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A Complicated Launch for Capcom’s Flagship Monster Hunter
Monster Hunter Wilds occupies an unusual position within Capcom’s portfolio. As the franchise’s major evolution, the game launched with strong sales and immediate commercial success. However, that early momentum proved difficult to sustain, particularly on PC, where technical issues and performance instability quickly became a major talking point.
Beyond performance concerns, players also voiced criticism around the game’s end-game structure, questioning whether Wilds offered enough long-term depth compared to previous Monster Hunter entries. Even so, Capcom has continued to invest in the title rather than quietly moving on, signalling confidence in its long-term potential.
PC Improvements and Anniversary Momentum
In recent months, Monster Hunter Wilds has seen steady improvements on PC, with performance updates helping stabilise frame rates and address long-standing optimisation issues. These changes have contributed to a gradual shift in player sentiment, reflected in increasingly positive user reviews.
Building on that momentum, Capcom has now formally outlined plans to celebrate the game’s first anniversary, tying new content directly into its broader support roadmap rather than treating the milestone as a one-off event.
Monster Hunter Wilds Anniversary Events Begin
The anniversary celebrations will officially begin with Update Version 1.041, scheduled to arrive on February 18. The update introduces Arc-Tempered Arkveld, alongside a new tier of 10-star Tempered monsters designed to push high-level hunters further than before.
Players can also expect a collaboration with Monster Hunter Stories 3, bringing new side missions into Wilds. In a notable quality-of-life improvement, Capcom confirmed that several Event Quests will now remain permanently available rather than rotating out on a limited schedule.
The celebration will continue through March 19, 2026, with additional Event Quests planned. Capcom has yet to disclose full details, but has confirmed that further performance-focused patches are also in development.
A Full-Scale Expansion Is on the Way
The most significant announcement came at the close of Capcom’s anniversary video, where the publisher confirmed that Monster Hunter Wilds will receive a major expansion. Capcom described it as comparable in scope to Monster Hunter World: Iceborne and Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak.
While the expansion has not yet been formally named, Capcom stated that more information will be shared in summer 2026. The confirmation alone suggests that Wilds is being positioned for a multi-year lifecycle rather than a short-term experiment.
Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
