Capcom’s pre-Tokyo Game Show September Spotlight dropped another helping of juicy Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance details. Aside from confirming Teostra’s explosive return, Capcom gave us a closer look at the DLC expansion’s story and the Boost Bracer mechanics. Better yet, some much-needed quality-of-life updates are also coming to the base game when Ascendance launches next year.
Teostra and Lao-Shan Lung Return as Trouble Spreads Across the Forbidden Lands
The intro to Ascendance actually takes place right after the end of Wilds‘ story. After defeating Gogmazios, the Hunter’s Guild Units come face-to-face with a Lao-Shan Lung that appears out of nowhere. Although the Hunters fight fiercely, they fail to stand against the massive Elder Dragon’s sudden assault.
Fast-forward several years, perhaps three to five years later, and Nata has grown into a full-fledged member of the Guild, accompanied by Bangard the Wudwud. The Guild and inhabitants of the Forbidden Lands have also been busy preparing Madoi Stronghold for Lao-Shan Lung’s inevitable reappearance.
Meanwhile, the mist obscuring Wyveria’s skies has finally cleared, revealing Skybound Eyrie. The floating ruins and platforms are filled with new specimens and ancient technologies ripe for research. Of course, this is Monster Hunter, after all, so with new discoveries come plenty of new — and old — things trying to kill you.
Environmental disturbances have begun spreading throughout the region, stirring up Elder Dragons like Kushala Daora, Gundoraja, and the newly revealed Teostra. These disturbances also appear to be having some worrying effects on the Guardian monsters. Making them roam outside of their habitats and producing sludge-like creatures, not unlike the substance responsible for Zoh Shia‘s awakening.
Alongside the new Arketa Bird Wyvern pack, a Teostra hunting quest will be playable in the Tokyo Game Show 2026 demo this 17-21 September. Capcom also confirmed that Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance will be playable at Paris Games Week from October 22-25 and TwitchCon from November 13-15.
Boost Bracer Gameplay and Boost Drivers Explained
(Click to expand)
(Click to expand)
Aside from fluffs and teasers for quest targets, the main highlight of Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance is the Boost Bracer gameplay. And Ascendance director Takuro Hiraoka has plenty to share during Capcom Spotlight September 2026.
First, activating Boost requires performing a Boost Driver. These are new high-damage actions, with some weapons even gaining Offset Attacks. For example, the Gunlance‘s new shielded running attack can trigger it, while Long Sword and Lance receive new Offset moves of their own. Hiraoka added that these Boost Drivers can also be fluidly chained into other combos.
Once activated, you enter Boost mode, unlocking additional moves as long as the Boost Bracer gauge isn’t empty. Switch Axe, for example, gains follow-up attacks after performing a Morph Slash, while Bow can fire two additional shots after Power Volley.
Boost mode and Boost Drivers also appear to use separate meters. The Boost Driver gauge is filled by attacking monsters and can stock up to three charges. Spending one Boost Driver charge then fills the separate Boost gauge to its left, which gradually depletes while Boost mode is active. Judging from the footage, one charge appears to keep Boost active for roughly 30 seconds. In total, you might be able to perform new, flashy Boost Bracer moves for one and a half minutes before needing to recharge.
Base Monster Hunter Wilds Is Getting Some Love, Too
Capcom also revealed several quality-of-life updates coming to the base Monster Hunter Wilds when Ascendance launches:
- Faster weapon switching. Hunters will no longer have to mount a Seikret just to swap to their secondary weapon and can be done on foot.
- Weapon swapping from Item Boxes. Weapons can be changed through an Item Box outside the tent.
- More robust Loadout functionality. Hunters can bulk-change weapons, items, shortcuts, and Layered Equipment sets much more easily.
Capcom also confirmed that Character Edit Vouchers will be removed per 2027, letting players edit their Hunters free of charge.
Needless to say, the Monster Hunter HQ team can’t wait to get our hands on the new monsters, Boost Bracer, and everything else Ascendance is bringing to the hunt. Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance launches in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
