Image credit: Capcom

Capcom is moving fast with Monster Hunter Wilds Update 1.021, dropping it early on August 13. What was originally planned as part of Title Update 3 is now arriving ahead of schedule, and it’s bringing real content with it.

Monster Hunter Wilds Update 1.021

A new quest difficulty is being added, aimed squarely at veteran players who want more of a challenge. The Talisman system is also getting reworked. Instead of crafting the same way as before, players will earn Talismans with random skill combinations from high-level quests. That opens up a lot of room for fresh builds and deeper customization.

The monsters tied to this new difficulty are expected to push the endgame even further, possibly reaching 9 or 10 stars. There’s a good chance we’ll see Apex variants or Frenzied monsters show up too.

Monster Hunter Wilds 2025 Roadmap / Image credit: Capcom
Monster Hunter Wilds 2025 Roadmap / Image credit: Capcom

Weapon balance changes are part of the patch as well, and Capcom says they’ll cover more weapon types than first planned.

The Festival of Accord: Flamefete event is getting a one-week extension, giving players more time to clean up rewards. What started as a smaller update is now doing serious work, and it shows Capcom is willing to shift gears quickly to keep things fresh.

New Difficulty Tier Incoming

Capcom hasn’t released the full details yet, but the pattern is clear. Since launch, they’ve added 8-star Tempered monsters like Mizutsune, Gore Magala, Rey Dau, and Uth Duna. Arch-tempered versions of Rey Dau and Uth Duna are already permanent. Nu Udra and Jin Dahaad are next in line.

Jin Dahaad (one of my fav ones from MHWi) / Image credit: Capcom

So what’s coming with this new tier? Many are betting on 9-star or even 10-star quests. These could be enhanced versions of existing threats with new patterns, higher stats, or even unique traits.

There’s also talk of Frenzied monsters returning, or the arrival of Apex types — stronger, more aggressive variants that drop the virus but keep the rage. That would make sense, especially with Gore Magala already active in the current endgame pool. Wonder how MHWi holds up after half a year?

Talisman Overhaul for Endgame Builds

This update also introduces a new Talisman reward system. If you’ve been running out of ways to push your build, this changes that.

Talismans, which grant passive skills outside your core gear, now come with random skill combos from the harder quests. It’s not just about farming parts anymore. You’re chasing rare rolls that could unlock new synergies or even free up decoration slots.

Current Talisman system in MHWi / Image credit: Capcom

It sounds a lot like the system from Monster Hunter Rise, where grindable endgame quests dropped Talismans with high-value traits. Expect a lot more time spent theory crafting and optimizing gear once this lands.

Weapon Adjustments Expanded

Capcom originally said this patch would focus on balance tweaks, but now they’ve confirmed it’ll touch more weapon classes than expected. No full list yet, but they’re expanding beyond the usual tweaks. Full patch notes will go live closer to launch.

Impact on the Update Roadmap

This early release shifts the roadmap. Ver. 1.021 was going to be a minor patch. Now it delivers systems meant for Title Update 3.

That September update will still bring a new monster and more events. Title Update 4 is still planned for Winter and will include another new monster and more advanced quests.

This rollout shows Capcom is adjusting based on player activity. Instead of holding back core systems for a quarterly push, they’re dropping high-impact features early. It keeps the community active without needing a new monster every time.

Festival Extension

The current seasonal event, Festival of Accord: Flamefete, is getting a one-week extension past the original August 6 end date. That’s a solid move for players who haven’t finished it yet. With new hunts and Talismans on the horizon, this buys extra time for rewards.

Festival is here for one more week! / Image credit: Capcom

Platform and Patch Timing

Monster Hunter Wilds Update 1.021 hits PS5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC through Steam on August 13. Instead of waiting for months, you’ll be testing tougher hunts and new build strategies ahead of schedule.

Full patch notes and details should land in the days leading up to launch. Keep your builds ready. The real grind is just getting started.