Capcom just dropped massive news for Monster Hunter Wilds fans. A large-scale expansion is officially in development, similar to the legendary Iceborne and Sunbreak expansions. Meanwhile, Update 1.041 arrives February 18 with brutal new challenges. Let’s break down everything you need to know.
Major Hunter Wilds Expansion Officially Confirmed
Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto confirmed Capcom is developing a large-scale expansion for Monster Hunter Wilds, comparable to Monster Hunter World: Iceborne and Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak. These weren’t small DLC packs—they were massive content drops that essentially doubled the base games.
What We Know So Far:
- Size and scope matches previous flagship expansions
- Details announcement coming summer 2026
- Development actively underway as of February 2026
- Platform release likely mirrors base game (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PC via Steam)
If this expansion follows the Iceborne/Sunbreak blueprint, expect new monsters, expanded story content, additional equipment tiers, fresh locales, and endgame challenges that’ll keep you hunting for hundreds of hours.
Monster Hunter Wilds Update 1.041: February 18 Launch
Whilst you wait for the expansion, Update 1.041 drops February 18 with serious content. This update celebrates Monster Hunter Wilds’ first anniversary and introduces the toughest challenges yet.
Arch-Tempered Arkveld Arrives
The headline feature? Arch-Tempered Arkveld joins the roster as a permanent Event Quest. This souped-up version of the flagship monster represents the ultimate test for veteran hunters.
Additionally, the four apex predators receive Arch-Tempered treatment at 10-star difficulty:
- Rey Dau
- Uth Duna
- Nu Udra
- Jin Dahaad
High-Difficulty Challenge: Defeat all 10-star Arch-Tempered monsters to unlock a special Hunt-a-thon Free Challenge Quest running March 19-31. This gauntlet tests even the most seasoned hunters.
First Anniversary Celebration
Capcom is rolling out the red carpet for Monster Hunter Wilds’ birthday. Here’s what you get:
Free Login Bonuses (February 18 – March 19):
- Hunter Appreciation Pack (special item bundle)
- One free Character Edit Voucher
- One free Palico Edit Voucher
Festival of Accord Returns
Missed previous seasonal events? Capcom is re-running past Festival of Accord celebrations on a weekly rotation:
- Blossomdance (February 18-25)
- Flamefete (February 25 – March 4)
- Dreamspell (March 4-12)
- Lumenhymn (March 12-19)
Each festival brings back special equipment, login bonuses, and themed quests. If you missed limited-time gear during the original runs, this is your second chance.
Monster Hunter Stories 3 Collaboration
To commemorate Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection’s release, Update 1.041 introduces a special crossover collaboration.
Collaboration Content:
- Royal Palico Rudy Costume α (Palico equipment)
- Special Monstie-themed pendants
- New side missions focused on egg transport mechanics
- Unique quests with highly potent eggs for bonus rewards
Complete the collaboration missions to dress your Palico in exclusive Stories 3-themed gear.
Community Design Contest Winners
Remember the Original Weapon and Pendant Design Contest from last year? The winning community-created designs finally arrive in-game.
How to Unlock:
- Complete the permanent Event Quest “Every Hunter’s Dream”
- Obtain the contest-winning Great Sword design
- Receive the contest-winning pendant design
New Event Quests and Quality-of-Life Updates
Capcom isn’t stopping with the big additions. Update 1.041 includes:
Weekly Event Quests:
- Unique quests featuring special pendant rewards
- “Least hunted monster” focused challenges
- Quests unlocking Gala Suit α and Felyne Star α armor sets
Permanent Additions:
- “Neon Neopterons” Event Quest (available February 25)
- “Razzle Dazzle Frazzle” Event Quest (always available)
- “Just What the Doctor Ordered” limited-time anniversary quest (February 28)
Technical Improvements:
- New voice language option: Latin American Spanish
- New 10-star difficulty tier
- High-difficulty optional quests
Nearly all Event Quests become permanently available after February 18, so you won’t miss out even if you take breaks from hunting.
What This Means for Monster Hunter Wilds Players
The confirmation of a major expansion signals Capcom’s long-term commitment to Monster Hunter Wilds. Iceborne added roughly 50+ hours of content to World, whilst Sunbreak did the same for Rise. Expect similar treatment here.
Meanwhile, Update 1.041 ensures current players have plenty to tackle whilst waiting for summer’s expansion reveal. The 10-star Arch-Tempered monsters represent serious endgame challenges that’ll push your builds and skills to the limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Update 1.041 releases on February 18, 2026, across all platforms—PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam. The update introduces Arch-Tempered Arkveld, 10-star difficulty monsters, and first anniversary celebration content.
Arch-Tempered Arkveld and the four 10-star Arch-Tempered apex predators (Rey Dau, Uth Duna, Nu Udra, Jin Dahaad) become available as permanent Event Quests on February 18. Complete all of these challenges to unlock the special Hunt-a-thon Free Challenge Quest.
Yes, the Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection collaboration becomes permanently available after Update 1.041 launches. You can complete the side missions and egg transport quests anytime to unlock the Royal Palico Rudy Costume α and Monstie-themed pendants.
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