Currently in development for 2027 release, Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance is a massive expansion adding new storylines, areas, monsters, actions, and Master Rank. At the PlayStation booth during Tokyo Game Show 2026, we played a hands-on demo featuring three quest types: hunts against Chatacabra (the boss variant of new monster Araketa) and Elder Dragon Teostra. Here's what we learned from experiencing the new Boost Action mechanics and hunting Araketa in the Skybound Eyrie.

Experiencing Boost Action

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 was how seamlessly it integrates with existing moves to sustain continuous attacks. Boost triggering actions can be activated mid-combo or right after finishing an attack, letting you 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 Boost state recharges the draining gauge, enabling high-level tactics such as shattering a wound just before Boost wears off to maintain momentum.

Armed with 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 to their flank, doubling as an excellent dodge mechanic.

Hunting Araketa in Skybound Eyrie

We then hunted the boss variant of Araketa in the Skybound Eyrie. This realm dotted with floating islands lets you mount your Seikret to catch updrafts, rocket skyward, and seamlessly glide between landmasses. Towering ruins loomed against a crystal-clear blue sky.

Araketa hunts in packs, and without Slinger Dung Bombs to scatter them, we clashed with multiple beasts at once. The monster inflates its wings to blast hunters back or charge forward with heavy attacks—watching those wings closely signals an incoming strike.

The boss variant demonstrated terrifying coordination with its pack. The alpha barks commands to send pack members pouncing in rapid succession, culminating in a synchronized ultimate move where the entire pack leaps skyward before diving straight down in a high-speed charge. A hasty Great Sword guard proved insufficient, sending us hurtling through the air. Fortunately, the boss exposes a throat weak spot when it roars; landing a clutch Focus Strike cuts off its orders to the pack.

Gundoraja, a small rock-solid creature inhabiting the area, adds dynamic flair to hunts. A curled-up Gundoraja can be hoisted and hurled at targets. Connecting delivers a heavy blow that staggers the monster, though the hyper-active Araketa requires real precision to hit. The assault proved so relentless that we occasionally forgot to trigger Boost state even with a maxed gauge. We managed to take down the boss variant right before time ran out—a fierce uphill battle, but nothing beats hunting a new monster for the first time.

Teostra's New Attacks

We then faced Elder Dragon Teostra in Oilwell Basin. Alongside franchise staples like charges, flame breath, and blast explosions, the demo showcased brand-new attack patterns. Most impressive was a terrifying move where Teostra rears high and slams both forelegs down with crushing force. When we attempted to circle around its flank, Teostra pivoted on the spot to realign its target. A quick reaction with Switch Axe Offset Rising Slash deflected the heavy slam back at the monster—mastering the timing makes for an incredibly rewarding counter.

The Oilwell Basin created a toxic combination: whenever dust scattered signaling an impending blast, thick oil mud repeatedly sabotaged our movement, robbing us of precious seconds to dodge away. While leveraging Focus Mode, wound destruction, and new Boost Actions let us trade blows effectively, a devastating surprise hit exhausted our recovery items and triggered a quest failed screen as time expired.

Between breathtaking new locales, formidable beasts, and combat depth brought by Boost Action, this short taste proved Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance is set to evolve monster hunting in spectacular ways. The expansion launches on PS5 in 2027.