Monster Hunter Wilds is headed to the Nintendo Switch 2 later this year, and it comes with local co-operative play. The game was revealed during the latest Nintendo Direct, bringing the full game and all its free DLC updates to the new console.
The Switch 2 version arrives on the 5th December. It includes every free update released so far, including new monsters added since the game’s initial launch. Nintendo fans get the complete package when the port ships.
Local Co-op Returns
This version of the game is also coming with local co-op support, much like the older games in the series did. You can take your console to a friend’s house and get a hunting party going. It is a return to the series’ roots for players who prefer couch play.
The local co-op feature is a notable addition for Switch 2 owners. They will now have the option to hunt together in person, side by side. The feature harkens back to how Monster Hunter games played in earlier entries.
The Ascension Expansion
The Nintendo Direct trailer also reminded viewers that Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascension is on the way. This is the first major expansion to Wilds, and it is bringing a new hunting region, new story quests, and new monsters to the game.
| Version | Local Co-op | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Switch 2 Port | Yes | 5th December |
| Original | Not stated | Not stated |
A Good Time to Jump In
If you’ve never played Monster Hunter Wilds, Eurogamer’s review from last year found it was “The most exhilarating and refined Monster Hunter yet”. The game has only received more updates and improvements since then, adding new monsters through its free DLC program.
That makes the Switch 2 version a good chance to hop in for newcomers. The port includes the post-launch content in a single purchase, which is a strong value proposition for players who skipped the original release. Instead of buying the base game and waiting for updates to arrive, Switch 2 players get everything from the start.
| Schedule Item | Date |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Direct announcement | Announced |
| Switch 2 release date | 5th December |
| Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascension | No date given |
What’s in the Port
The Switch 2 version includes all the free DLC updates that have rolled out across other platforms, meaning players get the full roster of monsters from day one. That includes new creatures added through the game’s post-launch support, so the port is not missing anything that arrived elsewhere.
The local co-op support is the headline feature. It opens up a different way to play with friends, letting them gather in the same room and hunt together. The feature is described as being much like the older games in the series, which also supported local multiplayer sessions.
For players who grew up with those earlier Monster Hunter titles, the Switch 2 port offers a familiar way to play. The ability to bring a hunting party together in person gives the port a distinct identity.
The Bottom Line
Monster Hunter Wilds on Switch 2 arrives with everything included and a new way to play together in person. The 5th December launch gives Nintendo owners a complete package, and the Ascension expansion promises more content down the line.
It is a strong reason to own a Switch 2 if hunting monsters is your thing. The port brings the game to a new audience with meaningful additions, including local co-op and the full slate of free updates.
The local co-op alone makes this version distinct. For series veterans and newcomers alike, the Switch 2 release looks like a solid way to play Wilds.
Source: eurogamer.net
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