Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance has received a new gameplay trailer revealing its Skybound Eyrie locale, new monsters and major story developments ahead of the expansion’s 2027 launch. Capcom debuted the footage during Sony’s September 3 State of Play, confirming that the story takes place after the ending of Monster Hunter Wilds and introduces Master Rank hunts. The expansion is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Ascendance begins with the sudden appearance of Lao-Shan Lung in the Forbidden Lands. The colossal Elder Dragon leaves the Expedition Team unable to stop the destruction, after which the story moves forward several years as the group prepares for its possible return. One of the major changes during that period is the construction of Madoi Stronghold, which becomes part of the Expedition’s effort to defend the region.
The passage of time also reveals an entirely new area above Wyveria. As the mist covering the skies finally clears, Hunters gain access to the Skybound Eyrie, a floating region filled with open landscapes, ancient ruins and new endemic life. Capcom says players will investigate ecological abnormalities connected to Lao-Shan Lung’s arrival, including expanding Guardian Monster habitats and increased Elder Dragon activity.
Familiar characters return with noticeably changed roles. Nata, who appeared in the base game as a young Keeper, has grown into a full member of the Expedition Team and now fights alongside his Wudwud partner, Bangard. The pair help guide the Hunter into the Skybound Eyrie as the story explores what has changed in the years following the encounter with Arkveld.
Two newly revealed monsters are central to the latest trailer. Araketa is a Bird Wyvern capable of controlling powerful air currents to fly quickly across large distances, while pack leaders can coordinate other members through distinctive calls. Gundoraja is a new Elder Dragon that manipulates storm clouds, positioning it as one of Ascendance’s most significant new threats.
Lao-Shan Lung’s return is equally important because the monster has not appeared in a mainline Monster Hunter game for many years. Its role in Ascendance appears to extend beyond a single hunt, with the entire expansion’s ecological mystery seemingly tied to the consequences of its arrival. Capcom has not yet fully explained why it has returned or how it connects to the Guardian Monsters and other Elder Dragons appearing across the Forbidden Lands.
The expansion also introduces the Boost Bracer, a new piece of equipment that uses the Hunter’s Slinger to temporarily enhance combat abilities. Activating it opens access to Boost Action mechanics designed around the strengths of each of Monster Hunter Wilds’ 14 weapon types. Capcom has already begun showing those weapon-specific additions, including new Great Sword Boosted Actions and additional Bow abilities.
The Boost Bracer includes a Boost Driver ability that can create openings before temporarily enhancing a Hunter’s offensive options. Capcom says each weapon type will receive unique actions and combat opportunities through the system, with additional mechanics still to be revealed. That suggests Ascendance is expanding the existing weapon framework rather than replacing the combat systems introduced in the base game.
Players will need to meet progression requirements before starting the expansion. Ascendance requires Monster Hunter Wilds and can be accessed after reaching Hunter Rank 40 and completing the quest “Awaking From a Dream.” Entering the expansion then opens Master Rank, continuing the traditional Monster Hunter structure of adding tougher hunts and progression beyond the base campaign.
Capcom is also offering a free Monster Hunter Wilds Prologue Demo for players who have not yet started the base game. The demo includes the opening section, character and Palico creation, and access to all 14 weapon types, with save data carrying into the full release. That gives new players a route to prepare before Ascendance launches in 2027.
The latest trailer provides the clearest picture yet of how large Ascendance will be. Rather than focusing only on tougher monsters and additional equipment, Capcom is advancing the timeline, changing existing characters and introducing an entirely new ecological region above the Forbidden Lands. With Lao-Shan Lung, Araketa, Gundoraja, Master Rank and the Boost Bracer now confirmed, the expansion is shaping up as a substantial continuation of Monster Hunter Wilds rather than a smaller content add-on.
