Monster Hunter Wilds is gearing up for its imminent launch on February 28, and the momentum isn’t slowing down — especially after the recent Monster Hunter Showcase revealed a wealth of new information for eager fans.
Beyond introducing the fourth biome, the Iceshard Cliffs, Monster Hunter Wilds also marks the return of two beloved monsters that once defined the fourth generation of Hunters: the Temnoceran Nerscylla and the Elder Dragon Gore Magala.
Longtime fans immediately recognized these two creatures, feeling both excitement and a familiar sense of dread.
Nerscylla has been a fan favorite since its debut in Monster Hunter 4 for the Nintendo 3DS. This massive arachnid, armed with four legs and razor-sharp claws, can coat an area in deadly webs within seconds. Many players vividly recall their first cart at its hands — falling victim to its drowsing sting, slipping into unconsciousness, and waking only to find themselves being sliced apart by its enormous claws. It’s an unforgettable first encounter, one that will likely be relived by new hunters, considering Nerscylla has been absent from the series for 12 years.
In the latest trailer, Nerscylla prowls the Iceshard Cliffs, its menacing presence rivaled only by Hirabami, a new leviathan that can float and is armed with a sharp tail. However, the surprises didn’t stop there — the trailer’s final moments unveiled the return of Gore Magala.
Fans who played Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak are already familiar with this fearsome Elder Dragon. Like Nerscylla, Gore Magala originated in Monster Hunter 4 and remains one of the most iconic monsters in the franchise. With shadow-like wings and six limbs, it is a force to be reckoned with, capable of inflicting the dreaded Frenzy Virus — a status effect that weakens resistances and causes a myriad of problems. Those afflicted will also notice the environment taking on an eerie, shadowed hue, heightening the tension mid-hunt.
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Gore Magala’s return also raises the possibility of encountering its evolved form. Since Magalas undergo molting, the adult Shagaru Magala may be lurking nearby — an even deadlier foe that few hunters are prepared to face.
Other returning monsters are set to appear in Monster Hunter Wilds, including the Large Wyvern Gypceros, known for blinding foes with its lamp-like crest, and Congalala, the infamously flatulent primate. Meanwhile, the iconic Rathian and Rathalos return once more — though, as every hunter knows, they’re never truly absent from a Monster Hunter title.
Monster Hunter Wilds launches on February 28 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Meanwhile, the game’s second open beta is just around the corner.