Monster Hunter Wilds Unveils Upcoming Expansion Featuring Elder Dragons and a Switch 2 Port in Development

The highly anticipated expansion for Monster Hunter Wilds has been unveiled, and it’s titled Ascendance. This new chapter will elevate players into the skies, where they’ll face off against formidable Elder Dragons. Set to launch in 2027, there’s also news of a Switch 2 port in the works.

Capcom is touting Ascendance as a “massive” expansion, suggesting it will feel akin to Monster Hunter Wilds 2.0. The first trailer certainly hints at this grand vision, showcasing hunters leaving the Forbidden Lands behind to explore the floating ruins of an ancient Wyverian civilization known as the Skybound Eyrie. “Elder Dragons are coming,” Capcom warns. “Prepare yourselves!”

As with previous major expansions in the Monster Hunter series, Ascendance will introduce not only a new environment but also fresh abilities, gear, and legendary monsters to hunt in Master Rank. Here’s what to expect:

In a developer interview, expansion director Takuro Hiraoka highlighted key features that will distinguish this expansion from the base game. One standout element is the floating islands, which allow players to ride updrafts on their mounts, enhancing navigation through the new vertical landscapes.

Another exciting addition is the Booster Bracer, a new accessory that hunters can activate to enhance their attacks and abilities with added power. This will also improve mobility, enabling quicker reactions to the tougher foes awaiting them, including massive Elder Dragons like Kushala Daora and other creatures lurking in the Skybound Eyrie.

Additionally, Capcom has confirmed that Monster Hunter Wilds is being developed for the Switch 2. While a release date hasn’t been announced, it’s reasonable to expect that Ascendance will eventually be included in this version of the game. The challenge remains: how will Capcom optimize a game that has faced performance issues even on PC for the new Nintendo platform? It will be exciting to see the latest entry in the franchise make its way to a new console, potentially featuring cross-play and cross-progression.