| Monster Hunter Outlanders | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Gameplay & Story | Release Date | Pre-Register & Pre-Order | Review |
Monster Hunter Outlanders Gameplay
Monster Hunter Outlanders is said to combine the classic Monster Hunter gameplay with new, mobile-friendly mechanics. Here, players can explore an interconnected open world filled with diverse biomes and dynamic ecosystems, all while hunting familiar monsters and gathering resources crucial for crafting.
Combat and Weapons
Combat has been optimized for mobile devices. Although the Producers’ Interview didn’t delve into control schemes and the specifics of how each weapon will play, available footage and screenshots indicate that many familiar weapon mechanics will remain intact, like the Bow’s quick combo shots and the Long Sword’s Iai Slash. However, the exact extent of any adaptations to these mechanics has yet to be clarified.
Classics like Dual Blades, Long Swords, and Bowguns are expected to return, as they are seen being used in the game’s Producers’ Interview. It's unclear, however, whether all classic weapons will return or if new ones will be introduced.
Dynamic Ecosystem
As with mainline Monster Hunter titles, Outlanders centers on completing quests to hunt, gather, and survive. Instead of segmented maps, like those Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate and other games before it, the game will have an expansive environment featuring forests, deserts, swamps, and more. Traversal is a key focus—players can glide with paragliders, scale cliffs with grappling ropes, and even activate wind turbines to reach high or distant places. If the game follows previous conventions, exploration outside of main quests will be free from time constraints.
The ecosystem in Outlanders is said to be dynamic, as it will feature turf wars between monsters, weather shifts, and other environmental conditions that may impact gameplay. Some of these conditions can even influence monsters, making them mutate into stronger, more aggressive forms. Classic creatures like Diablos, Ratihian, and the series’ mascot Rathalos will roam the landscape.
New Building System
New to the series is a building system, reminiscent of Wild Hearts’ Karakuri mechanics. By gathering resources, players can construct various structures, including ballistas, cannons, and the aforementioned wind turbines that aid in both movement and combat.
Call Your “Buddies” for Support
Companions, or "Buddies," play a supportive role. They can assist in both item collection and monster battles. Alongside the familiar Palicoes, new companions like a little monkey and a flying bird have been teased. These Buddies bring additional utility, as they can be seen in the trailer building cannons for the Hunter to use. However, the depth of their abilities remain under wraps for now.
Monster Hunter Outlanders Story
The story of Monster Hunter Outlanders remains largely unknown, but if it follows traditional series conventions, it may center on a young Hunter from the Hunter’s Guild who is sent to a remote village to investigate unusual monster activity linked to a powerful creature. In the reveal trailer, the developers hinted at a large monster concealed in the clouds that could potentially be the reason why "certain environmental conditions" are driving local monsters to become more aggressive.
A significant departure from past Monster Hunter titles, Outlanders requires players to select pre-designed characters, each with distinct backgrounds, personalities, and specialized weapons. This character-driven focus may suggest that the game may become more story-driven than previous Monster Hunter entries, as players could potentially explore the backgrounds and personal stories of each character in greater depth.
While it’s uncertain if players will still have the option to create their own characters, customization could be available through armor and weapon choices. The exact method of obtaining characters, however, might involve a gacha system, as the game reportedly includes in-app purchases.
