The anticipation for Monster Hunter Wilds is sky-high, as 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for gaming. With major releases on the horizon, players are eager to know if Capcom’s highly awaited title will be available on Game Pass at launch. Microsoft’s subscription service has consistently delivered some of the biggest games on day one, making it a go-to platform for many gamers. But will Monster Hunter Wilds follow suit? Let’s break it down.
Is Monster Hunter Wilds Coming to Game Pass at Launch?
As of now, there are no official plans for Monster Hunter Wilds to be available on Game Pass at launch. Unlike some recent high-profile titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, MLB The Show 24, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which arrived on the service on day one, Monster Hunter Wilds won’t be joining the lineup immediately.
While Game Pass has proven to be a valuable addition for many gamers, this particular release will not be part of its day-one offerings. The game is set to launch on February 28, and players looking to dive in on release day will need to purchase it at full price. The standard edition is priced at $70, meaning there’s no alternative other than buying the game for now.
Monster Hunter Wilds (image via Getty)Could Monster Hunter Wilds Join Game Pass in the Future?
Although Monster Hunter Wilds won’t be available on Game Pass at launch, there is still a possibility that it could arrive on the service later down the line. Historically, many major titles have eventually been added to Game Pass after their initial release period. However, there is currently no confirmation or timeline for this happening with Monster Hunter Wilds.
One key factor in determining whether Wilds will ever make its way to the platform is its relationship with Microsoft. Unlike Avowed, DOOM: The Dark Ages, and South of Midnight—all of which are confirmed as day-one Game Pass titles—Monster Hunter Wilds isn’t an Xbox-exclusive game. This means it lacks the direct connection to Microsoft that often fast-tracks titles onto the service.
While exclusivity isn’t the only factor in getting a game on Game Pass, it certainly plays a role. Since Monster Hunter Wilds is launching on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, Capcom has no immediate incentive to prioritize Game Pass availability.
Why Isn’t Monster Hunter Wilds on Game Pass?
The decision to keep Monster Hunter Wilds off Game Pass at launch likely boils down to financial strategy. For publishers, the first few months after a game’s release are crucial for maximizing profits. Capcom, like most game developers, aims to generate strong initial sales before considering alternative revenue streams like subscription services.
By selling the game outright first, Capcom ensures it capitalizes on full-price purchases. Only after this initial sales period do publishers typically explore opportunities to bring their titles to services like Game Pass. If Monster Hunter Wilds does eventually land on the platform, it will likely be months after launch—if not longer.
Will Capcom Strike a Deal with Microsoft?
Although Monster Hunter Wilds is not currently slated for Game Pass, there’s always a chance that Capcom and Microsoft could negotiate a deal in the future. Capcom has previously brought some of its titles to Game Pass, but each game’s arrival depends on the business arrangements made behind the scenes.
If Capcom sees an opportunity to boost player engagement and sales through Game Pass, a deal might happen. However, until an official announcement is made, players should assume that they’ll need to purchase Monster Hunter Wilds outright if they want to play it at launch.
Monster Hunter Wilds (image via Getty)What Should Players Expect?
For now, anyone eager to experience Monster Hunter Wilds on release day should plan to buy the game directly. While the possibility of a future Game Pass addition remains open, there’s no guarantee or timeline for when that might happen. Xbox and PC players hoping for a subscription-based option will have to wait and see if Capcom revisits the decision after launch.
In the meantime, Monster Hunter Wilds is shaping up to be one of the biggest releases of 2025, promising exciting new features, massive monsters, and an immersive world for players to explore. Whether it eventually makes its way to Game Pass or not, this game is set to make a significant impact on the gaming community.
