Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance heads to PS5 in 2027 with new monsters and the Skybound Eyrie

What we know

Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance is coming to PlayStation 5 in 2027. Capcom revealed the major expansion in a new State of Play trailer, confirming a story continuation, a new region, additional monsters, and new combat mechanics.

Set several years after the ending of Monster Hunter Wilds, Ascendance follows the Expedition Team once again in the Forbidden Lands. Its story begins with the sudden arrival of the colossal Elder Dragon Lao-Shan Lung, leaving the team unable to stop the devastation unfolding around them.

In the years that follow, the Expedition strengthens its position against Lao-Shan Lung’s expected return, including the construction of Madoi Stronghold. Meanwhile, the mist that once covered Wyveria’s skies clears to reveal the Skybound Eyrie, a new location high above the clouds.

A new region and new threats

The Skybound Eyrie features lush open landscapes, ancient ruins, and previously unseen endemic life. Players will investigate ecological disruptions linked to Lao-Shan Lung’s arrival, including abnormalities in the Forbidden Lands, the unexpected spread of Guardian Monster habitats, and the emergence of Elder Dragons.

Characters from the base game will return after the passage of time. Nata, once a young Keeper, has become an apprentice Hunter and a full member of the Expedition Team. Alongside his Wudwud partner Bangard, he will lead Hunters into the aerial region.

Capcom has outlined two of the expansion’s new creatures:

Araketa is a Bird Wyvern that travels in packs. It can cover great distances at high speed by controlling the powerful air currents released from its wings. Pack leaders use distinct calls to direct the others’ movements. Gundoraja is a new Elder Dragon that can command storm clouds. The creature emerges from the darkest parts of the clouds over the Skybound Eyrie.

The Boost Bracer expands combat options

Ascendance adds the Boost Bracer, new equipment that unlocks additional abilities through the Hunter’s Slinger. Activating it temporarily improves combat performance and enhances the distinct traits of all 14 weapon types.

Its abilities include the Boost Driver, which is used to create an opening before entering a temporary boosted state that strengthens the Hunter’s capabilities. Capcom said further weapon-specific abilities and new gameplay mechanics will be revealed later.

Playing the expansion will require the base version of Monster Hunter Wilds, Hunter Rank 40, and completion of the quest “Awaking From a Dream.” Players who meet those conditions will be able to begin Ascendance’s story and enter Master Rank when it launches in 2027.

In the meantime, the free Monster Hunter Wilds Prologue Demo is available on PlayStation Store. It lets players create a Hunter and Palico, experience the opening part of the story, and test all 14 weapon types. Demo save data can be transferred to the full game.