Exploring the Potential of Continued Collaborations Between Monster Hunter and Similar Games

Article Key Points

Collaboration events have become a regular sight in Monster Hunter, adding content from other media as limited-time quest rewards.

The collaboration between Horizon: Zero Dawn and Monster Hunter World and Iceborne enabled players to utilize Aloy's equipment and armor, effectively promoting both games.

Given the similarities in gameplay between Monster Hunter and Horizon, the inclusion of Horizon in future Monster Hunter titles presents a compelling opportunity for a crossover franchise.

One of the highlights of staying up to date with Monster Hunter is the opportunity to take part in its collaboration events. Since the addition of online functionality, Monster Hunter has incorporated various content from different media sources as rewards for limited-time quests. Crossover weapons, armor, and even story scenarios from franchises like One Piece and other Capcom games have become a common feature in Monster Hunter. Monster Hunter World went a step further by introducing unique monsters such as Final Fantasy 14’s Behemoth and The Witcher 3’s Leshen, showcasing the potential for further growth in this practice.

Among the notable collaborations in Monster Hunter were the events featuring Horizon: Zero Dawn. In Monster Hunter World, players were able to participate in quests that allowed them to transform their hunter into Aloy, the protagonist of Horizon: Zero Dawn, and utilize some of her tools. This not only promoted Horizon: Zero Dawn and its Frozen Wilds DLC but also capitalized on the similarities in gameplay between Horizon and Monster Hunter. While Monster Hunter Rise was unable to replicate this collaboration with Horizon: Forbidden West due to its exclusivity on the Nintendo Switch, it would be highly beneficial for the next installment of Monster Hunter to once again team up with Horizon.

All Monster Hunter and Horizon Collaborations So Far

The Horizon franchise has emerged as a highly promising PlayStation series, holding a similar appeal to Monster Hunter. In Horizon, players engage in battles against colossal machines, much like the wildlife featured in Monster Hunter. Aloy, the protagonist, utilizes a diverse array of tools, traps, and equipment crafted from her quarry to gain the advantage, resulting in Horizon resembling a single-player rendition of Monster Hunter. The collaboration quests introduced in Monster Hunter World and Iceborne allowed players to merge the worlds of Monster Hunter and Horizon through their acquired rewards. Among these rewards were the Aloy Armor, which included both a complete armor set and layered armor options.

Aloy’s War Bow/Aloy’s Adept War Bow (Bow and Layered Weapon)

Felyne Watcher Grinder (Palico Weapon)

Watcher (Palico Full Armor Set)

Shield-Weaver (Full Armor Set)

Banuk (Full Armor Set and Layered Armor)

Stormslinger Prototype/Stormslinger Adept (Light Bowgun)

Forgefire (Palico Weapon)

Frostclaw (Palico Full Armor Set)

Focus (Colored Pendants)

Guild Card Background/Pose/Titles

Monster Hunter Could Do So Much More With Horizon Crossovers

While several rewards were only cosmetic, players could upgrade all the armor pieces and weapons they obtained in Horizon. With the exception of the Shield-Weaver and Stormslinger, Horizon's armor and weapons also offered layered variants. The option to play as Aloy with any build is enticing, but in urgent situations, the Shield-Weaver, known for its authentic protective capabilities, can be particularly useful. Additionally, the Stormslinger Adept, one of the most powerful Light Bowguns in MH World, is also available. Overall, Horizon: Zero Dawn proved to be an excellent crossover for Monster Hunter World, providing rare collaboration support for long-range weapon users.

The collaboration quests in The Frozen Wilds shouldn't mark the end of Monster Hunter and Horizon's crossover endeavors. The monsters and equipment from both game series are so similar that it's not far-fetched to imagine a future Horizon game receiving its own dose of Monster Hunter content. In fact, previous collaborations have taken it even further than Horizon did, with some including original cutscenes and introducing the Behemoth and Leshen as Monster Hunter's inaugural crossover monsters. The good news is that Horizon's existing collaborations offer it a way to make its mark in Monster Hunter's realm.

Ideally, the collaborations between future Monster Hunter and Horizon titles could be as seamless as the partnership seen in Final Fantasy 14 and Monster Hunter World. Both games would intertwine their narratives, allowing players to experience a unique blend of worlds. For instance, Aloy, the protagonist of Horizon, could lend her expertise to the Hunter’s Guild as they face a new threat of foreign mechanical monsters. Meanwhile, a character from the Monster Hunter base camp, or even a trusty Palico companion, could guide Aloy in her pursuit of capturing her first live creature. The incorporation of iconic Horizon machines like Thunderjaws and Stormbirds as epic crossover boss battles would elevate this collaboration to one of Monster Hunter's finest.

Monster Hunter

Editor's P/S

As a long-time fan of the Monster Hunter series, I am always excited to see the new collaborations that the developers come up with. The Horizon: Zero Dawn collaboration was one of my favorites, as it brought together two of my favorite games. I loved being able to play as Aloy in Monster Hunter World, and I think the crossover was a great way to promote both games.

I would love to see more collaborations between Monster Hunter and other similar games in the future. I think it would be really cool to see a crossover with the God of War series, for example. I could imagine Kratos taking on some of the massive monsters in Monster Hunter would be a lot of fun. Another great option would be a crossover with the Dark Souls series. I think the dark and gritty world of Dark Souls would be a perfect fit for Monster Hunter.

Overall, I think collaborations are a great way to keep the Monster Hunter series fresh and exciting. I can't wait to see what the developers come up with next.