This article is a translation of the following Japanese article:
Original: 【モンハンワイルズ】2月18日無料アップデート最新情報｜歴戦王アルシュベルド実装＆ストーリーズ3コラボ詳細
Archeveld, the veteran warlord, appears & “Monster Hunter Stories 3” collaboration
It has been announced as official information that the final major free update will be implemented on February 18, 2026 for Monster Hunter Wilds (hereinafter referred to as Wilds), a large-scale hunting action game currently being distributed by Capcom.
This update can be said to be the culmination of the game’s release since its release, including the addition of the popular monster in the series, “Kenou”, and the delivery of collaboration content with the company’s spin-off work “Monster Hunter Stories 3 ~Ssanryu of Destiny~”.
Author: “For hunters who have enjoyed it for a long time, this update is likely to show the complete form of Wilds.”
1. Basic information of February 18 update
Delivery date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Distribution format: Free title update
Target models: PS5 / Xbox Series This date and time has been officially announced in-game and by the development team, and it is important to note that it is positioned as the “Final Update”.
2. Implementation of Battle King Arshbeld
Who is the veteran king?
The “Veteran King” is a Highly Difficulty Monster that is even more powerful than the normal veteran type and has received high praise in the
series.
The implementation of the Veteran King in Wilds has been carried out in several large updates until now, but it has been announced that “Archeveld, the Veteran King” will appear as the last Veteran King in the February 18th update.
What kind of monster is Arshveld?
Arshbeld is the central monster of Wilds, and is also one of the series’ representative “main monsters” that clash violently with players in the iceberg region and changing fields.
By appearing as a veteran king, it is expected to have even stronger attack patterns, resistance, and behavior patterns.
Author: “I have the impression that the veteran king Arshveld is designed not just as a “strong enemy,” but as a “big wall that closes down the Wilds.”It will also be a valuable content that will test the skills of a seasoned hunter.”
3. Implementation of design contest winning equipment
In this update, the best works of the “Original Weapon/Charm Design Contest” will be implemented.
This is a design contest held by the official team, and weapons and charms selected from many user-created ideas can be obtained as in-game equipment.
As an example of equipment
- Great sword that looks like a broken mirror
- Unique charm with Airou motif
etc. are announced.
The addition of decorative elements like these helps maintain motivation and allows players to express their individuality.
Author: “I think the fact that user-submitted projects are implemented as in-game equipment is proof that the developer values the community.”
4. Collaboration with “Monster Hunter Stories 3”
Background of collaboration implementation
Capcom has announced that to commemorate the release of the latest work in the “Monster Hunter Stories” series
“Monster Hunter Stories 3 ~Fateful Ssangyong~” on March 13, 2026, “Wilds” will also distribute collaboration content with the same work.
Collaboration details to be implemented
The main collaboration contents are as follows:
- “Royal Air Rudy” armor
- Special charms (decorations)
and other equipment that allows you to enjoy the world of Stories 3 will be available.
Royal Airu “Rudy” is a character who goes on adventures with the main character in the world of “Stories 3”, and is scheduled to appear in Wilds as armor that can reproduce his appearance.
Author: “Collaboration equipment not only looks good, but also serves the role of sharing the world view of the series and providing cross-functional fun.It’s a nice device for players who play both works.”
5. How to enjoy it in the future and things to note
Response as a hunter
The final update is not limited to the appearance of “Venture King Arshveld”,
along with the monsters and challenge quests added in previous free updates, it will be the climax where the overall power of hunters will be tested.
Archeveld, the veteran king, can be expected to be a difficult content that is enough to be defeated by himself.
The collaboration just before and after the release of “Monster Hunter Stories 3” can be said to be a strategy to create a flow of enjoyment for both titles.
For those who are planning to play Stories 3 after February 18th, when collaboration equipment will be distributed, you may be able to get a deeper sense of the world if you prepare equipment from Wilds.
Author: “I feel that the collaboration goes beyond mere visual equipment and is designed to entertain the cross-sectional relationships of the series.I think it plays a role in heightening expectations for “Stories 3” while mastering Wilds’ end content.”
Summary | February 18th update is a step towards the “completed form”
The following points are noteworthy in the major free update on February 18, 2026:
- Archeveld, the veteran warlord, appears as the last warlord
- User-created weapons/charm equipment implemented
- “Monster Hunter Stories 3” collaboration content distribution
Author: “As the final major update after release, it is likely to be memorable for many hunters. Looking at the series as a whole, I feel that these large-scale free updates will be an important turning point in the quest for the complete version of Wilds.”
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