Summary
Monster Hunter Nowlooks to bring the series' iconic gameplay to the mobile platform with an augmented reality twist. Developed by Niantic ofPokemon Gofame, the title is in the hands of the developer who understands the mobile AR game space best, and this has allowed them to pursue ambitious gameplay that is reminiscent of the mainline series. ModernMonster Huntergames have been jam-packed with events and crossovers, and it stands to reason that this approach will also extend to the new mobile game. On top of crossovers with other franchises and series,Monster Hunter Nowhas plenty of opportunities to tie into new mainline entries.
LikeMonster Hunter Worldbefore it,Monster Hunter Risereceived many free updates. These updates contained events with collaboration items like aSonic The Hedgehogcostumeand an Amaterasu skin for the player’s Palamutes. New monsters were also drip-fed through updates. These updates slowed down before the release of the expansion and then resumed until the end of the game’s life cycle. This has been the content delivery schedule for modernMonster Huntergames, and it stands to reason thatMonster Hunter Nowwill likely function similarly, though things will get interesting once it is running concurrently with a new mainline game.
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Monster Hunter Now Is Perfect For Crossovers
Capcom has said thatMonster Hunter Nowisn’t looking to make money. Instead, Capcom’s hope for the game is that it will generate excitement around the series and drive more people to check out its other entries.Monster Hunter Storiesis available on mobile platforms as well, and the series has games on most major platforms, so this plan could definitely work out. Once a new mainline game for the series is announced and eventually released, it will likely feature some sort of collaboration with the mobile game or even some form of integration, like the ability to unlock things in one game by completing tasks in the other.
The potential for crossovers with mainline games is vast. Most ofMonster Hunter Now’s monsters are pulled fromWorldand its excellent expansionIceborne. When the new game is announced, it is possible that new monsters will be added to each concurrently.Monster Hunter Nowcould also receive events tying into the next mainline title’s launch. Events like this could give some exclusive gear related to the game and could start before release, allowing Capcom to useMH Nowas a platform to tease content for their series to dedicated fans. Using the new mobile game to provide previews to its audience would be a fun way to give fans sneak peeks at upcoming content in the mainline series.
Monster Hunter Now Could Be A Nostalgia Trip
As well as promoting new mainline titles in theMonster Hunterfranchise,Nowcould pull on the series' vast history.Monster Hunterhas been around for the better part of two decades and boasts a roster of hundreds of large monsters like the series' fearsomeElder Dragons. Some of these critters haven’t been seen in a new entry for years, and some areas, such asMonster Hunter Tri’s Loc Lac City, are no longer accessible in-game due to server shutdowns.MH Nowcould be the perfect opportunity to revisit old monsters and pay homage to previous titles. Given that next year will mark 20 years ofMonster Hunter,MH Nowcould be a great platform for the series to celebrate its history.
Monster Hunter Nowis positioned to crossover with both new and old games from the mainline series. While the spin-off games are less well-known, they could also easily receive content inNow, and that even seems likely if a new spin-off title is announced. SinceMonster Hunter Nowwill be a live-service mobile game, fans of the franchise can expect that for as long as it is running, it will tie into and promote important entries and events in the franchise. WhetherMonster Hunter Nowconnects to the mainline gamesdirectly, the game will serve as an important part of the series going forward.
Monster Hunter Nowis scheduled for release on June 13, 2025, for mobile devices.
