Despite the promise of a smoother experience via the optimization patch on the 16th, the reception for Monster Hunter: Wilds has actually declined. The core issue is widespread discontent regarding the 'Elder Dragon Raid'. Players are frustrated that the combat feels less like the series' signature experience and more like a tedious chore involving slinger tools. While a 45% discount has increased sales, the game's rating is plummeting in an unprecedented turn of events.

The Elder Dragon 'Gogmazios', added via a free title update alongside the discount, is a high-difficulty encounter designed for a squad of up to four hunters, bolstered by four support hunters for an eight-player raid. You’ll need a Hunter Rank (HR) of at least 100 to join the hunt. The creature’s lore suggests it coats itself in a sticky, oily residue—a byproduct of the impurities it consumes—making fire and dragon-element weapons effective against it.

However, the actual community reaction post-update has been largely negative. The primary criticism centers on the lack of polish in patterns and mechanics. The biggest sticking point is the third phase; rather than a climactic melee showdown, it forces players into a shooting-gallery style combat using the 'slinger'. Furthermore, word has spread that these low-damage interactions are tied to a DPS check mechanic, causing newer players to abandon the game in frustration.

The fact that signature Monster Hunter Wilds systems like the clash and wound mechanics fail to provide meaningful feedback is also being highlighted as a problem. Players who grew their characters to reach the Elder Dragon expected to feel the weight of their progression, but they are met with repetitive sequences that lack the usual tension. Consequently, despite the performance improvements from the optimization patch, the overall rating continues to trend downward.

Meanwhile, in the global top 10 best-sellers, Tainted Grail continues to record high sales following its expansion release, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has secured 5th place after its first 50% discount. Diablo 4 has dropped out of the top rankings following the end of its promotion.

In the daily concurrent players top 20, Monster Hunter Wilds climbed to 10th place, boosted by the patch and discount. In the mid-tier, games are rapidly swapping positions by margins of just a few thousand players. Additionally, it was confirmed that Stardew Valley has dropped out of the top 20.