Currently in development for release in 2027, Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance is a massive expansion that adds new storyline, areas, monsters, actions, and Master Rank to the game. At the PlayStation booth during Tokyo Game Show 2026, we got the very first opportunity to play a hands-on demo of the title. This demo offered three quest types featuring Chatacabra, the boss variant of new monster Araketa, and Elder Dragon Teostra. Here is what we learned from experiencing the new Boost Action mechanics firsthand and hunting Araketa in the new Skybound Eyrie area.
Experiencing Boost Action, the new feature evolving the hunt even further
Added in Ascendance, Boost Action is a new mechanic that unleashes weapon specific attacks and empowers certain weapon actions for a limited duration by activating the Boost Bracer.
What stood out during this demo was how seamlessly Boost Action integrates with existing moves to sustain continuous attacks. Because Boost triggering actions can be activated mid combo or right when you are exposed after finishing an attack, you can instantly press the offensive without breaking momentum.
The Boost gauge fills gradually over time and with every strike landed. Crucially, destroying wounds with Focus Strike while in the Boost state recharges the draining gauge, enabling high-level tactics such as shattering a wound just before Boost wears off to keep the momentum going.
Armed with the Sword and Shield, the Boost activation move delivered lightning fast mobility while slashing through monsters. Closing the gap on distant targets to dive inside their guard and unleash devastating boosted combos feels exhilarating. Triggering it up close pivots you instantly around to their flank, doubling as a brilliant dodge mechanic.
Taking on the Araketa pack in the new Skybound Eyrie area
Next, we jumped into a quest to hunt the boss variant of the new monster Araketa in the breathtaking Skybound Eyrie. While traversing this realm dotted with floating islands, mounting your Seikret lets you catch updrafts, rocket skyward, and seamlessly glide between floating landmasses. Towering ruins loomed in the distance against a crystal-clear blue sky, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop.
The target monster Araketa hunts in packs, and without Slinger Dung Bombs to scatter them on this run, we were forced to clash with multiple beasts at once.
Araketa inflates its wings with air to blast hunters back or rocket forward in heavy charge attacks. Watch those wings closely, as a massive swell signals an incoming strike.
What truly stole the show was the terrifying coordination between the boss variant and its pack. The alpha barks commands to send pack members pouncing in rapid succession, culminating in a signature ultimate move where the entire pack leaps into the heavens before diving straight down in a synchronized, high speed charge. Throwing up a hasty Great Sword guard was nowhere near enough, sending us hurtling through the air. Fortunately, the boss exposes a throat weak spot whenever it roars, and landing a clutch Focus Strike successfully cuts off its orders to the pack.
Weaponizing Gundoraja, a small creature inhabiting the area, adds fantastic dynamic flair to the hunt. Wrapped in rock solid hide, a curled up Gundoraja can be hoisted directly by hand and hurled at targets. Sniping the hyper active Araketa takes real precision, but connecting delivers a heavy blow that staggers the monster in its tracks.
The assault was so relentless that we completely forgot to trigger Boost state at times, even with a maxed out Boost gauge. Somehow, we managed to take down the boss variant right before time ran out. It was a fierce uphill battle, but nothing beats the sheer thrill of hunting a brand new monster for the first time. Given another chance, we can’t wait to thoroughly explore every corner of Skybound Eyrie.
New attacks arrive in the battle against Teostra
Finally, we stepped into the Oilwell Basin to go head-to-head with Elder Dragon Teostra. Alongside franchise staples like charges, flame breath, and blast explosions, this demo showcased brand new attack patterns we had never seen before.
What left the biggest impression was a terrifying move where Teostra rears high and slams both forelegs down with crushing force. Attempting to circle around its flank, Teostra remained upright while pivoting on the spot to realign its target. Luckily, a quick reaction with the Switch Axe Offset Rising Slash landed cleanly, deflecting the heavy slam right back at the monster. While the windup looks horrifying, mastering the timing makes for an incredibly rewarding counter option.
Fighting Teostra inside the Oilwell Basin created an especially toxic combination. Whenever dust scattered to signal an impending blast, getting stuck in thick oil mud repeatedly sabotaged our movement, continually robbing us of the precious seconds needed to dodge away.
While Teostra remains an absolute nightmare to fight, leveraging Focus Mode, wound destruction, and new Boost Actions allowed us to trade blows effectively. Ultimately, a devastating surprise hit wiped out our health, and exhausting our recovery items triggered a heart breaking quest failed screen as time expired.
Between breathtaking new locales, formidable beasts, and revolutionary combat depth brought by Boost Action, this short taste proved that Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance is set to evolve monster hunting in spectacular ways. Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance launches on PS5 in 2027.
