Summary
TheMonster Hunterfranchise has been a staple in the industry for many years. Becoming an instant classic upon its original debut back in 2004, Capcom’s action role-playing game has continued to thrive. With numerous releases over the years, the franchise has continued to evolve and impress its fan base with new additions and features. Eventually, the series even expanded into multiple genre-spanning spin-offs including MMOs and mobile games. Now, nearly a decade since its first release, theMonster Hunterseries has evolved again with the release ofMonster Hunter Now,an augmented reality game co-developed with Niantic, the creators ofPokémon Go. After a very popular launch, fans can expect even more content coming in the leaked 61.1 update.
Monster Hunter Nowwas just recently released on September 14 (or August 9 for early access) and has already proven to be a hit. Accumulating 5 million downloads in its first week alone with 3 million users pre-registered before the game’s release, it is their second most popular launch sincePokémon Go. Already garnering praise for itsquality-of-life features and fast-paced combat, the mobile exclusive has seen a growing player base. Though the reception has been largely positive, some criticize the game for its lack of depth and variety at launch. If recent leaks prove to be true, update 61.1 will address these concerns bringing with it new monsters, weapons, and more when it rolls out.
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Monster Hunter Now’s New Content Update
Recent leaks about future content coming toMonster HunterNowcome from a massive datamine that was spread online. Dataminers were able to dig up details aboutnew monsters, weapons, tools, and events coming toMonster Hunter Nowakin to the recent Diablos Invasion event. Although there is no current release date for this leaked update, a Halloween event that was datamined may suggest that update 61.1 could be coming sometime in October. Of course, this is yet to be officially confirmed.
In terms of new monsters coming to the game, several variants have been leaked. These include the Pink Rathian, Black Diablos, and Azure Rathalos. As in the mainlineMonster Huntertitles, these variants are expected to be more dangerous and difficult to defeat than their standard versions. Along with these monster variants, anothernew monster being added toMonster Hunter Nowis the Banbaro fromMonster Hunter World: Iceborne. With the list of monsters to find growing, fans have a lot to look forward to.
The leaks have also showcased several new craftable weapons coming to the game. It is believed these new weapons will coincide with the release of the new monsters, needing their materials to craft them. Thesenew weapons coming toMonster Hunter Nowinclude versions for several weapon types. For Sword and Shield: Blue Corona, for Great Sword: Rathalos Glinsword and Wyvern Blade “Blossom”, for Light Bowgun: Azure Soulscorcher, for Long Sword: Wyvern Blade and Wyvern Blade Indigo, for Bow: Azure Mightbow, Galebender, and Cera Coilbender, and for Hammer: Chaos Shatterer. Also, leaks have shown new weapon types Dual Blades and Lance will be coming in the update.
Events are intended to be a big part ofMonster Hunter Now,and in honor of the spooky season, it looks like Niantic is planning a special Halloween celebration. Assets for the event were found in the datamine, including in-game models for jack-o-lanterns, witch’s hats, a witch’s broom, and several other objects. It remains to be seen exactly what the event will entail, but as with other Niantic andMonster Huntertitles it could includeexclusive event quests and cosmetic rewards. Though it has not been confirmed, the leak has also discovered Decoration names in the code. A staple of the mainline games, these would allow players to upgrade their equipment to suit their preferences.
Popular tools from the mainline games are also said to be added. These include Demon Powder, Flash Bombs, and Pitfall Traps. With all of these new additions, players will havemore character-build customization optionsavailable and strategy variety. The leaks for update 61.1 are certainly promising, but with no currently confirmed release date, fans will just have to wait.
Monster Hunter Nowis currently available for free on mobile devices.
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