Capcom has just rolled out what could be the final major update for Monster Hunter Wilds, and it’s a doozy. This new patch marks the last entry on the Wilds roadmap and introduces an epic showdown with the flagship monster Arkveld, alongside a nostalgic bonus quest that feels like a grand finale. The update also features a collaboration with Monster Hunter Stories 3, allows players to team up with Nadia from Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, and escalates challenges with the introduction of ten-star fights. Additionally, Capcom has benefited from a series of performance tweaks aimed at improving the experience on PC, setting the stage for upcoming DLC after what has been a tumultuous year.
It’s no secret that Monster Hunter Wilds faced rocky terrain, particularly on the PC front. Many players struggled with performance issues, prompting Capcom to implement a significant overhaul just weeks prior to this update, resulting in noticeable improvements. Riding the wave of recent victories, the latest update—version 1.041—debuted the new permanent event quest ‘Freedom from Solitude’. This quest places players against Arch-Tempered Arkveld, the most formidable iteration of Wilds’ flagship monster, complete with new tactics and an upgraded musical score that heightens the adrenaline of the showdown.
As if facing Arkveld wasn’t challenge enough, players can also take on ‘Proof of a Hero’. This ultimate encounter transports players to the Wounded Hollow arena, where they must endure exhausting battles against Arch-Tempered variants of four apex monsters: Rey Dau, Uth Duna, Nu Udra, and Arkveld itself. For those who seek even greater challenges, each of these monsters is available to fight separately in exciting new ten-star difficulty missions, along with Arch-Tempered Jin Dahaad, bringing an intense layer of gameplay to dedicated hunters.
Another exciting feature brought in this update is the collaboration with the newly released Monster Hunter Stories 3. The quest titled ‘A Royal Request’ echoes classic side quest types, tasking players with gathering fragile monster eggs. While the concept seems straightforward, the delicate nature of the cargo draws the attention of nearby creatures, making for an exhilarating experience. Fortunately, players can drop off their precious eggs at pop-up camps, which Capcom has conveniently increased in number across various locales such as the Windward Plains, Scarlet Forest, and Oilwell Basin.
Moreover, players can now delve deeper into the world alongside Nadia, the Ace Gunner from Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate. Following her surprise return during the Gogmazios encounter, fans will be thrilled to explore a new quest chain that investigates the eco-impact of a menacing Gore Magala. This narrative leads to a climactic battle alongside Nadia without the option for additional help, intensifying the stakes and collaboration. Unfortunately, the full-grown form, Sharagu Magala, seems to have been reserved for the forthcoming expansion.
One of the standout highlights from this update is the unveiling of winning designs from a recent weapon design contest. Enthusiasts familiar with the series’ lore will find the Great Sword reigns supreme once again, but the visually stunning Shatterseal Great Sword crafted by Nolan Lu has caught many fans’ attention, balancing aesthetics and nostalgia perfectly. Adding joy to the update, a new accessory featuring the SOS Meating Pendant puts a fun twist on the lovable palicos, transforming a memorable moment from the game into a delightful collectible.
Capcom didn’t stop there; the update brings a slew of quality-of-life enhancements as well. The increased pop-up camp limits allow for greater strategic choices, while melding Gogma materials and fast retries for Barrel Bowling are welcome additions to the overall gameplay. The revamped quick-access ‘quest last played’ feature now defaults settings such as departure points to the player’s last run. Additionally, the SOS search refreshes can now be expedited, and a new menu toggle ensures favorited items are safeguarded from accidental use. All previous limited-time event quests that yielded unique equipment have also been made permanent and playable offline, allowing for more flexibility in gameplay.
On the performance optimizations front, Capcom has worked to further reduce CPU and GPU loads, alongside the introduction of LOD (Levels of Detail), which simplifies the visual load from distant monsters. Early performance tests indicate gains, particularly for users with lower-spec machines, enhancing the game experience in ways that should have been in place from the start. While some critics might lament the delay in addressing these issues, the improvements have finally equipped the game with the foundation needed for a much smoother performance.
The introduction of this patch heralds the beginning of a month-long celebration for Monster Hunter Wilds’ anniversary. Four Festivals of Accord, cycling every Wednesday for the next month, alongside a complimentary voucher for character and palico customization, reveal an exciting time for returning players. New event quests will be added continuously, keeping the adventure fresh while allowing enthusiasts to revisit past missions with unique equipment rewards.
Monster Hunter Wilds update 1.041 is available now. Positive sentiments are quickly gaining traction amongst players, transforming the overwhelmingly negative reviews into a more favorable view. Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto has confirmed ongoing efforts for a large-scale expansion akin to previous titles, with news expected in the summer. For many fans, the anticipation surrounding this announcement finally feels hopeful and invigorating.