With Monster Hunter Wilds nudging toward its one-month anniversary, Capcom has whipped out another showcase, this one detaling the game’s first free title update. And while we already had a pretty good idea what to expect thanks to earlier teases and reveals, we’ve now got fresh details and dates – including a confirmed 3rd April release for the update on all platforms.
Starting with the monsters, Monster Hunter Wilds’ Title Update 1 adds Mizutsune, first seen in 2015’s Monster Hunter Generations and now back to rain bubbly mayhem on unsuspecting players. He’ll be available at Hunter Rank 21 and above, and his introductory mission is unlocked by talking to Kanya in the forest. Mizutsune can also be farmed to make new hunter and palico gear.
Players looking for a more significant challenge can also take on Wilds’ first arch-tempered monster, a variant of Rey Dau, who’ll be available as part of a limited-time Event Quest running from 30th April to 21st May BST. Players must have reached Hunter Rank 50 or above to take on the quest, and can forge the new Rey Day (gamma) and Felyne Rey Dau (gamma) armour by gathering sufficient materials.
Additionally, Title Update 1 introduces big boss Zoh Shia as a farmable monster with its own Hunter and Palico equipment to forge. In order to fight it again after completing story mode, players will need to complete a special quest available at Hunter Rank 50 – after which Zoh Shia can be access through the Envinroment Overview and during the Wyvern’s Wakening in the Ruins of Wyveria.
And for those looking for a place to relax inbetween all the hunting, Title Update 1 introduces a new social area known as the The Grand Hub. This can be unlocked by taking to Tetsuzan in Suja, the Peaks of Accord Hunter, at Rank 16 and above, and provides players will a range of new activities to undertake in their downtime.
Alongside a variety of convenient amenities, including a local forge, it what appears to feature a proper canteen for pre-hunt weals, alongside tables for arm wrestling and a new Barrel Bomb bowling mini-game. Players can unlock useful items and pendants by honing their skills, although it does require Barrel Bowling Vouchers. These can be earned in various ways, Capcom notes, including through login bonuses. And as an added treat, players will occasionally find the Diva offering a song as worship when they visit at night, so they can settle back and enjoy the performance.
Once players have unlocked The Grand Hub, the Squad Information Counter will move relocate from the Windward Plains, and it’s also where they’ll find the Arena Counter for Monster Hunter Wilds’ new Arena Quests. These see players competing for the fastest times as they take on monsters using predetermined equipment and no more than two players. Title Update 1 also adds Challenge Quests and Free Challenge Quests – both available as limited-time Event Quests – that up to four players can tackle using any equipment to earn pendants and other rewards.
Additionally, The Grand Hub will serve as the focus for Monster Hunter Wilds’s new seasonal events, starting with the Festival of Accord: Blossomdance on 23rd April. This celebration of spring sees The Grand Hub getting a bit of a makeover, alongside festival-specific meals, plus opportunities to obtain new equipment, pop-up camp decorations, gestures, and more.
That it’s for the big Title Update 1 features, but Capcom still had a little more to share. Once the update arrives, it’ll also be possible to change Alma’s outfit (and, later, glasses) from the Appearance menu at camp. There’ll be a free outfit included, and presuably more to purchase using real money from the Monster Hunter Wolds store. Speaking of which, players will can grab a selection of free classic gestures in the store when Title Update 1 arrives, and the previously announced Cosmetic DLC Pack 1 will also be available to download by Premium Deluxe owners and Cosmetic DLC Pass holders. And still in the realm of paid cosmetics, there’ll be new pendants to attach to your weapons, and camp gear options to purchase – including a big old barbecue and giant stuffed bears to lounger’s around on.
To recap, Monster Hunter Wilds’ Title Update 1 arrives next Friday, 3rd April. And looking further into the future,
more Event Quests are promised – with rewards including a lovely flowing scarf – and a smaller update is scheduled to arrive at the end of May. This’ll introduce an unspecified collaboration with another Capcom game and “other additional features”, including a list showing the endemic life you’ve captured. As for Title Update 2, that’s coming this “summer” and, judging by Capcom’s teaser trailer, with see the return of water leviathan Lagiacrus.
