TOKYO, JAPAN – A major announcement just dropped from the Tokyo Game Show 2025 floor, sending a shockwave through the Monster Hunter community. During the Monster Hunter Wilds Special Stage presentation, Capcom revealed that its blockbuster collaboration with FINAL FANTASY XIV Online is reaching its zenith with an ultra high-difficulty quest: "Planetes Protocol (Savage)."
This ultimate challenge for hunters is set to launch on September 29, arriving as part of the game's Free Title Update 3. In a surprising and welcome move, Capcom also confirmed the quest will be a permanent addition to the game, not a limited-time event.
TGS 2025 Delivers a Savage Surprise
The Monster Hunter Wilds presentation at Tokyo Game Show 2025 was one of the most anticipated events on the schedule, and it did not disappoint. Capping off a segment dedicated to upcoming content, developers unveiled the next stage of the celebrated crossover with Square Enix's massively popular MMO, FINAL FANTASY XIV Online. The reveal trailer showcased a fearsome encounter that promises to push even the most elite hunting squads to their absolute limits.
The quest, titled "Planetes Protocol (Savage)," is slated for a September 29 release. This date coincides with the launch of Free Title Update 3, positioning the crossover challenge as a headline feature for the game's next major content drop.
What Does 'Savage' Mean for Hunters?
For players unfamiliar with the terminology from FINAL FANTASY XIV, the "Savage" designation is not to be taken lightly. In FFXIV, Savage raids represent the pinnacle of endgame Player vs. Environment (PvE) content—brutal, mechanically complex encounters that demand precise coordination, top-tier gear, and countless hours of practice to master.
By adopting this naming convention, Capcom is sending a clear message: this will be one of the toughest fights ever introduced in Monster Hunter Wilds. Hunters can expect a battle that tests not only their combat prowess and reflexes but also their strategic planning and teamwork. The announcement implies intricate mechanics and devastating attacks that will require a deep understanding of the fight to overcome, mirroring the raid experiences of FFXIV's most dedicated players.
A Permanent Challenge, Not a Passing Event
Perhaps the most significant detail revealed alongside the quest's difficulty is its permanence. In a landscape where many crossover events are fleeting, available for only a few weeks, Capcom has confirmed that "Planetes Protocol (Savage)" will be available to all players indefinitely.
This decision has been met with widespread praise, as it respects players' time and ensures that this monumental challenge will remain a long-term goal for the community. New players and those taking a break from the game won't have to worry about missing out on what is sure to be one of the game's most talked-about quests. It establishes a new, permanent benchmark for high-level play within Monster Hunter Wilds.
Arriving with Title Update 3
The launch of "Planetes Protocol (Savage)" is intrinsically linked to Free Title Update 3, also dropping on September 29. While the full scope of the update has yet to be detailed, the inclusion of such a high-profile and challenging quest suggests that players are in for a substantial content package. This crossover serves as a major pillar for the update, promising to reinvigorate the endgame and provide a formidable new mountain for the community to climb.
As the dust settles from the Tokyo Game Show announcement, the hype is palpable. The worlds of Monster Hunter and FINAL FANTASY XIV are set to collide once more, and this time, the challenge is Savage. Hunters have just a few days to sharpen their blades and prepare their armor sets for the fight of their lives on September 29.