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Monster Hunter Wilds Steam version 1.040.03.01 introduces targeted performance optimizations aimed at reducing CPU load, lowering VRAM usage, and improving overall visual stability. The update also adds new configuration options for CPU-related settings and expands several graphics controls.
In addition, the patch includes multiple bug fixes related to system load behavior, Variable Rate Shading, and driver detection. Players must install this update to access online multiplayer and downloadable content.
Patch Notes
Important Notice
- Latest version of Monster Hunter Wilds is required to access online multiplayer and downloadable content
Recommended Video Driver Versions (Steam)
- NVIDIA GeForce: 581.57 or newer
- AMD Radeon: 25.9.1 or 25.9.2
- Known issues identified with AMD Radeon drivers 25.10.2 and higher
- Driver information may change depending on NVIDIA and AMD support availability
Release Information
- Release date: Wednesday January 28, 2026, 2:00 a.m. UTC
- Release date (PT): Tuesday January 27, 2026, 6:00 p.m. PT
Required Space (Current Update Only)
- Steam: Approximately 2.0 GB
- With High Resolution Texture Pack: Approximately 31.0 GB total
- High Resolution Texture Pack requires re-download of approximately 31 GB
- Overall reduction of about 45 GB compared to previous version
Major Additions and Changes
- Improved CPU and GPU processing specific to the Steam version
- Reduced shader warming processes performed outside the shader compilation screen to lower CPU load
- Adjusted texture streaming to improve visual quality while reducing VRAM usage
- Adjusted High Resolution Texture Pack to reduce VRAM usage and overall package size
- Added CPU tab to Options menu for adjusting CPU load-related settings
- Added new categories to graphics settings
- Added new settings for existing graphics options
- Adjusted graphic presets
- Added confirmation window to automatically update settings on first launch after updating
- Expanded Volumetric Fog setting from two levels to five
- Previous High renamed to Highest
- Previous Low renamed to High
- Added Medium, Low, and Lowest options
- Fixed warning dialog incorrectly indicating outdated AMD Radeon driver when using version 26.1.1 or later
Bug Fixes and Balance Adjustments
- Fixed system load increasing around Support Desk at Base Camp or Grand Hub due to claimed content status checks
- Adjusted Variable Rate Shading behavior so it is forced off during upscaling to maintain proper effect visuals
- Fixed other miscellaneous issues
Monster Hunter Wilds launched on February 28, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows. The Steam update Ver. 1.040.03.01 releases on January 28, 2026.
Have you noticed these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments!
