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It May Be 18 Months Old, But Monster Hunter Wilds Just Got a Free Playable Demo on PS5
Capcom has released a free "Prologue Demo" of Monster Hunter Wilds on PS5, roughly 18 months after the game's original launch. The demo covers the opening campaign missions, giving newcomers a taste of the action RPG, and appears aimed at encouraging fresh purchases after the title's early reception was dented by criticism of poor optimisation, particularly on PC, which has since been substantially improved.
Progress made in the demo carries over to the full game if players decide to purchase it afterwards, though online features are disabled, meaning no co-op play with others. The download is around 19GB, so PS5 owners will need sufficient storage space before trying it out.
In short
- Capcom releases free PS5 demo for 18-month-old Monster Hunter Wilds
- Demo covers opening missions; save data carries over to full game
- Online co-op disabled; download is about 19GB
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
This represents prudent post-launch strategy. Capcom has addressed the optimisation issues that harmed the game's initial reception, and a free demo offers prospective players a genuine opportunity to experience the improved product. With progress carrying over to the full version, the demo provides tangible incentive for purchase while demonstrating consumer goodwill at minimal cost. It's a sensible approach to revitalising interest in a title that has been meaningfully improved.
The case against
Releasing a demo eighteen months after launch appears ill-timed and strategically questionable. The initial sales window has passed, and most interested players will have already made purchasing decisions based on launch reception and word-of-mouth. Resources devoted to demonstrating an ageing game might prove better invested in developing fresh content or future releases, when the remaining pool of unconvinced potential buyers is likely substantially diminished.
Explained simply
Monster Hunter Wilds is an action role-playing game made by Capcom, the Japanese company behind the long-running Monster Hunter series. Players take on the role of a hunter who tracks and fights large creatures, gathering materials that can be used to make stronger equipment.
The series is known for missions that can be played alone or with others online. Wilds initially drew criticism over how well it ran, particularly on PC, and Capcom has since worked to improve its performance. Its reception and later improvements help explain why the company may want to introduce the game to more players.