Monster Hunter Wilds News

[p]To all players of Monster Hunter Wilds,[/p][p][/p][p]Title update 4 will be released on December 16, 2025. [/p][p]This update will deliver additional content, including Gogmazios, the first Elder Dragon in Wilds, and the expansion of endgame content with the addition of the Gogma Artian Weapons.[/p][p]In this update we also focus on improving the game's stability and performance, implementing various improvements including CPU/GPU optimization for all platforms.[/p][p][/p][p]*Content in development is subject to change. [/p][p]To further improve stability and performance, additional improvements will be implemented in a patch exclusive to the Steam version in late January 2026, as well as in the Ver. 1.041 update in February.[/p][p]We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has reported issues and provided feedback.[/p][p]Your feedback has aided the development team's ongoing work to improve the overall experience through these updates. [/p][p]We'd like to further explain the stability and performance improvements roadmap that was shown in the December 2025 Monster Hunter Showcase.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Free Title Update 4 will implement CPU/GPU optimisations across all platforms: PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam.[/p][p][/p][h3]Processing Improvements and Load Reduction[/h3]

• [p]Processing time will be improved by distributing the process across frames for elements that demand the heaviest load, which includes players, monsters, and graphical user interfaces (primarily the HUD and maps).[/p]
• [p]Processing load is reduced by comprehensively reviewing and streamlining various processes, such as reducing the number of simultaneous effects and improving collision detection for Palico and Seikret.[/p]
• [p]Various other improvements, including optimization and reduction of memory usage, will be implemented.[/p]

[p]These measures are designed to improve the experience for all players, while avoiding negatively impacting the existing game. By implementing improvements to common processes experienced by all players, we aim to resolve issues experienced by players on a wide variety of hardware configurations. [/p][p][/p][h3]Gameplay Comparisons - TU3 vs. TU4 (Steam Version)[/h3][p]Here's a look at gameplay comparison videos showing the differences between Free Title Update 3 and Free Title Update 4 on the 'Recommended specs' of the 'Steam version system requirements'.[/p][p]*Testing was conducted with the frame generation setting set to "Disable".[/p][p]*Performance metrics captured using Steam's in-game overlay performance monitor. [/p][p]*This is only one example, and performance may vary depending on PC configuration and other environmental factors.[/p][p]*Content in development is subject to change. [/p][p][/p][p]1. Intel CPU and NVIDIA GPU combination[/p][p]This video tests the exact CPU and GPU combination specified in our recommended specs in system requirements.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]Hardware Environment[/p]

• [p]CPU: Intel Core i5-10400[/p]
• [p]GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Super (VRAM 8GB)[/p]
• [p]Resolution: 1080p (Upscaled)
• NVIDIA DLSS: Performance[/p]
• [p]Graphics Settings: Medium[/p]

[p][/p][p]2.AMD CPU and AMD GPU combination[/p][p]This video tests the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU, which is the most commonly used CPU within the recommended range based on the system requirements.[/p][p]*The AMD CPU specified in the recommended specs in system requirements is the AMD Ryzen 5 3600.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]Hardware Environment[/p]

• [p]CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X[/p]
• [p]GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6600（VRAM 8GB）[/p]
• [p]Resolution: 1080p (Upscaled)
• AMD FSR: Performance[/p]
• [p]Graphics Settings: Medium[/p][p][/p]

[p]Currently, in the Windward Plains locale, which is prone to heavy load during Inclemency events, the frame rate hovers around 40 FPS for both environment settings (1) and (2) when the frame generation option is set to "Disable". However, we confirmed that in most cases FPS goes higher than 40 FPS after applying the update.[/p][p]We also confirmed a frame rate improvement of roughly 5% or more in the Scarlet Forest and Oilwell Basin. While in these areas, players will generally experience higher average frame rates than in the Windward Plains. [/p][p]*This is only one example, and performance may vary depending on PC configuration and other environmental factors. For instance, this update yields limited improvements for hardware at the "minimum" system requirements, when compared to the improved frame rate seen at the "recommended" system requirements. [/p][p][/p][p]Following the release of Free Title Update 4, we will continue to deliver stability and performance improvements. Next, we'll share further details on the updates planned for January and February 2026. [/p][p][/p][p]Notice[/p][p]Following the release of Free Title Update 4, we plan to remove the Monster Hunter Wilds Benchmark from Steam. With the improved performance of the retail version introduced in Free Title Update 4, the benchmark no longer provides an accurate result for players. [/p][p][/p][h3]Steam Version Exclusive Patch (Late January 2026)[/h3][p]This patch will include optimization improvements for Steam-specific processes and options to reduce processing load. It will also include a review of presets.[/p][p][/p][p]Addition of Settings to Reduce CPU Load[/p][p][/p][p]A "CPU" tab will be added to the Options menu. This tab will include new CPU options to reduce CPU load, such as Endemic Life Display Count, Players Displayed in Lobby, Small Monster Quality, Effect Quality and Animation Quality.[/p][p][/p][p]Addition of Settings to Reduce GPU Load[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]New graphics options will be added such as Foliage Density, along with new settings for existing options like Volumetric Fog.[/p][p]These new options provide greater customization for players to alleviate CPU and GPU load to match their hardware environment and personal preferences. [/p][p]Additionally, we will make further optimization improvements to VRAM usage to ensure optimal graphics quality. We will also improve implementation of the high-resolution texture pack and optimize texture streaming speed.[/p][p]Furthermore, we plan to improve shader compilation processing to reduce processing wait time when launching the game.[/p][p][/p][h3]Ver. 1.041 Update (on February 2026) [/h3][p]This update adds Arch-Tempered Arkveld and other content, and also implements additional optimization improvements.[/p][p]Improvements include further CPU/GPU optimization, and we are currently verifying measures to reduce GPU processing load by adding quality levels (LOD) to the polygon mesh for 3D models. This may help to reduce processing load by swapping to low-resolution models for objects farther away from the camera.[/p][p]We are also re-examining memory-related processes to identify further potential improvements.[/p][p][/p][h3]Wrapping Up[/h3][p]While we have conducted extensive testing across various in-house hardware configurations leading up to launch and subsequent updates, these tests failed to capture the wide variety of issues experienced by players across their unique setups.[/p][p]We take this matter seriously and are committed to investigating and resolving common issues across different user environments. With the updates announced today, we will implement various improvements to ensure players can enjoy the game with confidence, regardless of platform.[/p][p]As mentioned at the beginning, we would like to thank everyone who has reported issues and shared feedback.[/p][p]We appreciate your continued support for Monster Hunter Wilds.[/p][p][/p][p]Send Your Feedback:[/p][p]If you encounter any issues after each update, please share your feedback with us via the contact form or submit a crash report.

Contact Form[/p][p][/p][p]On the Steam version, we have confirmed that issues may occur depending on certain graphics driver versions or other software being used concurrently. Please review the system requirements and other notices in preparation for Free Title Update 4.
[/p][p]System Requirements[/p]

It's been a long, hard road for Monster Hunter Wilds, but hopefully things will get a little lighter when its free Title Update 4 arrives next week on December 16. In a video published earlier today, Capcom outlined the additions coming in the final major Wilds update, including the returning elder dragon Gogmazios, new weapon and armor upgrade systems, and—crucially—improvements for the performance issues that have tarnished the game's reputation so badly that Capcom's own investors are using Wilds as shorthand for performance concerns...
Read more.

Monster Hunter Wilds — Free Title Update 4 Trailer
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Free Title Update 4 – Ver. 1.040
Launch Date: December 16, 2025
Note: Available once maintenance has ended.

Get ready to take on the elder dragon Gogmazios!
A mysterious elder dragon covered head to tail in a viscous black liquid, with a large weapon embedded in its back.

For this special quest, up to four hunters can join forces with support hunters to form parties of eight! Team up with Nadia, Fabius, and the other Expedition hunters to take down Gogmazios!
The quest is available to HR 100+ hunters after completing the main mission "A First Cry."

Gogma Artian Weapons

You can upgrade Rarity 8 Artian Weapons into Gogma Artian Weapons using materials obtained from Gogmazios. Upgraded weapons will retain their existing reinforcement bonuses, and will also have one bonus skill and one group skill chosen at random.

Gogma Reinforce also allows you to retain your reinforcement bonuses or—for those with loftier aspirations—reset your skills completely. The Reset Skills option allows you to use Gogma materials to reset the bonus skill and group skill applied to a weapon.

Face Arch-tempered Jin Dahaad in the ultimate hunting challenge!
Hunters at HR 100+ will now be able to take on Arch-tempered Jin Dahaad in one of the most challenging quests to date! You'll also obtain materials to forge new hunter and Palico equipment.

Available: December 24, 2025

Added Features – Armor Transcendence
Once you reach HR 100, your armor will be able to transcend, allowing it to be upgraded past its original limitations. Transcending raises the limits imposed on Armor Sphere upgrades and powers up the decoration slots of rarity 5 and 6 armor. Be sure to upgrade your armor this way to prepare for Gogmazios's toughest attacks!

– New Optional Quests
High-difficulty quests featuring multiple 9★ monsters will be added. Complete these quests to receive special nameplates as bragging rights! (Note: You cannot qualify for the rewards if you join after a quest has started.) Hunters can also try their hand at Hunting Exercises, which pit you against tempered 9★ monsters in controlled environments.

– New Support Hunters
New Support Hunters join the hunt! Wielding a light bowgun, Nadia will provide vital support in your fight against Gogmazios! Griffin, a great sword wielder from Ferrum Unit, and Nightmist, a light bowgun wielder from Aurora Unit, can also join you in battle.

– Seasonal Event - Festival of Accord: Lumenhymn
Get your hunting pals together to celebrate the next seasonal event, the Festival of Accord: Lumenhymn!
Event Time: December 19, 2025 – January 14, 2026 (JST)
Event Time: 12/19/2025 – 1/14/2026

The Grand Hub is ready to make you feel cozy with wintry delights! Enjoy a seasonal meal, special new equipment, gestures, and pop-up camp decorations. In addition to various login bonuses and event quests, Fabius and Nadia can join your party as support hunters for a limited time, allowing you to fight alongside some of the Guild's strongest members. A dazzling Grand Hub awaits you!

– Future Updates
The fourth title update will be the final large-scale update for Monster Hunter Wilds adding a new monster to the lineup. But that doesn't mean we're done just yet! After Title Update 4, we'll be releasing patches to improve the stability of the Steam version, as well as releasing a final update in February adding a new Arch-tempered variant.


Note: The contents of this post reflect the plans as of the time they are posted. Changes may be made at a later date.

We'll reveal more information about the February update in the future.

Thank you for your continued support of Monster Hunter Wilds!
https://www.monsterhunter.com/wilds/en-us/