Earlier this week, Capcom and Tencent subsidiary TiMi Studios revealedMonster Hunter Outlanders, a new, free-to-playMonster HunterRPG for iOS and Android. While the announcement of this game did come out of left field, it wasn’t all that unusual. TheMonster Hunterseries had, after all, dabbled with mobile games in the past. Capcom released a handful ofMHspin-offs exclusively on iOS and Android over the years, such as the 3D fighterMonster Hunter Dynamic Hunting, the Japan-exclusive RPGMonster Hunter Explore, and the augmented reality gameMonster Hunter Now. So far, theseMHtitles have varied drastically in terms of quality and depth, butMonster Hunter Outlandersappears to be one of the franchise’s most ambitious mobile games yet.
Monster Hunter Outlandersis billed as an open-world survival game, but despite the difference in genre, it seems to share a lot in common with the mainlineMHentries. From a distance, the game almost looks like a mobile phone adaptation ofMonster Hunter: World. Not only does it feature traditional third-person combat and large environments to explore, but it also boasts impressive visuals and an array of fuzzy Felyne companions. Capcom and TiMi Studios haven’t revealed manydetails aboutMonster Hunter Outlandersjust yet, but judging from the details they’ve provided so far, it builds upon theMHformula in some notable ways.
Monster Hunter Outlanders Builds Upon the Foundation of the MH Formula in Significant Ways
Monster Hunter Outlanders Will Have Open-World Environments
The explorable areas in earlyMonster Huntergameswere often broken up into zones, but more recent entries in the series, likeMH WorldandMH Rise, had large, interconnected environments instead.Monster Hunter Outlanders, meanwhile, takes things a step further by being a fully open-world game, as previously mentioned. According to the developers, the upcoming title will feature seamlessly connected biomes, like swamps, deserts, and forests, and multiple modes of traversal. Players will have the ability to climb, slide, and swim their way through the world ofMonster Hunter Outlanders. They’ll even be able to use a paraglider to soar across the skies, much like inBreath of the Wild.
Players Can Choose from a Range of Playable Characters in Monster Hunter Outlanders
Unlike other games in theMHseries,Monster Hunter Outlanderswill not allow players to create their own Hunters. Instead, gamers will have to choose from a selection of pre-determined playable characters, which they can encounter and swap between as they progress through the game’s story. Additionally,Monster Hunter Outlanderswill contain several new companions; not just Felynes, but other unspecified species of animals as well. While players will have the option to hunt monsters with said companions, they’ll also have the ability to enlist the aid of other gamers, sincethe game will support up to four-player co-op.
Some Iconic Monsters Are Making a Return in Monster Hunter Outlanders
Monster Hunter Outlanderswill have a mix of new and returning monsters.Series staples like Rathaloswill be present in the game, and creatures fromMonster Hunter: Worldwill make appearances, too. So far, Capcom has already revealed a handful of the Large Monsters that will show up inMonster Hunter Outlanders. These include Rathian, Anjanath, Odaragon, Tobi-Kadachi, Great Jagras, Paolumu, Jyuratodus, and Legiana, among others.
Monster Hunter Outlanders Will Contain Microtransactions
As with most free-to-play mobile games,Monster Hunter Outlanderswill feature microtransactions and seasonal events. Not much is known about the monetization methods the game will use, but it’s reasonable to assume that it’ll have gacha mechanics, similar to something likeGenshin Impact.Monster Hunter Outlanderscurrently does not have a release date, so players may have to wait a while to learn more about its monetization. Fortunately, Capcom and TiMi Studios do plan to hold public playtests before the game’s launch. Players canto be notified when they go live.
WHERE TO PLAY
Monster Hunter Outlanders is an Open-World Survival game set in the Monster Hunter universe. Explore seamlessly connected fields—including forests, swamps, and deserts—and enjoy hunting anytime and anywhere on your smartphone.Not only can you utilize the environment’s creatures and field mechanics to gain the upper hand, elements useful for exploring the game’s vast open-world like crafting individualized gear and tools are also being prepared. While maintaining the core gameplay experience of theMonster Hunterseries,Monster Hunter Outlandershas optimized its battle system to maximize enjoyment. Face off against monsters while wielding the series’ traditional weapons.As you progress through the story, you will encounter various unique characters. Not only can they become your allies, but you will also be able to control them yourself. In addition to theMonster Hunterseries’ familiar Felyne companions,Monster Hunter Outlanderswill introduce other companions who will join you on quests and assist with item gathering and monster hunting.Partake in the traditional hunting experience where you can play solo, or join a hunting party of up to four.
