Capcom Studio has shared details about the first major free update for Monster Hunter Wilds, which will be available on April 3-4. The update includes new monsters, gear, seasonal events, cosmetics, and expanded gameplay features. The update presentation took place via live stream on the official Monster Hunter channels on Twitch and YouTube.

During the video announcement, Monster Hunter Wilds producer Ryozo Tsujimoto provided a detailed overview of what players can expect in the upcoming update. Among the key additions is the fan-favorite monster Mizutsune, which will make its debut in Monster Hunter Wilds.

To unlock the hunt for this monster, players with a Hunter Rank of 21 or higher will need to speak to the character Kanya in the Scarlet Forest location.

Monster Hunter new update also introduces a new formidable enemy — Arch-Tempered Rayda. This variant is available as an event quest for players with a rank of 50 and above. Defeating it will grant access to new gear: Ray Dau Gamma sets for the hunter and Felyne Ray Dau for Palicoes.

Players will also have another opportunity to engage with the monster Zoh Shia. The quest for this monster becomes available after completing the mission that unlocks Hunter Rank 50, and it can be accessed through the Environment Overview. Zoh Shia will also appear during Wyvern's Wakening in the Ruins of Wtveria location.

For those seeking a more social gaming experience, players can enjoy the Grand Hub — a new meeting zone for players. It becomes available from Hunter Rank 16 and above after speaking with Tetsuzan in the Suja location. Here, players can participate in communal activities such as the Barrel Bowling mini-game, manage their squads, and listen to performances by the Diva.

The Arena returns in full force, with new arena quests and challenges that allow players to compete for top rankings and exclusive pendants. These time-limited events will be tracked globally via the Expedition Record Board and will support formats for both two-player and four-player teams, depending on the quest type.

Players will also have the opportunity to freely change certain cosmetic items for Alma, including her glasses.

The free downloadable content includes classic poses and moves (animations) along with various cosmetic items. 

However, the new update for Monster Hunter Wilds will also feature paid content: various skins, pendants, and more.

Monster Hunter Wilds will kick off a season of various celebrations and events. The first of these will be the Festival of Accord: Blossomdance, starting on April 23, transforming the main hub into a colorful spring location with themed quests, decor, and gear.

Roadmap and Future Update Dates for Monster Hunter Wilds

The first part of the major update will be available on April 3-4 (depending on the time zone) and will include: Mizutsune, Zoa Shia, the main hub, and arena quests.

The spring event Blossomdance will begin in Monster Hunter on April 22-23 and run until May 6-7. On April 29-30, Arch-Tempered Rey Deu will appear in the game. Additionally, the developers promise an exciting collaboration with another Capcom project, which has yet to be named.

In conclusion, Tsujimoto confirmed that the second free update is already in development and will be released in the summer, offering even more content for hunters and fans of the Monster Hunter Wilds world.