Capcom has released the first major update for Monster Hunter Wilds, delivering a wave of new content just as the game celebrates selling over 10 million units. This update introduces new monsters for hunters to track, a bustling social space called the Grand Hub, and a variety of gameplay adjustments. Players can now dive into fresh missions and enjoy numerous quality-of-life improvements designed to enhance their hunting experience.
Two Fearsome Monsters Join the Fray
The update brings two new major threats to the wilds, providing fresh challenges for hunters at different stages of the game. Players will need to meet specific Hunter Rank requirements to face these formidable beasts.
First up is Mizutsune, the fan-favorite Leviathan. This slippery monster becomes available once a player reaches Hunter Rank 21. For those seeking an even greater challenge, a more powerful version, Tempered Mizutsune, can be hunted at Rank 41, offering better rewards for the increased difficulty.
| Monster | Hunter Rank Required |
|---|---|
| Mizutsune | Hunter Rank 21 |
| Tempered Mizutsune | Hunter Rank 41 |
| Zoa Shia (High-Rank) | Hunter Rank 50 |
Endgame players are not left out, as Zoa Shia, the monster from the story’s finale, now has its own dedicated high-rank hunt. This quest unlocks at Hunter Rank 50, providing a tough, repeatable encounter for seasoned veterans.
Welcome to the Grand Hub
A new social area, The Grand Hub, has been added to the game. This bustling location serves as a central point for players to interact and engage in activities outside of hunts. It is designed to be the heart of the game’s multiplayer community.
The Grand Hub is packed with new features to keep players engaged. Players can unwind with friends or test their strength in new ways.
- Fun mini-games like Barrel Bowling and Arm Wrestling.
- A new canteen with additional meal choices to power up for hunts.
- The Diva, a singer who performs special songs during the night.
- Counters for Arena and Challenge Quests.
- An improved squad management system for organizing teams.
This hub will also be the primary location for future seasonal events, starting with the upcoming Festival of Accord.
Test Your Skills with New Quests
For hunters who want to prove their mastery, Capcom has introduced Arena and Challenge Quests. These missions offer unique trials with special rewards.
Arena Quests are time-based challenges where players compete to defeat specific monsters as quickly as possible. Challenge Quests take it a step further by forcing players to use pre-selected equipment and fight under specific conditions. For a more casual experience, Free Challenge Quests allow players to use their own gear.
Completing these quests rewards players with pendants. These are cosmetic items that can be equipped on hunters and their Seikret companions to add a bit of flair. Pendants do not provide any gameplay or stat bonuses.
Major Gameplay and Equipment Changes
This update brings significant adjustments to combat, gear progression, and overall balance. Capcom has increased the armor upgrade limits for Rarity 5 and higher gear, allowing players to further strengthen their favorite sets.
Several mantles have been rebalanced, with the Rocksteady, Mending, and Evasion Mantles all receiving buffs. However, obtaining rare decorations is now more difficult, as Wyverian Melding requires more points. Ranged combat while riding a Seikret has also been adjusted for better fluidity.
Specific weapons have also received attention:
- Lance: Thrust combos after Focus Strikes are now smoother.
- Hammer: Focus Strikes are faster when stopping a charge mid-animation.
- Light Bowgun: Wyvernblast will no longer be triggered by Palico attacks.
- Bow: Dragon Piercer damage has been slightly reduced, but Thousand Dragons has been buffed.
Quality of Life Fixes and What’s Next
Beyond the major content additions, the update includes numerous bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements. These changes address issues like monster AI, unexpected camera movements, and NPC interaction delays. A bug causing Jin Dahaad to disappear has also been fixed.
Players will now receive better login bonus rewards, including free meal vouchers and daily tickets for Barrel Bowling. Additionally, there is a new option to change Alma’s outfit in the camp menu.
Looking ahead, the Festival of Accord is set to run from April 23 to May 6, bringing new outfits and decorations to the Grand Hub. While not included in this patch, Capcom confirmed that layered weapons are still in development and will be added in a future update. Players can expect more monsters and events in the coming months.
