Monster Hunter Now, the popular location-based mobile game developed by Niantic, is set to receive an exciting update in Season 2. Niantic has partnered with Capcom to introduce the Elder Dragons from the Monster Hunter series into the game, providing players with a thrilling new challenge. Since its release in September 2023, Monster Hunter Now has been downloaded 15 million times, making it Niantic’s most successful game since the launch of Pokémon Go in 2016.
Niantic’s collaboration with Capcom has been crucial in capturing the essence of the Monster Hunter franchise within the mobile game. According to Dan Inamoto, senior director of global marketing at Niantic, the game is designed to be accessible to all players while still offering depth and complexity. Players must master various skills to effectively use different weapons and armor, adding a layer of strategy to the gameplay.
To showcase the new Elder Dragons, Niantic allowed players to try out the game in a demo at the Summer Game Fest Play Days. One of the Elder Dragons, Kushala Daora, was featured in the demo, providing players with a taste of the epic battles to come. In order to encounter an Elder Dragon, players must locate a node that transforms into an Elder Dragon Interception point. Once joined, players can team up with others to take on these formidable creatures.
During the battle against Kushala Daora, players had to employ different tactics and utilize various weapons. One player used a gunlance, a powerful weapon that combines the durability of a lance with explosive firepower. The key to success in this battle was constant movement and coordination with teammates to distract the dragon and land heavy shots.
Elder Dragon Interceptions operate similarly to Hunt-a-thon points in the game. Players have a limited time to deal damage to the dragon, with additional time granted if they surpass certain thresholds. Rewards are obtained for successfully slaying an Elder Dragon or reducing its health by a certain amount. Niantic has also introduced Ultra Hunting Tickets, which allow players to bypass the cooldown period between interceptions.
In addition to Kushala Daora, Season 2 of Monster Hunter Now will introduce Khezu and Basarios as new monsters. These monsters will appear in different ways, with Kushala Daora exclusively appearing through Elder Dragon Interceptions. Niantic plans to add more large monsters throughout Season 2, providing players with a constantly evolving experience.
The new season will also bring new weapons and armor skills for players to utilize. These additions will enhance the gameplay experience and allow players to further customize their characters. Furthermore, a new set of hunter medals will be introduced, allowing players to showcase their achievements on their Guild Card.
As the seasons change, so does the rotation of monsters appearing in the game. Players will have the opportunity to unlock monsters that have left the field by completing urgent quests in the Season 2 story quest. To celebrate the launch of a remastered version of Monster Hunter Stories, Monster Hunter Now will feature a special event quest where players can earn limited-edition hunter medals and layered outfits.
Niantic has also announced a partnership with Xbox to offer exclusive perks for Game Pass Ultimate members. This collaboration will provide members with a Monster Hunter Now Season 2 bundle, which includes a variety of in-game items.
Monster Hunter Now has gained significant popularity in Asia, particularly in Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. However, it has also found success in the United States. The game’s unique location-based mechanics allow players to make progress in the story while exploring different landmarks in the real world.
With the introduction of the Elder Dragons and other exciting updates, Niantic aims to appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers. According to Inamoto, the game offers a sense of accomplishment and bridges the gap between mobile gaming and the Monster Hunter series on PC and consoles.
The future looks promising for Monster Hunter Now, with Niantic planning to release more exciting updates and features in the coming months. As the summer unfolds, players can look forward to facing tough challenges and teaming up with fellow hunters to conquer the dragons that await them.