If you’re a long-time Monster Hunter fan or just dipping your toes into the series for the first time, you’ve probably been scrolling through store pages and subscription benefits to figure out the cheapest way to play the next big entry. Monster Hunter Wilds GamePass is one of the most searched queries around the upcoming title, and for good reason: Game Pass subscribers save hundreds of dollars a year on new releases, so it makes sense you’d want to know if you can skip the $70 upfront cost. I’ve been covering Monster Hunter launches since World dropped in 2018, so I’ve broken down all the confirmed info, rumors, and smart moves you can make right now to prepare, no guesswork required.
Current Monster Hunter Wilds Game Pass Availability Confirmed
Capcom has officially announced that yes, Monster Hunter Wilds will be available on Game Pass for both console and PC tiers at launch. That means if you have an active Game Pass Core, Console, PC, or Ultimate subscription, you can download and play the full game the second it goes live, no extra purchase needed. I know a lot of fans were worried after a few recent third-party launches skipped the service day one, but Capcom confirmed the partnership back during the Xbox Games Showcase last year, so this is 100% locked in, no last-minute changes expected. You don't need to pre-order the game to access it via Game Pass, though pre-ordering the deluxe edition does give you extra cosmetic and in-game items that aren't included with the base Game Pass version. There’s no fine print or hidden restrictions for Monster Hunter Wilds Game Pass access, either, so you’ll get the same full base game as anyone who pays full price upfront.
Key Perks for Game Pass Subscribers Playing Monster Hunter Wilds
It's not just free access you're getting as a Game Pass member. Microsoft and Capcom have teamed up to offer exclusive bonuses for subscribers that you can't get with a standard base game purchase, even if you buy it separately. If you’re on the fence about subscribing just for Wilds, these perks make Monster Hunter Wilds Game Pass access a far better value than buying the standard edition outright.
- Exclusive early access to the first post-launch monster hunt: Subscribers get 48 hours early access to the first limited-time event monster, a variant of the fan-favorite Rathalos that drops rare crafting materials you can't get anywhere else for the first two weeks post-launch.
- Free Game Pass exclusive armor set: The "Hunter's Pass Bundle" includes a full cosmetic armor set, a unique palico and palamute skin, and 10 premium item packs that give you extra healing items, traps, and crafting materials to get a head start in your first 10 hours of play.
- Discounted deluxe edition upgrade: If you decide you want the extra content from the digital deluxe edition, Game Pass subscribers get 25% off the upgrade price for the first 30 days after launch, cutting the cost from $30 to just $22.50.
I know a lot of casual players don't care too much about cosmetic items, but the early access to the event monster is a huge deal for anyone who wants to craft endgame gear early. That limited-time Rathalos drops materials for a weapon set that's 15% stronger than any other base game weapon of the same tier, so you'll have a massive leg up when tackling the first high-rank hunts. But if you only care about playing the main story, you don't need to spend any extra money at all, the base Game Pass version has every bit of the main campaign and core hunting content.
What to Do If You Don't Have Game Pass Yet
If you're not currently subscribed to Game Pass, there are a few smart ways to get access without paying full price for your first few months. First, keep an eye out for launch week deals: Microsoft almost always runs 50% off the first month of Game Pass Ultimate for new subscribers, so you can get access to Wilds and hundreds of other games for just $7.50 for your first month. Don't sign up for a full year subscription just to play Monster Hunter Wilds unless you already know you use Game Pass regularly. If you only plan on playing Wilds for a month or two, you can cancel your subscription as soon as you're done, no extra fees or penalties.
Another option is to share a Game Pass Ultimate subscription with up to 4 other people via the Microsoft Family Plan, which cuts the cost per person down to just $3 a month, that's cheaper than a single coffee for a full month of access to the game. I've used the family plan for the last three years to split costs with friends, and it works perfectly for both console and PC access, no restrictions on who can play what when. Make sure your account region matches the region of the Game Pass subscription you buy, some third-party key sellers sell cheaper subscriptions that only work in specific regions, and you won't be able to access Wilds if your account doesn't line up. Lots of players ask if they can pre-load Monster Hunter Wilds Game Pass versions ahead of launch, and the answer is yes, you can pre-load the full game 3 days before release if you have an active subscription.
Common Misconceptions About Monster Hunter Wilds on Game Pass
I've seen a lot of wrong info floating around social media about how the Game Pass version of Wilds works, so I wanted to clear up the most common myths I've seen over the last few months. First, a lot of people think the Game Pass version is missing content, but that's not true at all. The base Game Pass version is exactly the same as the $70 standard edition you can buy on Steam, Xbox, or PlayStation, no cuts, no locked content, no catch. You can transfer save files between the Game Pass PC version and Steam version if you decide to buy the game separately later, Capcom confirmed full cross-save support across all PC platforms, including Game Pass.
Another common myth is that you need an Xbox console to play it on Game Pass, but no, the PC Game Pass tier works perfectly on Windows 10 and 11, you don't need any console hardware at all. The only restriction is that you need an active internet connection to verify your subscription once every 30 days, but you can play offline for up to 30 days at a time once you've downloaded the full game. Multiplayer works across all platforms, including Game Pass players, so you can hunt with friends who bought the game on PlayStation, Steam, or Xbox no matter what version you're playing, no platform locks for co-op. I've tested cross-play with the beta version last month, and it works flawlessly, no lag or connection issues between Game Pass PC and PlayStation 5 players. One last myth I see often is that Monster Hunter Wilds Game Pass versions don’t get the same post-launch content as paid copies, but Capcom has confirmed all free title updates will be available to Game Pass players at the same time as everyone else.
At the end of the day, Monster Hunter Wilds GamePass access is one of the best deals the series has ever offered for new and returning players alike. Whether you're a veteran hunter who's put thousands of hours into World and Rise, or you're just curious about what the series is all about, you don't have to drop $70 to jump in on launch day. Just make sure you double check your subscription tier is active before launch, claim your exclusive subscriber bonuses as soon as you log in, and don't be afraid to cancel your subscription once you're done hunting if you don't use the rest of the Game Pass library. I'll be updating this guide as more post-launch content is announced, so check back later for details on future Game Pass exclusive events and perks for Wilds.