Capcom’s latest action RPG, Monster Hunter Wilds, has made an astonishing debut, quickly becoming one of the most played games in Steam’s history. Within hours of release, it recorded over 1.18 million concurrent players, surpassing some of the most iconic games in recent years, including Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Hogwarts Legacy.
This remarkable achievement solidifies Monster Hunter Wilds as one of Capcom’s most successful launches to date. The game, available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X, has been highly anticipated by fans, and its record-breaking numbers reflect the excitement surrounding the latest entry in the beloved franchise.
A Historic Milestone on Steam
According to SteamDB, Monster Hunter Wilds peaked at 1,187,077 concurrent players on launch day, making it the seventh most-played game of all time on Steam. This number places it ahead of major titles that once dominated the platform, such as:
- Cyberpunk 2077 (1,054,388 peak players)
- Elden Ring (953,426 peak players)
- Hogwarts Legacy (879,308 peak players)
- Baldur’s Gate 3 (875,343 peak players)
This achievement is particularly significant given that these games had some of the most successful launches in gaming history. The fact that Monster Hunter Wilds has already surpassed them demonstrates its widespread appeal and the strength of the Monster Hunter fanbase.
Success Beyond Steam
Although the Steam numbers are impressive, the total number of players worldwide is likely even higher. The game also launched on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X, but player count statistics for these platforms have not been disclosed. Given the popularity of the series on consoles, the combined player count across all platforms could be substantially larger.
Launch-Day Challenges and Mixed Reception
Despite its record-breaking success, Monster Hunter Wilds has not been without issues. The game currently holds a ‘Mixed’ rating on Steam, with a significant number of PC players reporting performance problems. Some of the most common issues include:
Frame rate drops and stuttering
- Crashes and instability on certain hardware setups
- Compatibility issues with specific graphics cards
- Long loading times and texture pop-ins
Capcom has acknowledged these problems and provided some troubleshooting suggestions for affected players. In an official statement on social media, they advised players to update their graphics drivers, disable compatibility mode, and adjust settings to improve performance. While this response offers temporary fixes, many players are hoping for an official patch to address these technical issues.
The Factors Behind Monster Hunter Wilds’ Success
The overwhelming popularity of Monster Hunter Wilds can be attributed to several key factors. The Monster Hunter franchise has built a dedicated following over the years, with previous entries like Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Rise achieving significant commercial success.
The game introduces next-generation graphics, improved monster AI, and a more immersive open-world experience, which has drawn in both longtime fans and new players. Additionally, its cooperative multiplayer mode encourages teamwork, making the game highly engaging and replayable.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Monster Hunter Wilds?
Despite some early technical setbacks, Monster Hunter Wilds has already proven itself to be a massive hit. Capcom is expected to roll out performance updates and bug fixes to address the issues reported by PC players. Future content updates, expansions, and in-game events are also likely to keep the player base engaged.
With such an impressive launch, Monster Hunter Wilds is well on its way to becoming one of the defining games of the year. Its early success not only highlights the enduring appeal of the franchise but also sets the stage for continued dominance in the action RPG genre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What platforms is “Monster Hunter Wilds” available on?
The game is available on Windows PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
How many concurrent players did the game reach on Steam at launch?
It surpassed 1.3 million concurrent players within hours of its release.
Are there performance issues with the game?
Yes, players have reported graphical problems, crashes, and low frame rates, especially on PC.
Is character customization free?
The game provides one free character edit voucher; additional edits require purchasing vouchers.
What are Seikrets in the game?
Seikrets are versatile creatures that serve as mounts, aiding in traversal and combat.
Does the game feature seamless exploration?
Yes, it offers a seamless experience with no loading screens between areas.
Can players cook anywhere in the field?
Yes, cooking can be done anywhere, providing status-enhancing effects without returning to camp.
Are there underwater battles in “Monster Hunter Wilds”?
No, the game does not feature underwater battles.
Is cross-platform play available?
Yes, the game supports cross-platform play across all platforms.
How has the game been received critically?
It received “universal acclaim” on consoles and “generally favorable” reviews on PC.
Conclusion
“Monster Hunter Wilds” has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 1.3 million concurrent players on Steam shortly after its launch, reflecting the franchise’s enduring popularity and the community’s anticipation. However, this success is tempered by reports of performance issues, particularly on the PC platform, leading to mixed user reviews. Addressing these technical challenges promptly is crucial for Capcom to maintain player engagement and satisfaction. The game’s innovative features, such as seamless exploration and versatile mounts, have been well-received, indicating a positive direction for the series. Balancing technical performance with engaging gameplay will be essential for “Monster Hunter Wilds” to sustain its momentum and solidify its standing in the gaming community.
