What to expect from the upcoming MHW × FFXIV crossover, why it matters, and what’s next
What’s Going On
Capcom (Monster Hunter Wilds) and Square Enix (Final Fantasy XIV) are teaming up again for a major crossover event. It’ll hit both games in staggered fashion this fall:
| Game | Event arrives | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Monster Hunter Wilds | Late September 2025 (Title Update 3) Windows Central+2GamesRadar++2 | Rideable Chocobo skins for Seikret mounts, catch Cactuars for your Endemic Life compendium, and a brand-new boss: Omega Planetes, a variant of the famed FFXIV Omega. Windows Central+2GamesRadar++2 |
| Final Fantasy XIV | Early October 2025 (part of the Dawntrail cycle) Windows Central+2Wikipedia+2 | A trial against Arkveld (Monster Hunter’s monster), Monster Hunter-inspired glamour gear, a Seikret mount, and possibly Palico minion / more non-combat rewards. FINAL FANTASY XIV+2Windows Central+2 |
What Makes This Special
- Omega makes a big leap. The Monster Hunter team wanted something that both fits Wilds’ setting and leans into FFXIV lore. Omega Planetes is their take on Omega, reworked in narrative and mechanics to suit Monster Hunter Wilds’ world. TechRadar+2PC Gamer+2
- Past crossover pedigree. This isn’t the first time these two giants have crossed paths. The original Rathalos-event during Stormblood is still fondly remembered. Wikipedia+1
- Dual‐game content keeps both fanbases engaged. Each game is giving players something themed from the other universe, not just cosmetic skins, but fully fledged combat challenges. It’s a balancing act between nostalgia (for longtime fans) and fresh content (for newer players).
What Players Should Know / Prepare
- Prerequisites in FFXIV. To participate in the Arkveld trial, players must be at a high enough level and have completed the Dawntrail main scenario. It’s not “just log in and fight.” Windows Central+2Wikipedia+2
- Permanent vs Limited. Some event content stays permanently in the game; others might be more time-sensitive. While the press suggests that this crossover will include permanent additions, the fight difficulty (especially in Wilds) is likely tuned for both casual and hardcore players. Windows Central+2GamesRadar++2
- Cool rewards but grind ahead. Aside from glamour sets, mounts, and minions, the bosses (Omega in Wilds, Arkveld in FFXIV) will probably demand coordination, good builds, and some serious effort. Expect some fan debates over “Was it worth it?” for the time investment.
Why It Matters / What’s Next
- Strengthening community crossover. These kinds of events bring in players who might primarily play one game to try the other — boosting exposure, and ideally retention.
- Setting the stage for more collaborations. In recent interviews, FFXIV’s producer/director Naoki Yoshida has expressed interest in collaborating with other big IPs: Diablo, One Piece, Gundam etc. This kind of partnership could pave the way. TechRadar
- Evolution of content expectations. Crossovers are no longer “hey here’s a costume.” We’re seeing fully integrated experiences: new monsters, raid/trial content, mounts, minions, etc. Players will expect more depth going forward.
Looking Forward: What We Hope to See
- A more accessible “catch-up” path for new or returning FFXIV players so they can join in without needing hundreds of hours of story.
- More Monster Hunter gear sets beyond just starter-set or standard glamours — things like Arkveld’s elaborate designs, layered armor, dyeable pieces, etc. Reddit discussion already teases this. Reddit
- Possibly co-streamed events, challenge modes, or cross-promotion handling (e.g. unique titles or Easter eggs that reflect both games’ lore).
- More lore tie-ins: what does Omega’s appearance mean for Wilds’ story, or how Arkveld’s threat is woven into Eorzea’s narrative.
Final Take
This crossover is shaping up to be one of the bigger ones this year, striking a good balance: fan service, challenge, rewards, and a chance to celebrate two very different but complementary monster/fantasy franchises. For players of Wilds, Chocobos + Omega should be exciting, for FFXIV players, Arkveld plus new glam = new goals.
Share Your Style
What do you think of this crossover? Are you grinding for the glam, the mount, or the challenge? We’d love to see it. Drop your screenshots, outfits, or favorite glam combos in the comments below and show the community how you’re bringing Monster Hunter flair into Eorzea (or Chocobo chic into the New World).
