MH Wilds Beta Extended Amidst PSN Outages

Monster Hunter Wilds is evaluating a 24-hour extension for Open Beta Test 2 following this weekend's PlayStation Network outage. This article details the potential extension and the events leading to its consideration.

24-Hour Playtime Interruption for PS5 Users

Due to the PlayStation Network's 24-hour outage (beginning 6 PM EST, February 7th), Monster Hunter Wilds (MH Wilds) is considering extending Open Beta Test 2 by one day. The outage rendered all online console gaming impossible, including the MH Wilds beta. Service was restored around 8 PM EST, according to the official NA X (Twitter) support account.

While the exact timing of the extension hasn't been announced, a 24-hour extension to compensate for lost playtime is confirmed. This could occur anytime between the end of Beta Test 2 Part 2 and February 27th, the day before the game's official release. Note that Beta Test 2 Part 1 has concluded, and Part 2 starts February 13th, 7 PM PT. Players can rejoin the fun, potentially encountering the amusing low-poly character bug.

The Hilarious Low-Poly Bug Returns

Capcom acknowledges the beta build's outdated nature and presence of bugs, including the infamous low-poly character glitch. This glitch, caused by texture loading issues, transforms characters, Palicos, and monsters into blocky, low-resolution versions.

Instead of frustration, fans embraced the humorous glitch, sharing their experiences on social media. Some even hope the game will acknowledge its polygonal origins. While MH Wilds developers are aware and amused by the bug (as confirmed in a GamesRadar+ interview), they encourage players to experience the game's full visual potential with appropriate hardware upon its official release.

Monster Hunter Wilds: A New Open-World Adventure

Monster Hunter Wilds, the latest entry in the acclaimed series, introduces an open-world setting – the Forbidden Lands. Players assume the role of a Hunter investigating this mysterious region and its apex predator, the White Wraith. This highly anticipated action-RPG launches on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on February 28th, 2025.

PlayStation Network's Significant Outage

PlayStation's NA X (Twitter) support account attributed the outage to an "operational issue," apologizing for the inconvenience. PlayStation Plus subscribers will receive five extra days of service as compensation.

However, the lack of communication during the outage drew criticism, evoking concerns similar to the 2011 PSN outage (a three-and-a-half-week shutdown caused by a hacker attack affecting 77 million accounts). In contrast to the 2011 event, Sony's communication during this recent outage was deemed insufficient.