Capcom just dropped a bombshell for Monster Hunter fans. New gameplay videos for Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance showcase the game-changing Boost Bracer system, and the community is losing its mind. Every single one of the 14 weapon types is getting evolved actions, and the footage looks absolutely insane.
Announced as a massive expansion coming in 2027, Ascendance isn’t just another DLC — it’s a complete overhaul of Monster Hunter Wilds’ combat system. The Boost Bracer lets hunters activate temporary power-ups that unlock brand new attacks called Boost Drivers, while also enhancing existing moves. Think of it as a fighting game super meter meets Monster Hunter’s signature weapon depth.
The Boost Bracer Changes Everything
The new Boost Bracer mechanic works like this: hunters activate it mid-combat to enter a powered-up state. While boosted, certain actions become stronger, and entirely new combo paths open up. Each weapon type has its own unique set of Boost Drivers, meaning the depth of combat just expanded exponentially.
Capcom has been releasing individual weapon showcase videos, and the response has been overwhelming. Yuya Tokuda, the series director, promised that Ascendance would “evolve the hunt” — and based on what we’ve seen so far, he wasn’t kidding.
The announcement trailer, first revealed at Summer Game Fest 2026, already has millions of views. But the new Boosted Action overview videos that dropped on September 2 are what really set the community on fire. These aren’t just teases — they’re detailed breakdowns showing exactly how each weapon transforms when the Boost Bracer activates.
Every Weapon Type Gets Evolved
Here’s what we know about the evolved actions for each weapon:
- Great Sword — The charged slash now has a devastating follow-up when boosted, essentially giving hunters a third tier of power that wasn’t possible before
- Long Sword — The Spirit Blade combo gets a new finisher that chains into the Boost Driver for massive damage
- Sword and Shield — Perfect Rush becomes even more fluid with new aerial options during the boost state
- Dual Blades — Demon Mode gets a turbocharged variant with extended combo windows
- Hammer — New charged attack variations that were previously impossible, including a ground-pound finisher
- Lance — Guard counters now transition directly into Boost Driver attacks without dropping the shield
- Gunlance — Wyvern’s Fire gets a new overcharged version that deals even more elemental damage
- Hunting Horn — New melody combinations that buff the entire team while unlocking solo damage potential
- Switch Axe — Sword mode延长 and new amped state attacks that rival the power of Charge Blade
- Charge Blade — Super Amped Element Discharge gets a new animation and damage multiplier
- Insect Glaive — Aerial combos gain additional hits and new mounting options
- Light Bowgun — New special ammo types available only during the boost state
- Heavy Bowgun — Wyvernheart and Wyvernsnipe now have powered-up variants
- Bow — Charge levels extend beyond the normal maximum, opening up devastating new combos
Why This Expansion Matters
Monster Hunter Wilds launched to massive success earlier in 2026, but some veteran hunters felt the base game’s combat, while excellent, could use more depth. Ascendance directly addresses this by adding a new layer of complexity without overwhelming casual players. The Boost Bracer is optional — you can play through the expansion without ever using it — but for those who master it, the combat ceiling just got significantly higher.
The expansion also requires completion of the 7-star assignment “Awakening From a Dream” in the base game, ensuring that players have a solid foundation before tackling the new content. This progression gate is smart — it means Ascendance will be challenging from the start.
Cross-play is confirmed across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, so your hunting party won’t be split regardless of platform. Capcom has been pushing cross-play hard since Monster Hunter Rise, and Ascendance continues that commitment.
The Community Reacts
Social media has been ablaze since the videos dropped. Hunters are already theorycrafting optimal Boost Driver combos for their favorite weapons. The Great Sword and Long Sword communities are particularly excited, with some players calling the new moves “the most satisfying animations in the series.”
The Monster Hunter subreddit has been flooded with frame-by-frame analyses of each weapon’s evolved actions. One user noted that the Hammer’s new ground-pound finisher “looks like it could one-shot an Elder Dragon.” Another pointed out that the Bow’s extended charge levels might make it the highest DPS weapon in the game.
Meanwhile, speedrunners are already planning how the Boost Bracer will revolutionize time attacks. Theadded combo routes and damage multipliers could completely reshape the meta.
What Comes Next
Capcom has confirmed that more weapon showcase videos will be released in the coming weeks, leading up to the Monster Hunter Wilds Championship: Global Exhibition on September 20, 2026. The exhibition will likely feature competitive hunts using the Ascendance expansion’s new mechanics, giving fans their first look at high-level Boost Bracer play.
With the expansion launching in 2027, Capcom is clearly building momentum carefully. Each new reveal adds another layer of excitement, and the September 20 exhibition could be where we see the full scope of Ascendance for the first time.
Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance isn’t just an expansion — it’s a statement. Capcom is telling the world that Monster Hunter’s combat evolution is far from over.
What do you think? Are you hyped for the Boost Bracer system? Which weapon are you most excited to see evolve? Do you think the new mechanics will make Monster Hunter Wilds the best in the series? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation!
