Breaking with tradition, the latest episode of Monster Hunter was revealed during the State of Play broadcast.

The video offered a first look at the flagship monster at the center of the story in Monster Hunter Wilds, Arkveld. Hailing from a species long thought to be extinct, the mysterious Arkveld monster has uniquely shaped, chain-like wings. After rescuing a young boy, Nata, on the border of the Forbidden Lands, the Hunters’ Guild gathers its resources and forms the Forbidden Lands Research Commission to investigate the mysterious “White Wraith” that attacked Nata’s home. In order to properly investigate the Forbidden Lands, the Investigation Commission sends several units into the area. These include the Avis unit, consisting of Alma, Gemma, the player’s hunter, and her palico, as well as the Astrum unit, consisting of veteran hunter Olivia, who can join the player as a support hunter along with her palico Athos, biologist Erik, and engineer Werner.

The trailer also showed the environmental changes that the Scarlet Forest undergoes as it moves through its seasons of Fallow, Inclemency, and Abundance, as well as the various life forms that call the region home. During the Fallow, the Scarlet Forest is defined by the distinctive red-tinted rivers that give it its name, which flow through dense vegetation. Periods of inclement weather bring chaotic downpours that drastically reduce visibility and cause water levels to rise and currents to rage. After the storm has passed, the Plenty gives rise to a colorful ecosystem teeming with monsters, plant life, and sun-dappled streams that reflect the bright blue of the clear sky. These clear waters allow visiting hunters to easily engage in the relaxing pastime of fishing, or to explore the region’s abundant waters and debris by swinging from nearby Wedge Beetles or riding on the backs of their trusty Seikret mounts. While exploring, hunters may even encounter the local Lynian tribe, known as the Wudwuds, who have successfully adapted their lives and hiding places to the ever-changing environment.

As the weather changes, new plants and wildlife emerge, as do new monsters in the storm. The video gave a first look at the Leviathan monster Uth Duna, which appears in the midst of the Scarlet Forest’s harshness. The apex predator of the Scarlet Forest, Uth Duna cloaks itself in a veil of water with the help of heavy secretions from its body. Hunters were also treated to a first look at the new Brute Wyvern, Quematrice, who calls the Windward Plains home. Quematrice sprays a flammable substance that bursts into flames when it scrapes its tail against the ground.

Monster Hunter Wilds costs $/€70 for the standard version, $/€90 for the Deluxe Edition, and $/€110 for the Premium Deluxe Edition. The Deluxe Edition Deluxe Pack includes the Hunter Layered Armor Pack and stickers, while the Premium Deluxe includes the Premium Bonus available at launch, with the first cosmetic pack coming in the spring and the second in the summer. Pre-orders of any edition will include the bonus Guild Knight Set armor and Hope Charm talisman. PlayStation Store pre-orders will also receive a digital mini art book.

Monster Hunter Wilds will be available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series and PC on February 28th. Finally, the console and PC versions will be released at the same time!

Source: Gematsu