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Monster Hunter Wilds preload guide: release date, file size, and more

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Gameplay from Monster Hunter Wilds
Capcom

It might only be February but one of the most anticipated upcoming video games of the year is already coming in the form of Monster Hunter Wilds. This latest entry in the hit hunting franchise promises a ton of new features, such as dynamic weather and the ability to swap weapons during the hunt. Thanks to it being a cross-platform game as well, you can even enjoy taking down all the massive monsters with friends on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Veteran hunters will know that preparing for a hunt is the most important part, and the same is true for getting ready for the game’s February 28 release date. Here’s all the preload information you need to be ready to hunt as soon as possible.

Monster Hunter Wilds release date

One of the main characters of Monster Hunter Wilds
Capcom

Monster Hunter Wilds will be released on February 28. There are no options to get early access to the game, so hopefully you were able to participate in one of the open betas beforehand if you wanted to try the game out early.

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Monster Hunter Wilds file size

A hunter fighting a fights a beast in monster hunter wilds.
Capcom

According to the PC requirements for Monster Hunter Wilds, the game will need at least 75GB of free space. While that is technically just for the PC version, file sizes tend to be more or less consistent between PC and consoles. If you’re on PS5 or Xbox Series X, you should clear at least that much room on your consoles, if not go up to 100GB to be on the safe side.

Monster Hunter Wilds preload options

A still from the cinematic trailer for Monster Hunter Wilds at Summer Game Fest 2024.
Capcom

Console players on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S can preload Monster Hunter Wilds starting at midnight on February 26, which will give you two days to get the game installed before launch.

PC players will have less time to preload. On Steam, preloads are set to go live on February 17, just one day before release. Either way, so long as you are able to get the preload started, you should have plenty of time to download the game.

Monster Hunter Wilds preorder details

A hunter dodges a monster in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Capcom

Preorders for Monster Hunter Wilds have appeared on the site since its release date was confirmed. There are three editions for you to pick from, including Standard, Deluxe, and Premium Deluxe but preordering any version will allow you to preload the game. Here’s what is included in each version and how much they cost:

Standard – $70

  • Monster Hunter Wilds base game.

Deluxe Edition – $90

  • Everything from the Standard Edition.
  • Deluxe Pack, which includes layered armor for your hunter and Palico, Seikret decorations, gestures, hairstyles, face pain, stickers, a pendant, and hunter profile.

Premium Deluxe Edition – $110

  • Everything from the previous editions.
  • Cosmetic DLC pack 1 and 2 coming in spring and summer 2025, respectively.
  • Music track of Proof of a Hero.
Jesse Lennox
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jesse Lennox covers all things gaming but has a specific interest in all things PlayStation, JRPGs, and experimental indies…
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