Summary
Monster Hunter Wildsis one of 2025’s most hotly anticipated games. Its reveal trailer showed off unparalleled dynamic environments and monster density, positioningWildsto usurpMH Worldas the most immersive game in the series and its segment of the ARPG genre.Monster Hunter Wildsis still over a year away, however, so series fans have a long time to wait before they get a new game in their hands. This is the perfect excuse to revisitMH RiseorMH World, but fans could also check outMonster Hunter Now.Monster Hunter Nowis a live-service mobile game developed by Niantic, and it could be the best way for fans of the franchise to get their fix before the launch ofWilds.
Pokemon Gois the game that Niantic is most well known for, and while the title is no longer at the peak of its popularity, it has remained relevant. One of the ways that it has done so is through frequent updates and crossover content.Pokemon Go’s timed eventsprovide access to otherwise unobtainable Pokemon and items, and while the company’s handling of such events has garnered criticism, they have also kept the game engaging for years. Using events to promote upcoming games and otherPokemoncontent has become a staple ofPokemon Go.Monster Hunter Nowwas released after new content releases concluded forMH Rise, but it only makes sense that it will also be used for promotion going forward.
Monster Hunter Now Will Likely Promote Wilds
Monster Hunter Nowis ripe with crossover potential. The mainline games frequently feature events that bring in characters and monsters from other series, like Geralt fromThe Witcherand Behemoth fromFinal Fantasy 14.Monster Hunter Nowcould receive similar crossover content with not just other franchises but also future games in the series, such asWilds. For example, Capcom could show off some new monsters fromWildsin a trailer and make one of them available to hunt inNowbefore the release of the new game. Strategies like these could extend past release, promoting additional content added in updates and DLC as well.
Monster Hunter Now Is About Marketing The Series
Monster Hunter Nowbeing used as a platform to promote mainline entries in such a manner isn’t unlikely. Capcom says thatMonster Hunter Nowisn’t looking to make money. Rather than using it as a platform to generate profits, Capcom is hoping that it will generate awareness and goodwill around the series.
This approach echoes other Japanese game developers' hopes for mobile content, such as Nintendo, which made a similar statement about its phone games. With the overt intention ofMonster Hunter Nowbeing the promotion of the franchise rather than making money, events to create hype for upcoming titles likeMonster Hunter Wildsseem more inevitable than not.
Could MH Now Integrate with Monster Hunter Wilds?
Beyond the potential for promotional content and sneak peeks at futureMonster Huntertitles,MH Nowcould feature integration with future mainline games.Pokemon Goallows players to transfer monsters they have caught toPokemon Homeand from there to other games in the series on the Nintendo Switch.
Monster Hunterdoesn’t have catchable creatures, but players gather resources in the world and from the creatures they hunt. Transferring monster parts fromNowcould potentially allow players to craft gear otherwise unavailable inWilds. If Capcom is serious aboutMH Nowbeing a tool to usher in new players, rewarding them for their time in the game would be a great way to incentivize checking out mainline entries.
Monster Hunter Nowcould promote or connect toMH Wildsin numerous ways, but beyond that, it also just so happens to be a rock-solid mobile adaptation of the series, offering fans bite-sized hunts on the go.Now’s recent update added Zinogrealongside new weapons, and additional content will continue to expand the title. Even if promotional content is never added toMonster Hunter Now, the game is free and worth checking out based on its own merits.
WHERE TO PLAY
The thrill of the hunt is calling. Begin your hunting adventure now! Hunt monsters in the real world: Embark on a global quest to track down and hunt some of the most formidable monsters from the Monster Hunter universe as they appear in our world. Forge powerful weapons and team up with fellow hunters to track down larger-than-life monsters and take them head-on. Authentic hunting action carefully adapted to mobile: Discover a variety of monsters depending on the habitat around you – Forest, Desert or Swamp – and engage in thrilling hunts solo, or band together with fellow hunters to take on these large monsters. The simplified tap-based controls and high-fidelity graphics enable you to engage in enjoyable hunting action wherever you go. See monsters around you with the AR Camera: Experience what it’s like to have these iconic monsters appear in the real world with exclusive AR Camera features. Master the hunt in 75 seconds: Can you complete the hunt within 75 seconds? Master the weapons, craft armor sets and hone your skills – exploit weaknesses and utilize every element at your disposal to take on the hunt. Mark monsters even with your phone in the pocket: With Adventure Sync, you’re able to use a Paintball to track monsters while you explore your town and bring the hunt to your doorstep afterwards. As you explore, your Palico can mark passing monsters with Palico Paintballs, even while you aren’t actively playing, allowing you to return to them later, ensuring that the action never stops.
