Physical Copies of Monster Hunter Wilds Come With a Twist

Anyone who’s picked up a physical copy of Monster Hunter Wilds will be met with a bit of a hurdle before they can jump in and start hunting. There’s a sizable 15GB update that needs to be downloaded before you can start playing. This sort of day-one patch is quite typical these days, especially for high-profile releases like the newest installment in the Monster Hunter franchise. So, if you were planning on diving straight into the game, you might need to hold off and let the update do its thing.

If you’re checking out the game on Steam, you’ll notice Monster Hunter Wilds takes up about 75GB. While that’s not enormous for a modern triple-A title, it’s still a significant chunk. Console versions might present some differences in file size, and with the added 15GB update from Capcom, it’s a bit up in the air how much space you’ll ultimately need if you’re playing from a disc.

The game’s official Twitter account confirmed the update on February 26, offering a heads-up to fans who pre-ordered the digital version to go ahead and install it in advance. Previously, Capcom had mentioned an 18GB update for launch day, but it’s a bit unclear whether this is the same one meant for physical copies—they differ in size, which might just be due to how digital and physical versions handle file updates. Either way, if you have a disc, it might be a good idea to get started on that update to dodge any gameplay interruptions.

Over on social media, a group called DoesItPlay chimed in on the update, mentioning that you won’t need it for offline gameplay. However, to enjoy multiplayer or smoother visuals, downloading it is essential. It’s worth noting that these insights come from folks who managed to access the game earlier, and Capcom hasn’t spilled the beans on what’s in the update. If you went digital for your pre-order, you can skip the wait and preload the game 48 hours before launch on PS5 or even sooner on Xbox and PC.

Looking ahead, regardless of whether you’re going digital or physical, there’s plenty to get excited about with this release. Capcom has lined up a free spring update for Monster Hunter Wilds, with promises of more content down the road. This entry is shaping up to be the most expansive yet, generating a palpable buzz as launch day approaches. Even though a hefty day-one patch isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, the anticipation for this release is hard to ignore.