Capcom has extended the beta for its upcoming game, Monster Hunter Wilds, by 24 hours following significant disruptions caused by the PlayStation Network (PSN) outage. The outage, which began on February 7, 2025, rendered online gameplay impossible for nearly 24 hours, prompting frustration among eager players.
During the downtime, many PSN users were unable to access online games, and even some single-player titles with online authentication faced issues. Sony attributed the outage to "an operational problem" and offered all PlayStation Plus subscribers five extra days of service as compensation.
Originally, the second phase of the Monster Hunter Wilds beta was scheduled to run from February 6 to February 9. Due to the PSN disruptions, Capcom has now confirmed the beta will be extended to allow players another chance to engage with the game and gain participation bonuses similar to those available upon the full game's release.
The updated beta schedule kicks off on February 14 at 4:00 AM PT (3:00 AM GMT) and will conclude on February 18 at 3:59 PM PT (2:59 PM GMT). This additional time allows players to explore new features, including the climactic confrontation with the terrifying new monster, Arkveld, which has already captivated participants.
Capcom expressed their commitment to player engagement and experience, stating, "Om de verminderde speeltijd van OBT2 als gevolg van de storing te compenseren, overwegen we om OBT2 op een later tijdstip met 24 uur te verlengen. De exacte details en timing moeten nog worden bepaald, dus blijf op de hoogte." (Translated: "To compensate for the reduced playing time of OBT2 due to the outage, we are considering extending OBT2 by 24 hours at a later date. The exact details and timing are yet to be determined, so stay tuned.")
The expansion of the beta is seen as a positive initiative by fans, particularly those who might have missed out due to the PSN issues. The opportunity to gain more game time is highly anticipated, especially as many players are eager to familiarize themselves with the new systems and gameplay styles before the full game launches.
Not only does this decision highlight Capcom's attentiveness to its community's needs, but it strengthens its standing among gamers who appreciate the transparency and dedication shown to address unforeseen circumstances. After all, for many fans, the beta isn't just about playing early; it's about shaping their experience with insights and feedback.
Looking forward, the new beta phase will allow developers to gather valuable input from users, ensuring the final product meets player expectations. The excitement surrounding Monster Hunter Wilds continues to grow, particularly with its scheduled release on February 28, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
With its combination of immersive gameplay, innovative features, and now the extended beta period, Monster Hunter Wilds is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated launches of the year. Players are now left with only one thing to do: get ready for monster-hunting adventures!