Capcom is releasing daily weapon trailers just in time for the Tokyo Game Show. The first expansion for the action RPG introduces a brand-new combat system.
We already know that Monster Hunter Wilds’ first expansion, Ascendance, will be released sometime in 2027. We had originally hoped to see more of the game at gamescom 2026. But it looks like we’ll have to wait until the end of the month. Only then will Capcom present the expansion in more detail at the Tokyo Game Show.
Well, that’s not entirely true: Capcom started releasing videos today showcasing the game’s 14 different weapon types. The first video focuses on the Great Sword. It introduces a new modifier called “Boosted Actions,” which you’ll be able to use with all weapons in the future. The publisher promises to upload a new weapon video every day starting now. That brings us, fittingly, right to September 15—and thus directly to the start of TGS.
Boosted Actions and Master Rank: How the New Combat Mechanics Work
So what exactly are these Boosted Actions? “Advance to Master Rank with the Boost Bracer. This new hunting action expands the capabilities of each of the 14 weapon types in Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance,” explains Capcom in the video description. “Build up Boost Bracer energy by attacking aggressively. Then activate the Boost with a special Boost Driver attack or other weapon-specific actions. The Boost unlocks abilities such as new combos and enhanced attacks. This is how you take control of the powerful threats that await you.”
If this jumble of terms has left you a bit confused, let’s summarize it all again. Here’s what you can do with the Great Sword’s Boosted Actions:
- Launch yourself forward with the Boost Driver.
- Unleash explosive, charged strikes.
- Seamlessly chain together so-called offset attacks (dodge attacks).
Check out the trailer below. There you’ll see in detail how it all works in practice. As far as I can tell, there are apparently three ways to enter the “Boosted” state. First: You activate a Brace Boost Move. While this move is slow, it deals massive damage. Second: You use the “Quick Boost,” which puts you directly into the appropriate combat stance. Third: You execute a specific combo that then seamlessly transitions into “Boosted” mode. This undoubtedly gives us a completely new resource ecosystem in combat that we’ll have to keep a close eye on at all times. I strongly suspect that you’ll fill your gauge by dealing damage and exploiting the monsters’ wounds. This gauge then determines when and how you can trigger “Boosted” mode. Apparently, there are three charges—though this could vary depending on the weapon.
From Hammer to Energy Blade: A Look at Insane New Movesets
The video at the top of the article already offers some teasers of how it all plays out in the end. There are some fantastic-looking moves in store for us. The hammer stands out with an extremely powerful moveset. Apparently, it’ll make “Perfect Guards” easier for you in the future. This opens the door to a much more aggressive playstyle. And as a bonus, it results in a sort of Shoryuken with the hammer—pretty crazy! The Energy Blade appears to be getting a full-fledged counter Hadoken. And the Great Sword becomes noticeably more versatile thanks to a completely new aerial moveset.
More Aggressive Gameplay: The Perfect Response to Brutal Monsters
You can probably tell: I’m totally hyped. Capcom is clearly pushing us toward a much faster and more aggressive playstyle here. The reason is obvious: the new and returning monsters are likely to be just as aggressive. Since many players repeatedly complained about the difficulty level after launch, I can well imagine that the community will now welcome these changes with open arms.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam. A version for the Switch 2 is currently in development. Ascendance is set to be released in 2027.
