Monster Hunter Wilds Beta 2: All Start Times, Preload, What's New, and Rewards Guide

With the full release now just a few weeks away, Capcom has returned with a second Monster Hunter Wilds beta. This one is slightly bigger and more accessible than the first, so we're here to run you through everything there is to know. In this Monster Hunter Wilds guide, we'll reveal all beta 2 start times, beta 2 preload, what's new, and rewards for playing.

What Are All Start Times for Monster Hunter Wilds Beta 2?

The second beta for Monster Hunter Wilds runs across two weekends, with both opportunities to play the game starting and ending at the exact same times. The first weekend session runs Friday, 7th February — Monday, 10th February, and the second runs Friday, 14th February — Monday, 17th February in the GMT timezone. For players in the USA, beta 2 will start the night before. Please see the table below for your personal timezone.

With the first weekend of the Monster Hunter Wild beta 2 now over, the second weekend of action has been extended by 24 hours due to the recent PSN outage. USA participants can play until 7pm PT on Monday, 17th February, which translates to 3am GMT on Tuesday, 18th February in the UK.

Here are the start times for the second weekend:

  • North America: 7pm (Thu) PST / 8pm (Thu) MST / 9pm (Thu) CST / 10pm (Thu) EST
  • UK/Ire: 3am GMT
  • Europe: 4am CET / 5am EET
  • Asia/Oceania: 12pm JST / 11am AWST / 2pm AEDT
  • Your Local Time:

How Do You Access Monster Hunter Wilds Beta 2?

Unlike the first Monster Hunter Wilds beta, this second one is open to everyone at all times on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. You can head over to the PS Store and download the beta and start playing during the times mentioned above.

Can You Preload Monster Hunter Wilds Beta 2?

The option to preload beta 2 for Monster Hunter Wilds is available now. Here are the links you need from the web to set the preload live:

PS5
PS Store
PC
Steam
Xbox Series X|S
Xbox Store

The client should be around 32GB in size. If you still have the Monster Hunter Wilds beta app installed on your PS5 from the first beta, you should expect it to take an update that brings the new contents of beta 2. you shouldn't need to redownload the entire beta over again.

Do You Need PS Plus for Monster Hunter Wilds Beta 2?

A PS Plus subscription is not required to play the online multiplayer components in the second beta for Monster Hunter Wilds. As long as you have a standard PSN account and an internet connection, you can play everything that is in in the second beta. You will need a PS Plus membership for the full game, however.

What Can You Play in Monster Hunter Wilds Beta 2?

In the second beta for Monster Hunter Wilds, you can play all of the content from the first beta and more. Here is a full rundown of the returning content you might have already played.

Character Creation

Character creation is available in the OBT with the full suite of features that will be available in the full version! During the OBT period, you'll also be able to remake your character as many times as you like. You can also carry over your character creation data into the full version, so use this chance to design your perfect hunter and Palico.

Story Trial

In the Story Trial, you can experience the opening cutscene and play through the Chatacabra hunt with basic tutorials. Get a feel for the weapon mechanics and experience the seamless transitions from cutscenes into gameplay.

Doshaguma Hunt

In the Doshaguma Hunt, the goal is to defeat the alpha of the Doshaguma pack. Explore the vast locale on your Seikret and switch between two different weapon types on the fly as you experience the latest in hunting action.

What New Content Is There in Monster Hunter Wilds Beta 2?

In addition to the content detailed above, you can also access some new battles, features, and modes. You'll find those detailed below.

Flagship Monster Arkveld Joins the Beta!

Flagship monster Arkveld and returning monster Gypceros are joining players in the wilds for OBT2! After completing the quest Doshaguma Hunt, talk to Alma at the Base Camp to unlock optional quests for Arkveld and Gypceros. After completing the Arkveld optional quest, Arkveld will begin to appear in locales very infrequently.

Training Area

An area exclusively for solo play where you can practice using all the different weapons on offer. In addition, you will automatically revive if you faint, and the amount of consumable items you hold will not decrease.

Private Lobbies

You can create private lobbies that are only available to join via a lobby ID search. Private lobbies allow for a maximum of 16 players.

Online Single Player

A mode where players can explore the wilds by themselves without joining a lobby. The pause feature is also available in the Start Menu. You can use an SOS Flare to temporarily play in a multiplayer session.

What Rewards Do You Get in Monster Hunter Wilds Beta 2?

For simply taking part in Monster Hunter Wilds beta 2 and playing, you'll automatically earn the following for the full game:

  • Open Beta Test Pendant
  • OBT2 Bonus Item Pack — Raw Meat x10, Shock Trap x3, Pitfall Trap x3, Tranq Bomb x10, Large Barrel, Bomb x3, Armor Sphere x5, Flash Pod x10, Large Dung Pod x10

What Content from Monster Hunter Wilds Beta 2 Transfers to the Full Game?

If you play the full game of Monster Hunter Wilds on the same account you played the betas on, then you'll be given the choice to carry over your Character Creation and claim your Rewards. Everything else will be starting fresh in the main game, including your quest progress, inventory, and any weapon and armour upgrades.


Did you find our guide covering all start times, preload, what's new, and rewards for Monster Hunter Wilds Beta 2? Let us know if you'll be playing this second beta test in the comments below.

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