Answer: Installing the full set of 190 DLC packages in Monster Hunter Wilds dramatically raises frame rates because the game’s DLC‑validation routine runs on the main thread each frame. When every DLC entry is present, the validation completes instantly, eliminating costly CPU spikes and allowing the engine to focus on rendering, which can lift FPS from the low‑20s to 80+.
What Triggers the FPS Boost
The performance jump is linked directly to the game’s handling of downloadable content. Players who enable a larger portion of the DLC catalog notice a steady increase in frames per second, while minimal DLC installations keep the game locked at low FPS levels.
How the DLC Validation Works
Monster Hunter Wilds includes a background process that scans the installed DLC list on every frame. This scan runs on the main thread and makes extensive file‑system calls to confirm that each DLC item is correctly unlocked. If the game finds missing or mismatched entries, it repeatedly attempts to resolve them, causing CPU spikes and frame stalls. When the DLC library is complete, the check finishes immediately, freeing resources for rendering and gameplay logic.
Community Findings and Workarounds
Players have conducted their own tests by toggling DLC packages and measuring frame rates. Two practical workarounds have emerged:
- Install all DLC: Populate the entire 190‑item library to satisfy the validation routine and achieve higher FPS.
- Disable the DLC check: Apply a community‑created mod that blocks the validation loop, providing a cost‑free performance boost without purchasing additional content.
Implications for Developers
This case highlights the risk of running intensive validation loops on the main thread, especially on PCs with varied storage speeds and I/O bandwidth. Offloading such checks to a separate thread or caching results after initial verification can prevent similar performance issues in future titles.
What to Do Now
If you are experiencing sub‑30 FPS gameplay, consider one of the following immediate actions:
- Install as many DLC packages as feasible to complete the library.
- Use the community‑crafted mod that disables the DLC‑validation routine.
Watch for an upcoming patch that may optimize or provide an in‑game option to turn off the DLC check entirely, restoring smooth performance for all players.
