Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Gaming
  3. Evergreens

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

Add as a preferred source on Google
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 WildsThis 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.

Recommended Videos

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…
The Steam Controller will scream if you drop it, and I don’t know how to feel about it
Valve’s new controller does not suffer drops in silence
Steam Controller Top view

Valve’s new Steam Controller has a hidden Easter egg that makes it scream when dropped, which is funny until you remember it costs $99. Users have been sharing clips of the controller playing the iconic Wilhelm scream after being dropped from around three feet while in Big Picture Mode. It does not trigger every time, with one widely shared post claiming it happens roughly once every five or six drops.

How does the Steam Controller scream without a speaker?

Read more
I played like a rat in Arc Raiders, and the loot was disgustingly good
Ratting my way downtown to the best gear
An ambush in Arc Raiders

I did not go into Arc Raiders planning to play like a rat. After a few bad runs, I had lost some of my good gear and just wanted to blow off some steam in the game's unofficial PvP arena "Stella Montis". In the best-case scenario, the goal was to go in guns blazing, borrowing some fine piece of equipment from fellow raiders, and booking it to the extract. The worst-case scenario, where I would lose everything, didn't bother me since I was running a free loadout.

Stella Montis has a reputation. It is built for tight and tense corridors that encourage player engagement. But another reason for its infamy is how it exposes one of the players' biggest frustrations with this game, which is the free leadout problem. Free loadout players arrive with a basic gun, ammo, shield, and health, which is not much on paper, but enough to become dangerous when they have nothing meaningful to lose.

Read more
Assassin’s Creed Hexe leak predicts the return of a legendary hero and I can’t wait for it
The legendary Assassin may finally return in Ubisoft’s darkest AC game yet.
Assassin's Creed Codename Hexe Featured Teaser

Ezio Auditore might finally be returning to Assassin’s Creed. And honestly, Ubisoft knows exactly what it’s doing by pulling that nostalgia trigger.

Assassin’s Creed Hexe leaks hint at Ezio’s return

Read more