Unleashing Epic Crossover Opportunities: Monster Hunter's New Mainline Marvels Await!

Highlights

Monster Hunter Now, created by Niantic, introduces the beloved gameplay of the franchise to mobile devices, adding an exciting augmented reality element that captures the essence of the original games.

The mobile game aims to incorporate events, crossovers, collaboration items, and tie-ins with new mainline entries, aligning with the content release schedule of contemporary Monster Hunter games. Capcom's objective for Monster Hunter Now is to stir excitement, cultivate interest in the series, and possibly integrate with upcoming mainline games, providing a platform for exclusive previews and commemorating the franchise's legacy.

Monster Hunter Now, developed by Niantic, the creators of Pokemon Go, is bringing the iconic gameplay of the series to the mobile platform with an augmented reality twist. With their expertise in the mobile AR game space, Niantic's ambitious gameplay choices will surely parallel the mainline series. Following the tradition of previous Monster Hunter games, Monster Hunter Now is expected to offer a plethora of events, collaborations with other franchises, and tie-ins to new mainline entries.

Similar to the updates in Monster Hunter Rise, which included collaboration items such as a Sonic The Hedgehog costume and an Amaterasu skin, Monster Hunter Now is likely to continue delivering free updates, introducing new monsters and exciting content. The content delivery schedule for modern Monster Hunter games usually slows down before the release of an expansion and then resumes until the game's life cycle ends. With Monster Hunter Now running concurrently with a new mainline game, the dynamics of the content updates will become even more intriguing.

Monster Hunter Now Is Perfect For Crossovers

Capcom aims for Monster Hunter Now to generate excitement and attract more players to explore other entries in the series rather than focusing on monetary gains. The availability of Monster Hunter Stories on mobile platforms, as well as the presence of games on major platforms, presents a potential for this plan to be successful. It is likely that a future mainline game in the series will incorporate collaboration or integration with the mobile game. Players may be able to unlock rewards or achievements in one game by completing tasks in the other.

The possibilities for crossovers between the mainline games and Monster Hunter Now are vast. Many of the monsters featured in Monster Hunter Now are sourced from World and its expansion, Iceborne. With the announcement of a new game, it is possible that additional monsters will be introduced simultaneously. Furthermore, events in Monster Hunter Now could be tied to the release of the upcoming mainline title, offering exclusive gear and starting before the game's launch. This approach allows Capcom to use MH Now as a platform to tease content for series enthusiasts. Providing previews of upcoming content in the mainline series through the new mobile game would be an enjoyable way to offer fans sneak peeks.

Monster Hunter Now Could Be A Nostalgia Trip

In addition to promoting new mainline titles in the Monster Hunter franchise, Monster Hunter Now has the opportunity to draw on the rich history of the series. With nearly two decades of existence, Monster Hunter boasts a wide array of large monsters, including the fearsome Elder Dragons. Some of these creatures have not been featured in recent entries, and certain areas, like Loc Lac City from Monster Hunter Tri, are no longer accessible due to server shutdowns. MH Now presents a perfect opportunity to reintroduce old monsters and pay tribute to past titles. With Monster Hunter approaching its 20th anniversary next year, MH Now serves as an ideal platform to celebrate the series' history.

Monster Hunter Now is positioned to collaborate with both new and old games from the mainline series. While the spin-off games may be less well-known, they too can easily receive content in Now, especially if a new spin-off title is announced. As a live-service mobile game, Monster Hunter Now will continuously tie into and promote significant entries and events within the franchise for as long as it is operational. Whether directly connected to the mainline games or not, Monster Hunter Now will play a crucial role in the future of the series.

Monster Hunter Now is scheduled for release on September 14, 2023, for mobile devices.