Monster Hunter Wilds’ Charge Blade can overheat and cause things to catch fire 

The Monster Hunter Wilds open beta for PS Plus users is in full swing, and players are discovering more about Capcom’s upcoming creature-bashing game than they ever did in the past months. One of the game’s more interesting mechanics is how the beta’s Charge Blade can cause nearby objects to catch fire: 

The Charge Blade was first introduced in Monster Hunter 4, and has since been a staple weapon of the franchise. By attacking enemies in Sword Mode, players can fill up vials which can be used in the weapon’s stronger Axe Mode. While its moveset is complex, properly managing your vials and switching between the Charge Blade’s two modes leads to some fluid combat and allows you to deal heavy damage. 

Going back to the beta’s Charge Blade, filling up vials in Monster Hunter Wilds will allow players to charge up different aspects of the weapon. This includes the individual sword and shield used in Sword Mode, as well as the massive axe in Axe Mode. Charging the weapon causes it to heat up, which can leads to some fiery situations: 

While the environmental fire looks like it doesn’t do anything other than scorch the surroundings, never count out the possibility that it won’t have a higher purpose once the full game releases. Fire could easily be used to activate Barrel Bombs, scare weaker monsters, or draw the attention of bigger foes. 

Monster Hunter Wilds is scheduled to be released on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam) on February 28, 2025. The PS Plus-exclusive early open beta test is being held from October 29 to October 31. The open beta for other platforms will be held from November 1 to November 4.