Monster Hunter Wilds Expansion Confirmed as 1.041 Anniversary Update Is Detailed

Capcom is celebrating Monster Hunter Wilds’ first anniversary by giving players a glimpse of the next major update and confirming that the game’s first major expansion is now in development.

There are no further details about the expansion yet, but Capcom did outline what players can expect from the Version 1.041 update launching in February 2026.

Despite the online discourse and the performance issues on PC, it makes sense for Wilds to receive an expansion, especially considering every mainline entry before it eventually got one. Not many will consider Wilds one of the series’ best, but it undeniably sold well. The game hit 10 million units in its first month alone, beating World’s sales numbers, and being crowned the fastest-selling title in Capcom’s history.

If anything, this announcement feels later than expected. Instead of teasing it during the first anniversary, Capcom is only confirming now that development is underway.

1st Year Anniversary Event

To celebrate the game turning one year old, previous in-game festivals will return on a weekly rotation. This gives players another chance to experience each event and earn their associated rewards.

Festival of Accord – Event Schedule (Weekly Rotation)

• Blossomdance: February 18 (Wed) – February 25 (Wed)

• Flamefete: February 25 (Wed) – March 4 (Wed)

• Dreamspell: March 4 (Wed) – March 12 (Thu)

• Lumenhymn: March 12 (Thu) – March 19 (Thu)

10-Star Quests

For an added challenge, players over HR 100 can take on a 10-Star Arch-Tempered Arkveld. The event quest for this encounter goes live on February 18 and will later be featured as a free challenge quest starting March 19.

Completing 10-Star quests rewards hunters with Timeworn Charms, which can be appraised into rare-quality talismans, and Battle-Tempered Emblems, used to reinforce Gogma Artian weapons.

Arch-Tempered Arkveld won’t be the only 10-Star encounter. The game’s four apex predator monsters will also receive 10-Star quests, but only after Arkveld has been defeated.

From February 18 to March 19, 2026, players who log in will receive a special item pack, along with a Character Edit Voucher and a Palico Edit Voucher for those who want to change their hunter’s appearance.

Original Weapon and Pendant Design Contest Added

The winning designs from Capcom’s weapon and pendant design contest are now available in-game through a new event quest.

The grand prize weapon design, Shatterseal, is a Greatsword created by Nolan Lu. The winning pendant entry, Meatmergency!, was designed by ikei. Sixteen winners were selected overall, and their names (including the grand prize winner) are now featured in the in-game credits.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection Collaboration

The anniversary update also includes a collaboration with the upcoming Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection.

A new side mission tied to the collaboration rewards players with cosmetic items, including themed pendants, Hunter Profile cosmetics, and a Palico armor set that transforms your companion into the art style of the Monster Hunter Stories series.

Another new side mission tasks players with supporting hunter Nadia. Completing it rewards players with Nadia’s armor set.

Monster Hunter Wilds will feature new event quests every week starting February 18. The event quests for the first two weeks of March have yet to be revealed.

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About the Author - Carlos Hernandez

Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.