Monster Hunter Wilds 2.0 Update: Layered Weapons, New Hunts & Massive Weapon Tuning

 


Major Update Brings Layered Weapons and Visual Customization Options

The long-requested layered weapon system is now a part of Monster Hunter Wilds with the 2.0 title update. This feature gives players the freedom to modify how their weapons look without changing their stats or functionality. You can now match your gear visually to your armor set, giving your character a more personalized look after finishing difficult hunts.

Layered weapon customization is available for both hunters and their Palicoes. For weapons that visually change as they’re upgraded, the pre-upgraded versions will also become available in the layered system. Additionally, weapons upgraded to Rarity 8 can be visually customized after full reinforcement. However, to use a weapon’s look in this system, players must first craft the final version in its upgrade tree.


Legion and Siraios Return With Tempered Versions

The update also introduces two high-stakes hunts featuring Legion and Siraios, including their regular and tempered versions. These new fights are locked behind progression milestones. To access them, hunters must reach Hunter Rank 31 or higher, complete the main story mission “A World Turns Upside Down,” and finish the side quest featuring Shrieking Legiana.

Fighting these monsters unlocks powerful crafting materials, which are necessary to build the new Legac Hunter armor set. The tempered variants of these monsters require Hunter Rank 41 and offer better drop rates for rare materials. Both sets include improved visuals and updated textures, making them some of the best-looking gear to date.



Lagiacrus Fight Brings Partial Underwater Combat

Fans of classic Monster Hunter will be thrilled to hear that Lagiacrus is returning. Although the fight includes underwater segments, don’t expect full underwater combat to return. Instead, these portions are scripted moments with limited control.

During underwater sequences, you won’t be able to attack freely. Instead, special actions can be used, like dodging water-based moves or pulling down terrain to gain an advantage. These brief underwater scenes are designed to add variety without reintroducing an entire underwater combat system.


Arch-Tempered Hunts and Herd Encounters Now Live

Capcom also expanded on tempered monster mechanics. With update 2.0, tempered enemies can appear in herds—a new twist that increases difficulty and visual spectacle. One standout addition is the Arch-Tempered Ooth Tuna, which requires Hunter Rank 50+ and releases as a timed event on July 30th.

This encounter is expected to offer a new armor set, possibly a recolored GMAT Duna set with boosted stats and abilities. It's being teased as one of the toughest fights yet, with the challenge and event quest dropping at the end of the month.


Quality of Life Features Now Include Photo Mode Enhancements

Update 2.0 significantly improves photo mode, addressing long-standing frustrations. You can now remove your handler and Palico from the frame directly from the character display menu. This makes it easier to take clean screenshots focused only on your hunter.

Other enhancements include new filters, contrast controls, and saturation options, giving players more tools to capture the perfect moment. These updates will be especially appreciated by content creators and players who enjoy documenting their progress.


Switchable Handlers and Support Hunters Introduced

Another noteworthy feature in this update is the ability to swap your handler. You’re no longer stuck with Alma during expeditions; now, Eric can be selected as your field partner. There's even a possibility that more options will come in future updates.

Support hunters have also been improved. You can now select which support hunters join you on quests, adding strategic depth and customization to your team composition. This brings more control over how you tackle specific encounters.


Seasonal Summer Festival Launches July 23

Although arriving a bit later than expected, the Seasonal Summer Festival kicks off on July 23 and runs until August 6. Known as the Festival of Accord Flamopates, this limited-time event will feature new hub decorations, seasonal meals, and themed gear.

Players can earn unique items like the Sakura Tide armor and various gestures, emotes, and camp decorations during the festival. The theme this time revolves around fire and summer aesthetics, bringing fresh visuals to the central hub area.


Fender Collaboration Brings Musical Themed Rewards

Monster Hunter Wilds is teaming up with Fender for a musical collaboration celebrating the series’ 20th anniversary. A special event quest will be available between August 27 and September 24, 2025, allowing players to unlock guitar-themed gestures and items.

These cosmetic additions aim to mix musical flair with classic hunting action, and will be especially appealing for fans of both franchises. This limited-time content is likely to include exclusive animations and outfits to celebrate the crossover.


Returning Events and Limited-Time Quests Roll Out in July

Several popular event quests are returning in July. Starting July 2, Arch-Tempered Raid Dow will be available again, giving hunters a second chance to collect the Ray Dao Gama armor set. The quest runs through July 16.

On July 9, another event titled Inferno Laid Bare introduces a new chest armor for both the hunter and Palico. Also coming is the Fleeting Bubbles challenge arena quest, featuring Mizutsune and the opportunity to earn pendant accessories.



New Weapon Balancing Adjustments for Multiple Classes

A huge part of update 2.0 focuses on weapon balancing, with buffs and nerfs applied to many popular tools. The Sword and Shield saw a direct nerf: the guard slash can no longer be chained as freely, reducing uptime on offensive guard bonuses.

Other weapon changes include:

  • Sliding swipe i-frames have been reduced

  • Chop/side/raw damage values decreased

  • Shield attacks like shield bash and hard bash received minor buffs

These changes encourage players to explore alternative movesets instead of relying on high-output, spam-heavy techniques.


Hammer, Long Sword, and Switch Axe Receive Major Overhauls

The hammer class received significant improvements. Players can now chain offset attacks into special follow-ups, offering more damage after stagger opportunities. Additional combos include transitions from focus blow earthquake into charged side blow, enhancing offensive options.

The long sword received adjustments targeting Crimson Slash 1, which had become overused in the current meta. Its elemental scaling has been decreased, but Crimson Slash 2 & 3 now deal more damage. Similarly, Round Slash and Spirit Release Slash have also been buffed.

Switch Axe users will notice improvements to the Full Release Slash, including better monster tracking and less backward movement. The Switch Gauge now fills faster during basic attacks, and rarely used morph abilities have been enhanced to encourage broader kit usage.

Charge Blade Rebalancing Targets Savage Axe Meta

The Charge Blade also saw changes in this update. The developers adjusted the weapon’s guard point system, ensuring it now provides perfect guard detection. Players can chain straight into Savage Axe Slash after a successful guard point, increasing its defensive utility.

However, the Savage Axe itself has been nerfed. Raw damage for multi-hit attacks in Power Axe mode has been slightly reduced, likely in an attempt to reduce over-reliance on this attack and push players toward using other options, such as Super Amped Element Discharge (SAD). These moves have received several buffs, making them more viable in a variety of encounters.


Minor Fixes for Great Sword, Bow, and Gunner Classes

While many weapons received substantial updates, Great Sword changes were minimal. Small bug fixes and hitbox tweaks have improved consistency, but no major adjustments were made. Bows and bowguns, on the other hand, saw a few functional fixes to ensure they behave more reliably under certain effects or animations.

These changes mostly serve to stabilize gameplay and correct edge-case bugs rather than shift the meta.


New UI and Inventory Improvements

Capcom also added several quality-of-life changes aimed at streamlining the hunting experience. In Nata’s material retrieval facility, a “Take All” button has been introduced. This removes the need to interact with each vendor individually, saving time during post-hunt resource collection.

In the decorations menu, a “Remove All” button now lets players clear equipped decorations across gear sets with a single command—an especially useful feature when frequently experimenting with builds.


Download Size and Launch Time Details

Players should prepare for a 6 to 7 GB download, depending on platform. The patch will go live globally at 4:30 a.m. UTC, which translates to 5:30 a.m. local time in many European regions. Given the size and scope of the update, make sure you have enough storage available and download ahead of time if you’re looking to jump in right at launch.

The update size suggests substantial backend changes in addition to the more visible content features.


Free and Paid DLC Packs Expand Cosmetic Options

The update includes both free and paid DLC content. Free content includes new gestures, dances, and pose animations. Paid DLC Pack 2 adds even more visual customization, particularly for those with the Premium Deluxe Edition or the Cosmetic DLC Pass.

If you don’t own those packages, these items are still available for separate purchase via in-game shops. This allows players to selectively buy the visuals they want without investing in larger bundles.


Community Hopes for More Handler Options

With Eric now available as a switchable handler, the community is already discussing potential new handler choices. A popular request is for Gemma, currently the blacksmith, to become available as a handler during expeditions or special missions.

While Capcom hasn’t confirmed any future additions yet, the response from fans has been overwhelmingly positive. Providing more handler variety would help enhance immersion and player connection to the world.


Event-Based Rewards Expand Build Options

Many of the limited-time quests added in this update include event-specific rewards. These range from pendants and layered gear to new support hunter loadouts. While none are game-breaking, they offer new ways to customize your build or show off rare cosmetics earned during challenges.

Some quests also feature time-limited ingredients that affect meal buffs—useful for min-maxers preparing for tempered or arch-tempered fights.


More Weapon Buffs Encourage Kit Variety

The balance philosophy behind this patch seems focused on diversifying playstyles. Capcom has reduced the effectiveness of certain overused skills while improving underutilized ones. This is especially clear in how long sword, switch axe, and hammer have been adjusted.

Each change appears carefully aimed at moving players away from “spam meta” tactics and toward deeper mastery of full weapon kits.


Ongoing Patch Monitoring and Feedback Collection

As with all major updates, Capcom will be monitoring feedback and may issue hotfixes based on early player reactions. Some of the changes—especially those to damage scaling and animation canceling—are likely to be closely watched to ensure they don’t negatively impact high-end gameplay or break PvE balance.

Players are encouraged to submit feedback through official forums or in-game surveys, which the dev team has historically used to guide future patches.


Community Excitement Builds for What’s Next

Overall, Monster Hunter Wilds Title Update 2.0 feels like a strong step forward. With improved combat variety, long-requested customization features, and meaningful new challenges, the update brings both freshness and polish to the game.

Whether you're a long-time veteran or returning player, there’s plenty of content to explore in this update—and even more on the horizon for July and August. Keep an eye out for Capcom’s next roadmap drop, which may include hints at upcoming collaborations or expansions.



Conclusion: Layered Gear, Epic Hunts, and Refined Weapons Make This Update Essential

The Monster Hunter Wilds 2.0 update is one of the game’s most impactful patches yet. From layered weapon customization to new monsters like Legion, Siraios, and Lagiacrus, the game now offers more depth, personalization, and challenge than ever before.

With enhanced photo mode, adjustable handlers, and reworked weapons, this update touches nearly every aspect of the experience. Add in time-limited events and collaborations like the Fender partnership, and you’ve got a patch worth diving into.

If you've stepped away from Monster Hunter Wilds recently, now’s a perfect time to return.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the Monster Hunter Wilds 2.0 update?
The update introduces layered weapons, Legion and Siraios hunts, tempered monsters, weapon balance changes, and new seasonal and event content.

How do I unlock the Legion and Siraios hunts?
You need to reach Hunter Rank 31+, complete “A World Turns Upside Down,” and finish the Shrieking Legiana side quest.

Is underwater combat returning to Monster Hunter Wilds?
Not entirely. The Lagiacrus fight includes limited underwater sequences, but they’re scripted moments with restricted player control.

When does the Summer Festival event start?
The Festival of Accord Flamopates begins on July 23 and runs until August 6, bringing new gear, meals, decorations, and gestures.

Can I customize my weapon appearance?
Yes. The new layered weapon system lets you change weapon appearances without affecting stats, for both hunters and Palicoes.

What time does the update go live?
The update launches at 4:30 a.m. UTC. The download is 6–7 GB depending on your platform.

Are there any new quality-of-life features?
Yes. Improvements include a “Take All” button for material retrieval, new photo mode options, and a “Remove All” decorations shortcut.

What are the major weapon changes in this update?
Sword and Shield, Long Sword, Hammer, Switch Axe, and Charge Blade all received significant rebalancing to encourage varied playstyles.

Is any content paid or exclusive to DLC owners?
Some gestures and cosmetics are part of paid DLC, available with the Deluxe Edition or separately through the store.

How can I switch handlers during expeditions?
You can now swap your handler from Alma to Eric. Support hunters can also be selected for more control during quests.


Stay Connected with Haplo Gaming Chef

Haplo Gaming Chef blends gaming guides with casual cooking streams for a truly unique viewer experience. Whether you’re here for clean, no-nonsense walkthroughs or just want to chill with some cozy cooking content between game sessions, this is the place for you. From full game unlock guides to live recipe prep and casual chats, Haplo Gaming Chef delivers content that’s both informative and enjoyable.

You Can Follow Along On Every Major Platform:

YouTubeTwitchTikTokInstagramTwitter/XThreadsBlueskyPinterestFlipboardFacebookLinkedInTumblrMediumBlogger, and even on Google Business.

No filler, no fluff—just straight-up help for gamers and fun for foodies. Join the community today!
For More Guides Visit: Haplo Gaming Chef Website!

Share:

No comments:

Post a Comment

Haplo Gaming Chef

Haplo Gaming Chef
The Chronicles Of Haplo

Pageviews past week

Guide Archive

Contact The Haplo Gaming Chef

Name

Email *

Message *