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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11In Monster Hunter Wilds, “side quests” can mean two different things: one-time or gated Side Missions offered by NPCs, and repeatable Optional Quests built around hunts with preset conditions. Check the map for NPCs who want to talk, then meet the requirements attached to their request; choose Optional Quests when you want to replay a hunt.
Side Missions and Optional Quests are different
Use the game’s category names to avoid mixing two separate quest paths. Side Missions are NPC requests with their own unlock conditions and rewards. Optional Quests are repeatable hunts with preset conditions and monster objectives.
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| Feature | Side Missions | Optional Quests |
|---|---|---|
| Where they come from | Requests from named NPCs | Quest listings for hunts |
| Unlocks | May depend on story progress, earlier Side Missions, or Hunter Rank | Available through the Optional Quest system; the cited guide describes preset conditions but does not give one universal unlock rule |
| Objective | Varies by request; can involve gathering, fishing, or other tasks | Repeatable hunts with preset conditions and monster objectives |
| Repeatability | NPC requests are gated missions, not the repeatable hunt format described for Optional Quests | Repeatable |
| Rewards | Can include materials, Guild Points, awards, pendants, collection requests, Hunting Assistant access, or Palico support moves | Rewards are tied to the hunt; the cited definition does not establish a single reward list |
RPG Site explicitly distinguishes repeatable Optional Quests from NPC Side Missions in its Optional Quests guide.
How to find and unlock NPC Side Missions
- Open the map and check for NPCs who want to talk. PlayStation’s Monster Hunter Wilds – Endgame Guide advises: “Check your map to see who wishes to talk to you in each area.”
- Go to the marked NPC and speak with them. Side Missions are offered by named characters in their listed locations.
- Read the request’s availability requirement. It may require a particular story mission, completion of an earlier Side Mission, or a Hunter Rank threshold.
- If the request is missing, check its prerequisite. Confirm your story progress, any earlier mission in the chain, and your Hunter Rank, then revisit the NPC or map.
Gamer Guides’ chronological Side Mission list associates requests with their NPC, location, unlock requirement, and rewards. It is a useful route through examples, not a confirmed complete list for every update.
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- Wild New Adventure – Monster Hunter Wilds follows the story of a special Research Commission investigating the Forbidden Lands. Fully voiced for the first time in the series, the hunter is joined in their journey by a colorful cast of characters, including a Palico partner, Guild-appointed Handler Alma, trusty smithy Gemma, and the mysterious child Nata. Together, the team ventures into an unexplored new frontier where surprises await around every corner.
- A Living World – The Forbidden Lands spans multiple biomes with dynamic identities, such as the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, where the ecosystems shift between vibrant seasons brimming with life, and unforgiving climates where monsters fight over limited resources. Changes in the landscape will impact the creatures that live there and push hunters to adapt as well.
- New Monsters and Wildlife – Monster Hunter Wilds features a variety of new creatures, ranging from herds of small species to large monsters – some of which roam the Forbidden Lands in packs. Every creature hunters encounter in the wild has carved out a special place in its habitat and possesses unique attacks and behaviors.
- Players can also now ride atop the Seikret, an agile new mount enabling hunters to traverse difficult terrain, perform actions like sharpening weapons on the move, and switch between two weapons while out on hunts!
- Evolved Hunting Action – The series’ acclaimed action-packed gameplay is back and more exciting than ever! Hunters can look forward to tracking down monsters with an array of new moves, special abilities, equipment, and more. The action also now flows seamlessly from cutscenes to gameplay, resulting in a new level of immersion.
Examples of useful Side Mission rewards
Kanya’s fishing requests
Kanya’s fishing chain begins after story mission 1-3 and continues through additional story and prior-request gates. The listed rewards include fish-related items and Guild Points.
Gemma’s “High-Quality Materials”
After story mission 4-1, Gemma offers “High-Quality Materials.” The listed rewards are Advanced Armor Spheres, Guild Points, and a Kut-Ku Plushie pendant.
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- Hunt giant nature-infused bests – Survive their attacks, learn from their behaviors, and use your Karakuri and your weapons in combination to cut these creatures down to size.
- Craft your hunting grounds – You are the only one in Azuma able to wield the Karakuri technology.
- Hunt in a pack, or be a lone wolf – In WILD HEARTS you can face the Kemono alone or unite with up to two friends (or other players) to stalk and hunt your prey.
- Gear up to hunt, hunt to gear up – Create your character, then gather materials from each hunt and build an array of armor and weapons.
Palico support requests
The Palico’s “Healing Help,” listed after story mission 4-1, rewards Mega Potions and the Vigorwasp support move. Completing it leads to “Flash Course,” which unlocks Flashfly Cage. These requests can improve your Palico’s support options, not just add consumables to your inventory.
Cobb’s charm quest chain
After Chapter 4’s “Lurking Shadows,” speak to Cobb in Suja and complete “Secure Wounded Hollow” to receive Armorcharm. PlayStation says this also triggers another Optional Quest from Rex for Powercharm.
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How to unlock Optional Quests in Monster Hunter Wilds?
Optional Quests are the repeatable hunt category, not a continuation of the NPC Side Mission list. Look for them in the game’s Optional Quest system and select a hunt whose preset conditions and target suit what you want to do. If your goal is an NPC reward or support ability, return to the map and pursue the relevant Side Mission instead.
Counts found in older guides need a date and category attached. RPG Site’s guide dated 17 December 2025 reported 73 Optional Quests in the base release at Hunter Rank 111 and said its list was current through Title Update 3. That is a guide-reported figure for Optional Quests at that point—not the number of NPC Side Missions and not a verified total for October 2026. Gamer Guides describes more than 30 Side Missions, but its page does not display a publication date. Check the in-game listings for additions or changes beyond those guide snapshots.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Wild New Adventure – Monster Hunter Wilds follows the story of a special Research Commission investigating the Forbidden Lands. Fully voiced for the first time in the series, the hunter is joined in their journey by a colorful cast of characters, including a Palico partner, Guild-appointed Handler Alma, trusty smithy Gemma, and the mysterious child Nata. Together, the team ventures into an unexplored new frontier where surprises await around every corner.
- A Living World – The Forbidden Lands spans multiple biomes with dynamic identities, such as the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, where the ecosystems shift between vibrant seasons brimming with life, and unforgiving climates where monsters fight over limited resources. Changes in the landscape will impact the creatures that live there and push hunters to adapt as well.
- New Monsters and Wildlife – Monster Hunter Wilds features a variety of new creatures, ranging from herds of small species to large monsters – some of which roam the Forbidden Lands in packs. Every creature hunters encounter in the wild has carved out a special place in its habitat and possesses unique attacks and behaviors.
- Evolved Hunting Action – The series’ acclaimed action-packed gameplay is back and more exciting than ever! Hunters can look forward to tracking down monsters with an array of new moves, special abilities, equipment, and more. The action also now flows seamlessly from cutscenes to gameplay, resulting in a new level of immersion.
- Crossplay Multiplayer – Alongside the option to enjoy the story of Monster Hunter Wilds solo, hunters can join up to three other players across any platform to explore the world together and take on the game’s challenges as a hunting party or receive aid from notable story characters as Support Hunter NPCs.
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