Intel Linux Driver Cuts Monster Hunter Load Times in Half

There’s nothing worse than booting up a massive new game only to get stuck on a “compiling shaders” screen for ages. Intel is getting ahead of that exact problem for Linux gamers, rolling out a driver update that targets Capcom’s highly anticipated Monster Hunter Wilds.

What changed most: A new workaround in Intel’s Mesa 26.1 Linux graphics driver specifically targets a massive shader in Monster Hunter Wilds, cutting the initial game load time in half for players using Valve’s Steam Play.

  • Platforms: Linux (via Driver Update), Game is for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
  • Release: Driver in Mesa 26.1; Game planned for
  • Price: Driver is free; Game price TBA
  • Developer: Intel (Driver), Capcom (Game)
  • Genre: Action Role-Playing Game

Intel engineers identified a bottleneck related to a large game shader in the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds. When running the game on Linux through Steam Play (Proton), the initial compilation of this shader using Link-Time Optimization (LTO) could cause a significant delay. According to the merge request, this new DriConf option for the Intel ANV Vulkan driver resolves the issue before the game even launches.

This is a proactive fix, demonstrating Intel’s growing commitment to the Linux gaming ecosystem. By addressing performance kinks for a major 2026 title now, the company ensures that players with Intel Arc graphics on Linux can expect a smoother day-one experience. This fix is part of the broader Mesa 26.1 driver stack, which brings a host of improvements to open-source graphics drivers.

While the driver fix is under the hood, you can see what all the excitement is about by checking out the game itself. Watch the Monster Hunter Wilds trailer to see the gorgeous world Intel is helping to optimize for Linux players.

The move is being seen as a major win for Linux gaming. Proactively optimizing for an unreleased, triple-A title shows a level of support that builds confidence among players using non-Windows operating systems. For years, Linux gamers have often had to wait for community fixes or post-launch driver updates to get optimal performance. Intel’s work here, combined with Valve’s ongoing investment in the Steam Play (Proton) compatibility layer, continues to make Linux a more viable and competitive gaming platform.

If you’re a Linux gamer with an Intel GPU, this is fantastic news. It’s a clear signal that you won’t be an afterthought when one of 2026’s biggest games arrives. While we don’t have final performance benchmarks for the game yet, this preemptive strike against long load times means you can spend less time waiting and more time hunting massive monsters.