EXPLORATION

• PlayStation®5
• Xbox Series X|S
• Steam

Free Title Update 4 will implement CPU/GPU optimisations across all platforms: PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam.

Processing Improvements and Load Reduction

- 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).

- 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.

- Various other improvements, including optimization and reduction of memory usage, will be implemented.

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.

Gameplay Comparisons - TU3 vs. TU4 (Steam Version)

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'.

• *Testing was conducted with the frame generation setting set to "Disable".
• *Performance metrics captured using Steam's in-game overlay performance monitor.
• *This is only one example, and performance may vary depending on PC configuration and other environmental factors.
• *Content in development is subject to change.

1. Intel CPU and NVIDIA GPU combination

This video tests the exact CPU and GPU combination specified in our recommended specs in system requirements.

Hardware Environment

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

2.AMD CPU and AMD GPU combination

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.

• *The AMD CPU specified in the recommended specs in system requirements is the AMD Ryzen 5 3600.

Hardware Environment

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

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.

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.

• *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.

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.

Notice

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.

• Steam

This patch will include optimization improvements for Steam-specific processes and options to reduce processing load. It will also include a review of presets.

Addition of Settings to Reduce CPU Load

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.

Addition of Settings to Reduce GPU Load

New graphics options will be added such as Foliage Density, along with new settings for existing options like Volumetric Fog.

These new options provide greater customization for players to alleviate CPU and GPU load to match their hardware environment and personal preferences.

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.

Furthermore, we plan to improve shader compilation processing to reduce processing wait time when launching the game.

• PlayStation®5
• Xbox Series X|S
• Steam

This update adds Arch-Tempered Arkveld and other content, and also implements additional optimization improvements.

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.

We are also re-examining memory-related processes to identify further potential improvements.

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.

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.

As mentioned at the beginning, we would like to thank everyone who has reported issues and shared feedback.

We appreciate your continued support for Monster Hunter Wilds.

If you encounter any issues after each update, please share your feedback with us via the contact form or submit a crash reports.

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.