diff --git a/.gitlab/merge_request_templates/Default.md b/.gitlab/merge_request_templates/Default.md
index cdfff6c1ae..ee3ce0c140 100644
--- a/.gitlab/merge_request_templates/Default.md
+++ b/.gitlab/merge_request_templates/Default.md
@@ -1,9 +1,17 @@
-Link to Issue: (if any)
+Closes or related to*: #ISSUE_NUMBER
 
-Please provide a description of your changes. **No LLM Descriptions, please.**
+*_[Refer to GitLab documentation for the proper terms to use for closing/referring to issues](https://docs.gitlab.com/user/project/issues/managing_issues/#closing-issues-automatically). Choose 'closes' if your MR implements/fixes the issue and related to if it does not but should be referenced._
 
-## Any Steps to Replicate/Confirm
+Provide a description of your changes. **No LLM Descriptions, please.**
 
-1. ...
+Some things to include:
 
-If there's any supporting files or assets needed, please link to them or include them.
+- Reasoning for changes
+- Questions/concerns
+- Any steps to replicate/confirm
+- Remaining TODO items
+- If there's any supporting files or assets needed to review your MR, please link to them or include them.
+
+Please review [the project CONTRIBUTING guidelines](https://gitlab.com/OpenMW/openmw/-/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md?ref_type=heads) before raising your MR for review.
+
+Thank you!