Monster Hunter Wilds: PC Performance Update Promises and the Future of Graphics Technologies
Monster Hunter Wilds’ upcoming technical update on June 30th has the potential to redefine the PC gaming experience for the title, but what does this mean for the future of graphics optimisation and the player experience? With the original announcement and immediate backlash from players, the future of the game on PC appeared grim. The update, which is targeted at improving performance, resolving compatibility issues and implementing cutting-edge technologies like DLSS 4 and FSR 4, alongside multi-frame generation support for RTX 50 series cards, is a major step in the right direction. The question is: is it enough?
The Core of the Update: Addressing Performance Woes
The primary objective of this update is clear: fix the glaring performance issues that plagued Monster Hunter Wilds upon release. The fact that the game currently holds a meager 12% positive recent review score on Steam speaks volumes about the problems players are facing, with stuttering, crashes and low frame rates as the most common complaints. This first significant technical update is promising, as it aims to reduce the VRAM consumption, optimising the texture streaming, and fixing bugs related to inaccurate VRAM usage reporting. This can lead to a smoother, more enjoyable gameplay.
Upscaling and Frame Generation: A Flexible Approach
The update’s inclusion of DLSS 4, FSR 4, and multi-frame generation compatibility on RTX 50 series graphics cards shows a forward-thinking approach to performance optimisation. The option to independently configure upscaling and frame generation settings is an added bonus. Players will have the freedom to finely tune their experience by mixing and matching technologies (e.g., DLSS for upscaling with FSR for frame generation). This level of control is a welcome change, as it empowers players to get the most out of their hardware.
Addressing Player Concerns: More Than Just Performance
The update also includes crucial compatibility checks. Warnings at startup for outdated drivers, unsupported operating systems, or enabled compatibility mode address common causes of performance issues. Such fixes, alongside optimisations, demonstrate Capcom’s commitment to providing a better experience for PC players, even before the game launches, showing they have learned some valuable lessons from the launch of the original game.
The Broader Implications: Future Gaming Trends
This Monster Hunter Wilds update is a window into the future of PC gaming. The industry is actively pushing towards technologies like DLSS and FSR for a variety of reasons: scalability across a range of hardware, improved image quality, and a smoother experience even on mid-range systems. We can anticipate more games embracing these technologies as developers seek to balance visual fidelity with performance. Furthermore, the trend of offering granular control over graphics settings will continue, giving players unprecedented power to customise their experience.
The Rise of AI-Powered Upscaling
Beyond DLSS and FSR, we’ll likely see further advancements in AI-powered upscaling. The current generation of upscaling tools will become more sophisticated. This could include improved temporal stability, reduced ghosting, and better handling of complex scenes. This is good news for PC gamers since it would provide the best of both worlds: improved visual quality with minimal performance costs.
The Player Experience: The Ultimate Driver
Ultimately, the success of these technologies will be judged by their impact on the player experience. As demonstrated with the original launch and the wave of negative feedback, the importance of making games playable is undeniable. The update, coupled with these technologies, should lead to more immersive gameplay. The future of gaming is being shaped by a constant dialogue between developers, technology providers, and players. The update to Monster Hunter Wilds is a sign that Capcom is listening, and other developers should take note, especially when it comes to PC performance and player experience.
For more on the evolving world of graphics technologies, explore our guide on the future of real-time rendering.
What are your predictions for the future of graphics optimisation in PC gaming? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
