Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance Trailer Revealed a Time Skip and New Elder Dragon
Capcom also confirmed that players will need to complete "Awakening From a Dream" and reach Hunter Rank 40 before entering the expansion.
Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance received a new trailer during the September 3 PlayStation State of Play, giving players their clearest look yet at the expansion’s story, setting, and incoming monsters. The footage also confirmed that Ascendance will launch in 2027, although Capcom has not announced a specific release date.
Several years will pass after the events of the base game before the expansion begins. That time skip will change both the characters and the locations as the Expedition prepares for the return of the Elder Dragon Lao-Shan Lung.
Lao-Shan Lung Changes the World of Monster Hunter Wilds
Lao-Shan Lung’s arrival brings unprecedented devastation, forcing the Expedition to strengthen its position. That effort leads to the construction of the Madoi Stronghold, which becomes part of the group’s preparations for the dragon’s return.
Skybound Eyrie Adds a Vertical Hunting Region
Once the mist created by Lao-Shan Lung begins to clear, hunters will gain access to the Skybound Eyrie, a new location high above the clouds. Capcom describes the towering vertical region as a place with open natural areas, ancient ruins, and new endemic life, giving it a markedly different character from the existing hunting grounds.
The altered ecosystem also contains fresh disturbances, expanded guardian monster habitats, and the arrival of other Elder Dragons. Araketa, a new wyvern-like monster, will join the roster alongside Gundoraja, an Elder Dragon capable of manipulating storms.
Ascendance Adds the Boost Bracer and New Entry Requirements
Combat will receive its own major addition through the Boost Bracer. The equipment temporarily strengthens a hunter’s abilities while amplifying the defining traits of all 14 weapon types, giving each weapon a different way to benefit from the boosted state.
Hunters activate the Boost Bracer through the Hunter’s Slinger. Aggressive attacks build an energy meter, while each weapon has its own Boost Driver and additional actions that can help trigger the temporary powered-up effect.
Capcom also announced that a demo covering the Monster Hunter Wilds prologue is available for players who want to try the opening experience. To access Ascendance when it releases, hunters must complete the “Awakening From a Dream” quest and reach Hunter Rank 40.
Capcom plans to show the expansion at the PlayStation booth during TGS later in September, giving players another opportunity to see its new narrative content, gameplay, monsters, and environments.
What do you think of the time skip, Lao-Shan Lung’s return, Gundoraja’s storm powers, and the Boost Bracer? Share your thoughts in the comments, then follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram, Steam, and Telegram.
Monster Hunter Wilds
Developed by Capcom
The unbridled force of nature runs wild and relentless, with environments transforming drastically from one moment to the next. This is a story of monsters and humans and their struggles to live in harmony in a world of duality.
- Genre Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
- Platforms Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
- Perspective Third person
- Modes Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative
- Release February 28, 2025
- Publisher Capcom
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Age Rating
