Since its release, Monster Hunter Wilds has faced a rocky road with performance hiccups, particularly for PC gamers relying on older or mid-tier graphics cards. The game’s stunning visuals and ambitious scope have pushed hardware to its limits, leaving many players with stuttering frame rates and less-than-ideal experiences. However, relief may be on the horizon, as Capcom prepares to roll out a significant update aimed at smoothing out these issues.
In a recent statement posted on the official Monster Hunter Wilds website, Game Director Yuya Tokuda detailed the upcoming Free Title Update 1, set to arrive later this week. This patch promises not only new content—like tougher hunts and expanded hub activities—but also critical performance enhancements for the Steam version of the game. Among the highlights are reduced VRAM usage and the integration of Microsoft’s DirectStorage technology, both of which should lighten the load on PC hardware and improve overall stability.
The graphical demands of modern titles like Wilds and Black Myth: Wukong have driven some players to upgrade their rigs with cutting-edge components, such as AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800x3D processor or the Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU. Yet, for those unable or unwilling to splurge on new hardware, this patch could offer a much-needed reprieve. While performance in Wilds has seen incremental improvements since launch, many players still struggle to achieve a consistently smooth experience, especially without leaning on upscaling technologies like AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) or Nvidia’s DLSS.
Testing the game across different setups reveals the scope of the challenge. On an Nvidia RTX 3080-powered desktop, hitting stable frame rates at 2K or 4K resolutions required enabling graphics upscaling tools. Similarly, on a high-end RTX 5090-equipped Razer Blade 16 (2025) laptop, smooth gameplay at 1080p and 1600p still demanded frame generation software. Without these aids, frame rates hovered in the 60-70 FPS range even on premium hardware like RTX 5080 and 5090 laptops—acceptable, but far from ideal for a fast-paced action title like Wilds.
Frame generation, which uses AI to insert additional frames and create the illusion of fluidity, has been a double-edged sword. While it works wonders for single-player experiences or less reaction-dependent games, it’s less effective in Wilds’ online multiplayer mode. The added latency between client and server can exacerbate existing network delays, a frustration that Nvidia’s Reflex technology can only partially mitigate. For a game that thrives on precise timing and coordination during hunts, this isn’t an optimal fix.
Tokuda’s letter acknowledges these challenges, emphasizing that the team is committed to a long-term optimization effort. “The team is continuing to identify stability issues and make improvements where possible, especially on the Steam version,” he wrote. “This will be an ongoing process, where we’ll aim to make continual steps forward in this area and respond to critical issues.” The inclusion of DirectStorage—a feature that speeds up load times and asset streaming—and lower VRAM demands should bring the PC version closer to the smoother experience enjoyed by console players.
That said, the update’s impact will depend heavily on individual setups. Gamers with lower-VRAM GPUs, such as an Nvidia RTX 4060 or 3070, stand to benefit most from the reduced memory overhead. Those running high-end cards with ample VRAM might notice less dramatic gains, though the stability boost from DirectStorage should still enhance the experience across the board. Graphics settings and resolution choices will also play a role in determining how much this patch moves the needle.
Free Title Update 1 is slated to drop on Friday, April 4, 2025, though players in some time zones may see it as early as the evening of Thursday, April 3. While it’s unlikely to resolve every performance gripe overnight, this patch signals Capcom’s dedication to refining Monster Hunter Wilds into the polished beast-slaying epic it’s meant to be. For now, hunters on budget rigs and high-end systems alike can look forward to a step in the right direction.