Monster Hunter Outlanders is poised to bring the iconic Monster Hunter experience to mobile devices, offering a free-to-play adventure that aims to capture the essence of the core series. Developed by Timi Studio Group, this mobile-only release seeks to provide a more accessible and relaxed take on the traditional combat that fans adore. With a beta test on the horizon, early previews suggest a promising adaptation of the Monster Hunter formula for iOS and Android platforms.
This article delves into the details revealed from a preview session with producer Dong Huang, exploring how Outlanders intends to preserve the authentic action of Monster Hunter while catering to a mobile gaming audience. We’ll examine the gameplay mechanics, the setting of Aesoland, the available weapons and classes, and the overall design philosophy behind this ambitious project. Join us as we dissect what makes Monster Hunter Outlanders a potentially exciting addition to the Monster Hunter universe.
Preserving Authentic Action on Mobile
According to producer Dong Huang, the development team is focused on “preserving the authentic action and fun of Monster Hunter while adding controls designed specifically for this title.” The gameplay footage showcased thus far appears to be a faithful recreation of the full-scale Monster Hunter experience. While the preview was conducted remotely, the initial impressions suggest that Outlanders could deliver a surprisingly robust Monster Hunter experience on mobile devices. Given the success of games like Genshin Impact on mobile, there is certainly precedent for demanding games to run well on the platform.
The game takes place on the mysterious island of Aesoland, where a unique substance is causing the emergence of ‘radiant species’ – more aggressive and powerful variants of familiar monsters that can become frenzied during combat. The combat system is real-time, featuring five playable weapons in the TGS build: Greatsword, Longsword, Dual Blades, Bow, and Heavy Bowgun, with plans to add more weapons in the future.
The controls are adapted for mobile play, using a multi-button setup that triggers attacks and follow-ups with single taps. This approach aims to retain the feel of Monster Hunter’s intricate weapon types without overwhelming players with a complex control scheme. Additionally, players can lock onto specific monster parts for easier targeting of weak spots.
Weapons and Hunter Classes
While Huang didn’t confirm whether all fourteen weapon types from the main series would eventually be included, he assured that the development team plans to introduce more traditional and original weapons to enrich the game experience. This suggests that Outlanders will offer a blend of familiar favorites and new options tailored for mobile gameplay.
Adventurers in Outlanders are divided into three distinct class types: Assault, Disruptor, and Support. Assault focuses on dealing damage, Disruptor provides crowd control and monster weakening abilities, and Support offers buffs, heals, and rescue capabilities. Each class also has a unique buddy type: Assaults are accompanied by a Palico, Disruptors by a Rutaco (a monkey), and Supports by a Trillan (an owl-eagle hybrid).
Players can customize their ‘fated adventurer’ from scratch and encounter other hunters like Midori, a Longsword user specializing in counters, and Pepe, a Heavy Bowgun-wielding Disruptor. During battles, players can team up for powerful ‘co-op skills,’ focusing their combined efforts on a single monster part to inflict massive damage.
A “Chilled and Relaxed” Experience
According to Huang, the Outlanders experience is designed to be “chilled and relaxed” and “not too time-consuming,” indicating a focus on accessibility and shorter play sessions. To accommodate the smaller screen size of mobile devices, enemies telegraph their attacks with red flashes, making it easier to react to dangerous moves like Rathian’s tail spin.
The game world, Aesoland, is divided into several regions, with the Grand Archipelago featured in the Tokyo Game Show build. This region boasts a vibrant ecosystem with diverse fungi and marine algae. Among the monsters encountered are Rathian, Rathalos, and Pukei-Pukei, while armor sets suggest the presence of Paolumu and Diablos.
Mobile Focus and Beta Plans
Currently, Timi Studio is fully focused on the mobile version of Outlanders, with no plans for other platforms. While the game may scratch the itch for Monster Hunter on the go, those with access to PC or console versions of World, Rise, or Wilds may find those options more mechanically satisfying.
The first Monster Hunter Outlanders closed beta is scheduled for November. Sign-up information and further details can be found on the official website.
Monster Hunter Outlanders is shaping up to be an intriguing addition to the Monster Hunter franchise, offering a unique mobile experience that aims to capture the essence of the core series. With its focus on preserving authentic action, adapting controls for mobile devices, and providing a more relaxed gameplay experience, Outlanders has the potential to attract both longtime fans and newcomers to the Monster Hunter universe.
As the closed beta approaches, anticipation is building to see how well Timi Studio has translated the complex mechanics and thrilling hunts of Monster Hunter to the mobile platform. If successful, Monster Hunter Outlanders could become a mainstay for mobile gamers seeking a Monster Hunter experience on the go.
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