Monster Hunter Wilds Ascendance is a major 2027 expansion for Monster Hunter Wilds, adding a new story, the Skybound Eyrie locale, new monsters including Araketa and Gundoraja, new combat mechanics and Master Rank content.
What Is Monster Hunter Wilds Ascendance?
Monster Hunter Wilds Ascendance continues the story of the Expedition Team after the ending of Monster Hunter Wilds.
The expansion begins with the colossal Elder Dragon Lao-Shan Lung attacking the Forbidden Lands and forcing the Expedition to prepare for a threat it cannot initially stop.
The story then jumps forward several years. Madoi Stronghold has been constructed, the world has changed and Nata has grown from a young Keeper into a full Hunter working alongside his Wudwud partner Bangard.
When Does Monster Hunter Wilds Ascendance Release?
Monster Hunter Wilds Ascendance launches on PS5 in 2027. Capcom has not announced an exact day or month yet, so the confirmed release window remains 2027.
The September State of Play revealed much more of the expansion without narrowing that window further.
What Is the Skybound Eyrie?
The biggest new location in the expansion is the Skybound Eyrie, a region high above the clouds that becomes visible after the mist over Wyveria clears.
Capcom describes it as a mix of lush open spaces, ancient ruins and new endemic life. The area becomes a new frontier for the Expedition while ecological disturbances continue spreading across the Forbidden Lands.
New Monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds Ascendance
Two of the newly revealed monsters are Araketa and Gundoraja.
Araketa is a Bird Wyvern that uses powerful air currents to fly at high speed and can coordinate pack behavior through calls from its leaders.
Gundoraja is a new Elder Dragon capable of controlling storm clouds. It emerges from the darkest parts of the Skybound Eyrie and is positioned as one of the expansion’s major new threats.
Lao-Shan Lung also plays a central role in the story, while Capcom has teased further Elder Dragons and changes to Guardian Monster habitats.
What Is the Boost Bracer?
The expansion adds the Boost Bracer, a new piece of equipment tied to the Hunter’s Slinger.
Activating it temporarily strengthens combat capabilities and emphasizes the unique qualities of all 14 weapon types. The Boost Driver can create openings before the Hunter enters the temporary Boost state.
Capcom says more weapon abilities and gameplay mechanics will be revealed closer to launch.
Do You Need Monster Hunter Wilds to Play Ascendance?
Yes. Ascendance requires the base Monster Hunter Wilds game. This is an expansion rather than a standalone release.
You also need to reach Hunter Rank 40 and complete the quest Awaking From a Dream to begin the Ascendance story and enter Master Rank.
| Requirement | Needed for Ascendance |
|---|---|
| Base Monster Hunter Wilds game | Yes |
| Hunter Rank | 40 |
| Required quest | Awaking From a Dream |
| New rank tier | Master Rank |
Can New Players Prepare for Ascendance?
Yes. Capcom has released a free Monster Hunter Wilds Prologue Demo ahead of the expansion.
The demo lets players create a Hunter and Palico, play through the opening section and test all 14 weapon types. Save data carries into the full game, making it a useful starting point for players who want to work toward the Rank 40 requirement before the expansion launches.
Is Monster Hunter Wilds Ascendance a Small DLC?
Everything shown so far positions Monster Hunter Wilds Ascendance as a substantial expansion rather than a small content pack.
It adds a time-jumped story, Master Rank, a major new locale, multiple monsters and a new combat system built around the Boost Bracer. Returning characters have visibly aged and the Forbidden Lands have changed in the years since the base game’s ending.
The official PlayStation Blog breakdown has the new monsters, story and Boost Action shown during State of Play.
