Wild Hearts vs Dauntless Black Friday 2026: Best Offers

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EA Originals WILD HEARTS is the better playable pick over Phoenix Labs Dauntless for Black Friday 2026, with three-player co-op and a creative Karakuri system. Phoenix Labs Dauntless was a free-to-play monster-hunting game, but its servers have closed, so new players cannot start a hunt. That changes the comparison: one is a game to play, while the other is a historical reference.

I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to build a platform-by-platform shortlist. The guide also covers Monster Hunter alternatives for players who want active co-op options. Here's the bottom line: choose EA Originals WILD HEARTS for build-and-hunt action, or pick a current Monster Hunter release for larger co-op parties. Check platform compatibility before adding any game to your Black Friday 2026 list.

How We Picked

• Compared platform availability across PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Nintendo Switch.
• Prioritized hunting-game fundamentals: monster variety, weapon options, progression and co-op.
• Reviewed official product details alongside player feedback and long-term support information.
• Separated playable games from Phoenix Labs Dauntless, whose servers have closed.
• Favored distinct picks that suit different budgets, platforms and co-op preferences.

Comparison Table

Product	Best for	Platform	Hunt party	Standout feature
Electronic Arts EA Originals WILD HEARTS Standard Edition for PlayStation 5	PS5 players seeking creative hunts	PlayStation 5	Up to 3 players	Karakuri construction
Electronic Arts EA Originals WILD HEARTS Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S	Xbox co-op hunters	Xbox Series X|S	Up to 3 players	Karakuri building
Electronic Arts EA Originals WILD HEARTS Standard Edition for PC	PC players	PC	Up to 3 players	Keyboard and controller
Phoenix Labs Dauntless for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One	Historical comparison	PC, PS4, Xbox One	Up to 4 players	Servers closed
Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds Standard Edition for PlayStation 5	Four-player PS5 hunts	PlayStation 5	Up to 4 players	14 weapon types
Capcom Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak for Nintendo Switch	Portable co-op	Nintendo Switch	Up to 4 players	Base game and expansion
Capcom Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Master Edition for PlayStation 4	Long PS4 campaign	PlayStation 4	Up to 4 players	Base game and expansion

Best Picks Reviewed

#1 · Top pick

Electronic Arts EA Originals WILD HEARTS Standard Edition for PlayStation 5

The Electronic Arts EA Originals WILD HEARTS Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 is the best overall pick for PS5 hunters who want three-player co-op and inventive combat. Karakuri construction turns the battlefield into part of the fight.

Best for: PS5 players who want creative hunting action

Platform

PlayStation 5

Co-op party

Up to 3 players

Combat system

Karakuri construction

Edition

Standard Edition

Pros

• Karakuri tools add a strategic building layer to fights.
• Three-player online hunts suit a small regular squad.
• The setting and Kemono designs give the game a distinct identity.

Cons

• The three-player party limit is smaller than four-player hunting games.
• Online co-op requires a reliable connection.

Is the Electronic Arts EA Originals WILD HEARTS Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The Electronic Arts EA Originals WILD HEARTS Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 is a strong choice for PS5 players who want three-player co-op, large monster fights and a distinctive Karakuri building system.

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#2

Electronic Arts EA Originals WILD HEARTS Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S

The Electronic Arts EA Originals WILD HEARTS Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S is the best Xbox pick for players who want three-player hunts and on-the-fly construction. The game centers on battles against Kemono across a fantasy world.

Best for: Xbox Series X|S players seeking co-op hunts

Platform

Xbox Series X|S

Co-op party

Up to 3 players

Core feature

Karakuri building

Edition

Standard Edition

Pros

• Combines weapon combat with deployable structures and traps.
• Supports co-op hunts with up to two other players.
• Offers a separate console option from the PlayStation edition.

Cons

• The party size caps at three players.
• Players wanting four-person hunts should compare other games here.

Is the Electronic Arts EA Originals WILD HEARTS Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The Electronic Arts EA Originals WILD HEARTS Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S suits Xbox players who want Kemono hunts, three-player co-op and tactical building. Confirm that your friends use a compatible platform before planning a squad.

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#3

Electronic Arts EA Originals WILD HEARTS Standard Edition for PC

The Electronic Arts EA Originals WILD HEARTS Standard Edition for PC is the best PC pick for hunters who value flexible controls and three-player co-op. The Karakuri system lets players place useful structures during combat.

Best for: PC players who want flexible control options

Platform

PC

Co-op party

Up to 3 players

Combat feature

Karakuri construction

Input

Keyboard and controller support

Pros

• Supports keyboard or controller play.
• Karakuri devices create useful combat and traversal options.
• Three-player co-op gives PC squads a focused party size.

Cons

• PC performance depends on the system's hardware and settings.
• The hunt party is smaller than four-player alternatives.

Is the Electronic Arts EA Originals WILD HEARTS Standard Edition for PC worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The Electronic Arts EA Originals WILD HEARTS Standard Edition for PC is a solid fit for PC players who want three-player monster hunts and creative battlefield construction. Review your computer's system requirements before choosing the PC edition.

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#4

Phoenix Labs Dauntless for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One

The Phoenix Labs Dauntless for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One is the best historical comparison for players researching free-to-play hunts, with parties built around up to 4 Slayers. Closed servers mean the game is not a playable Black Friday 2026 purchase.

Best for: Players comparing the history of co-op hunting games

Platforms

PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Hunt party

Up to 4 players

Original model

Free-to-play

Current play status

Servers closed

Pros

• The Phoenix Labs Dauntless for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One's four-player format is a useful point of comparison.
• The original game focused on accessible cooperative hunts.
• The Phoenix Labs Dauntless for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One's history helps explain the difference from paid hunting games.

Cons

• Closed servers prevent new players from playing.
• The game is not a practical purchase recommendation.

Is the Phoenix Labs Dauntless for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

No. The Phoenix Labs Dauntless for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One is not playable because its online servers have closed. Choose a current hunting game instead, and treat Dauntless as a comparison point rather than a purchase.

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#5

Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds Standard Edition for PlayStation 5

The Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 is the best premium alternative for PS5 hunters who want four-player hunts and a broad weapon roster. The game features 14 weapon types.

Best for: PS5 hunters who want four-player co-op

Platform

PlayStation 5

Weapon types

14

Hunt party

Up to 4 players

Edition

Standard Edition

Pros

• Four-player hunts support a larger squad than WILD HEARTS.
• Fourteen weapon types offer a wide range of combat styles.
• A strong choice for players already interested in the Monster Hunter series.

Cons

• The larger number of systems can feel demanding for newcomers.
• Players seeking three-person-only hunts should compare WILD HEARTS.

Is the Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 is a strong PS5 pick for four-player hunts and 14 weapon types. Choose it over WILD HEARTS when your group wants a four-person party and a broad weapon selection.

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#6

Capcom Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak for Nintendo Switch

The Capcom Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak for Nintendo Switch is the best travel-friendly pick for Switch hunters who want four-player co-op and a bundled expansion. The game includes 14 weapon types.

Best for: Switch players who want hunting on the go

Platform

Nintendo Switch

Weapon types

14

Hunt party

Up to 4 players

Included content

Base game and Sunbreak expansion

Pros

• Portable play suits commutes and travel.
• Four-player co-op gives a full squad room to hunt together.
• The Sunbreak expansion adds a substantial follow-on adventure.

Cons

• The Switch version is tied to Nintendo's platform.
• Players focused on the newest console visuals should compare other editions.

Is the Capcom Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The Capcom Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak for Nintendo Switch is a compelling portable hunting package with four-player co-op, 14 weapon types and the Sunbreak expansion. Choose it for handheld play and a large amount of included content.

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#7

Capcom Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Master Edition for PlayStation 4

The Capcom Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Master Edition for PlayStation 4 is the best classic-series pick for players seeking a large hunt campaign and four-player co-op. The Master Edition combines the base game with the Iceborne expansion.

Best for: PS4 players who want a large hunting campaign

Platform

PlayStation 4

Hunt party

Up to 4 players

Included games

Monster Hunter: World and Iceborne

Edition

Master Edition

Pros

• Combines the base game and a major expansion.
• Four-player hunts support a full co-op group.
• A substantial option for players who prefer a long progression path.

Cons

• The PlayStation 4 edition is not a native PS5 product.
• The amount of content asks for a long-term time commitment.

Is the Capcom Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Master Edition for PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The Capcom Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Master Edition for PlayStation 4 is a strong choice for players who want the base game and Iceborne expansion together. The Capcom Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Master Edition for PlayStation 4's four-player hunts make it a good fit for established co-op groups.

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Is Wild Hearts better than Dauntless in 2026?

EA Originals WILD HEARTS is the better game to play in 2026, while Phoenix Labs Dauntless remains a comparison point with a four-player hunt format. The deciding factor is availability: Dauntless servers have closed, so players cannot access its hunts. WILD HEARTS remains the practical choice for someone shopping for a playable monster-hunting game.

Combat also feels different. WILD HEARTS mixes weapon fighting with Karakuri, a system for building devices and structures during a hunt. Dauntless focused on cooperative Slayer combat and a free-to-play structure. Pick WILD HEARTS for creative construction and three-player co-op. Pick another active Monster Hunter game when a four-person group is essential.

Can you still play Dauntless in 2026?

Phoenix Labs Dauntless is not playable in 2026 because its online servers have closed. The game depended on online services for its core hunts, so owning or finding an old copy does not restore access. Treat Dauntless as a past co-op hunting game, not as a current Black Friday pickup.

Players looking for the same broad loop—team up, track a monster, fight, and improve gear—should compare EA Originals WILD HEARTS, Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds, or Capcom Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak. Each offers a different platform and party size. Confirm the platform and online requirements before buying, especially when building a squad across consoles.

How many players can hunt together in Wild Hearts and Dauntless?

EA Originals WILD HEARTS supports up to 3 players per hunt, while Phoenix Labs Dauntless was built around hunts for up to 4 players. Dauntless no longer has working online servers, so its party size matters for comparison rather than current play.

For a present-day four-player option, Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds Standard Edition for PlayStation 5, Capcom Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak for Nintendo Switch, and Capcom Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Master Edition for PlayStation 4 each support parties of up to four. A three-person friend group gets a natural fit with WILD HEARTS. A four-person squad should prioritize a playable four-player title.

Which Wild Hearts version should you buy?

The right EA Originals WILD HEARTS edition depends on the console or PC your hunting group already owns. The PlayStation 5 edition suits PS5 players, the Xbox Series X|S edition fits Xbox owners, and the PC edition supports computer players. All three versions center on three-player co-op and Karakuri construction.

Choose the same platform as your regular co-op group, then check edition details and online requirements before checkout. The PC version also gives players a choice between keyboard and controller input. Console players should make sure the listed edition matches their system generation; the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are the relevant picks in this guide.

What is the best Wild Hearts alternative for Black Friday 2026?

Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 is the best alternative here for players who want four-player hunts and 14 weapon types. Capcom Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak for Nintendo Switch stands out for portable play, while Capcom Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Master Edition for PlayStation 4 bundles a base game and expansion.

Each alternative changes the feel of the hunt, so choose by platform and group size first. Choose WILD HEARTS for three-player battles and building tools. Choose a four-player Monster Hunter game for a larger squad. Pick the Switch bundle for handheld flexibility. Black Friday 2026 is a good time to compare editions, platform compatibility and included content side by side.

Buying Guide

Start with your platform

Electronic Arts EA Originals WILD HEARTS has PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC editions in this guide. Match the edition to the system you own, then confirm your friends can join on compatible platforms.

Choose a party size

EA Originals WILD HEARTS supports up to 3 hunters, while the listed Monster Hunter games support up to 4. Count your regular squad before choosing a game for Black Friday 2026.

Compare the combat style

EA Originals WILD HEARTS adds Karakuri construction to weapon combat. Capcom Monster Hunter games focus on weapon choice, monster behavior and gear progression. Pick the loop your group wants to repeat.

Check the full edition

Capcom Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak for Nintendo Switch includes the base game and expansion. Capcom Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Master Edition for PlayStation 4 also combines its main game and expansion. Read the listing carefully.

Skip Dauntless as a purchase

Phoenix Labs Dauntless is not playable because its servers have closed. Keep it in your comparison research, but choose an active game when you want to start hunting with friends.

FAQ

Wild Hearts vs Dauntless: which game is better?

EA Originals WILD HEARTS is the better playable choice in 2026 because Phoenix Labs Dauntless servers have closed. WILD HEARTS offers three-player co-op and Karakuri construction, while Dauntless is now useful as a historical comparison rather than a game to start.

Is Dauntless still online in 2026?

No. Phoenix Labs Dauntless servers have closed, so players cannot access its online hunts. Choose a current game such as EA Originals WILD HEARTS or a Capcom Monster Hunter title for co-op monster hunting.

Is Wild Hearts a 4-player game?

No. EA Originals WILD HEARTS supports up to 3 players in a hunt. Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds, Capcom Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak and Capcom Monster Hunter World: Iceborne support up to 4 players in this guide.

Is Wild Hearts available on PC, PS5 and Xbox?

Yes. EA Originals WILD HEARTS is represented here by separate PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S editions. Select the edition that matches your system, and check platform compatibility with your co-op group before buying.

What is the best alternative to Dauntless?

Capcom Monster Hunter Wilds Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 is the strongest four-player alternative in this guide. EA Originals WILD HEARTS is a strong option for three-player hunts and creative building, while Capcom Monster Hunter Rise + Sunbreak suits portable play.