Monster Hunter Wilds open beta release TIME, dates and how to get early access

's upcoming action adventure game Monster Hunter Wilds isn't out until February, but fans can get a taste for the game early during this week's open beta.

The Monster Hunter Wilds open beta takes places over two phases, beginning with an early access period exclusively for users with a account.

If you're a PS Plus subscriber, then the Monster Hunter Wilds early access open beta has an October 29 release date and a 3am GMT UK start time. That's 8pm PT on October 28 for US fans.

If you don't have a PlayStation Plus subscription, or perhaps you own a PC or |S, then the good news is that the second phase of the open beta begins just a few days later.

The full Monster Hunter Wilds open beta has an November 1 release date and a 3am GMT start time for fans living in the UK. That's 8pm PT on October 31 for fans living in the US.

The open beta runs until November 4 at 2.59am GMT on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

To ensure you don't miss a second of the action, fans can pre-load the open beta ahead of launch.

According to a Capcom post on the PlayStation Blog, the open beta requires around 18GB of storage space on PS5. Expect similar file sizes on Xbox and PC.

In terms of what fans can expect, the open beta will contain the complete character creation experience. Not only will players have access to all of the tools available in the character creation suite, but characters can be remade as many times as you please. You can even carry your created character over to the full game when it launches on February 28.

Capcom has also promised to give fans a brief taste of the campaign via the Story Trial. This includes the opening cutscene, as well as the Chatacabra hunt with basic tutorials.

"Get a feel for the weapon mechanics and experience the seamless transitions from cutscenes into gameplay," Capcom explains.

Once you've mastered the basics, you can check out the Doshaguma Hunt, where the goal is to defeat the alpha of the Doshaguma pack.

"Explore the vast locale on your Seikret and switch between two different weapon types on the fly as you experience the latest in hunting action," Capcom continues.

Players can use the SOS Flare during both quests to summon other players and NPC Support Hunters. This includes cross-platform multiplayer with PS5, Xbox and PC.

Fans who participate in the test will also receive some bonus items that can be carried over to the full game at launch.

This includes the Open Beta Test Bonus Pendant, as well as an item pack containing ten Mega Potions, five Rations, five Lifepowders, two Max Potions, two Herbal Medicines, two Nulberries and five Armour Spheres.