28. New features include an icy region that will have you reaching for your thermal gear, an exclusive item pack for those tuning into Fan Fest, and a live-action trailer that promises to excite fans just as much as a Lala Barina at a flower exhibition.

The newly introduced Iceshard Cliffs is characterized as “a cold territory engulfed in snowy blizzards.” For those who missed the revealing trailer, expect to see icy gorges, ancient ruins emerging from glacial ice, and perilous caves.

Tokuda describes this new environment: “The Iceshard Cliffs feature extreme cold, and during the harsh weather in the game, it appears rather dark in the trailers; however, when you’re actually experiencing it in-game, the colors are vibrant and dynamic, offering a different perspective of the locale.”

While the breathtaking vistas might make for excellent desktop backgrounds, seasoned Monster Hunters are more interested in the diverse creatures inhabiting these snowy landscapes. It seems that the wildlife in the Iceshard Cliffs is bound to thrill enthusiasts and hunters alike.

Tokuda adds, “In addition to the returning ice-element monsters, there are new ones showcased in the trailer, like the winged Leviathan-type creature, Hirabami.” He further elaborates that “Hirabami travel in herds, and as seen in the trailer, there is an apex monster lurking behind the herds, which is the most powerful creature in the Ice Shard Cliffs, featuring various attack patterns for a diverse hunting experience.”

Excitement for Jin Dahaad

Since the interview, news has emerged about the new apex creature named Jin Dahaad. Its appearance might be likened to a dragon that accidentally tumbled into a cutlery drawer and then took a nap inside your freezer. Additionally, fans will be thrilled to see the return of Gore Magala, a beloved beast from Monster Hunter 4.

Tsujimoto noted, “We conducted a popularity poll for monsters, and Gore Magala ranked fifth, especially favored in North America. We hope everyone looks forward to engaging with this magnificent monster.”

The duo provided some tips for players gearing up to face formidable foes like the ‘White Wraith’ Arkveld and the agile Nerscylla during the upcoming beta and beyond.

According to Tokuda, “In Monster Hunter Wilds, our flagship creature is Arkveld.” He elaborated, “Though it isn’t excessively challenging, it possesses powerful attacks. Arkveld has a variety of wing-based moves, from short bursts to extended strikes. Initially, its wide attack radius may be difficult to navigate. We hope that during the open beta, players enjoy their battles with Arkveld. Cooperating with others using SOS flares for multiplayer gameplay can offer significant assistance in hunting this monster.”

“This approach applies to other larger monsters as well. When big monsters unleash significant attacks, they often become more susceptible to targeted strikes that inflict greater damage. This provides an opportunity for players to capitalize on their attacks. Moreover, players can wield two weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds, allowing you to mix a primary weapon with a secondary elemental weapon tailored to the monster’s weaknesses.”

Tsujimoto also provided strategies for dealing with the quick Nerscylla, known for its sleep and poison abilities, catering to those who may have arachnophobia.

“Nerscylla can inflict sleep, which can be quite challenging,” Tsujimoto explains. “It’s advantageous to utilize items against these kind of monsters. Additionally, now that we have Seikret introduced in Monster Hunter Wilds, players can evade attacks while riding it. This allows hunters to recover health and status while taking cover from larger threats.”

Monster Hunter Wilds is now available for pre-order and will officially launch on February 28, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. Players can look forward to an abundance of content to enhance their gaming experience. The first major update will introduce the water monster Mizutsune to the Forbidden Lands, along with Event Quests and additional unspecified updates. Another creature will make its debut in summer, and Capcom has more exciting surprises planned.

Discover All Monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds