Nintendo Switch confirms free slice of one of 2025's biggest open-world RPGs

One of last year’s biggest and most impressive RPGs is preparing to drop a free slice on Nintendo Switch 2 consoles - and if you’re yet to try this gem out, now’s your chance.

Capcom has officially confirmed that Monster Hunter Wilds’ prologue demo is set to make its way to Nintendo Switch 2 consoles in just a few days' time.

In the US, you can expect the demo to land on Monday, October 19, while in the UK and Europe, it’ll convert to Tuesday, October 20.

This is not a Game Trial, I’m pleased to say, as those are annoyingly locked behind the paywall that is Nintendo Switch Online; instead, the Monster Hunter Wilds free prologue will be available to any and all Switch 2 users.

Why now? Well, Monster Hunter Wilds is actually preparing to launch on Nintendo Switch 2, having previously only been available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.

The game will make its way onto Nintendo Switch 2 on December 4, 2026, with pre-orders opening the same day that the demo goes live.

Of course, if you’re a Nintendo-only gamer, this means the demo is your first chance to try Monster Hunter Wilds out.

For those who make use of multiple platforms, it’s either an excuse to finally try a game you’ve been overlooking or your chance to experience this exceptional release on the go.

Pre-orders open the same day as Monster Hunter Wilds’ demo drops

Capcom

The prologue demo, as the name suggests, allows you to play through the start of Monster Hunter Wilds with all save data carrying over should you purchase the full title.

Local play is supported, so you can even team up with friends in the demo, which is nice to see.

There are tons of games within the Monster Hunter series, but don’t let that put you off.

Monster Hunter Wilds acts as a standalone game, so you don’t need any prior experience with the franchise.

READ MORE: Nintendo Switch 2 users land surprise freebie for 2024 GOTY nominee

According to How Long To Beat, this RPG runs for 18 hours if you’re focusing purely on main quests, 45.5 hours for main and side quests, and around 115 hours for completionist playthroughs.

Monster Hunter Wilds is launching at the perfect time on Nintendo Switch 2. Well, almost perfect, as arriving in GTA VI’s shadow can’t be easy.

The Monster Hunter Wilds' first paid DLC is coming in 2027

In 2027, though, the game’s first major expansion arrives in the form of Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance.

This paid expansion will add a new sky islands biome, Master Rank, new monsters, and a Boost Bracer mechanic.

As for the base game, if you’ve made it this far and still have no idea what to expect, you step into the shoes of a hunter in a world where monsters run wild.

I bet you can’t believe that for a game called Monster Hunter Wilds.

“A few years past, a young boy named Nata was rescued at the border of the Forbidden Lands, an unexplored region the guild has yet to survey,” reads the synopsis.

“After hearing the boy’s tale of his lone escape from a mysterious monster that attacked his village, the Guild organized an expedition into the Forbidden Lands to investigate,” which is where you come in.

With a very respectable score of 88, it’s clear to see that Monster Hunter Wilds is not a game to overlook.