Monster Hunter Outlanders is poised to redefine how we experience Capcom’s renowned action-packed monster battles, bringing them to an entirely new platform. While the franchise has explored various genres, such as the turn-based combat of the ‘Stories’ titles, this upcoming mobile-exclusive release aims to capture the essence of traditional Monster Hunter combat. Scheduled for iOS and Android as a free-to-play game, we recently had an exclusive preview session with Outlanders producer Dong Huang of Timi Studio Group, offering a closer look at what players can expect ahead of its beta test.
At first glance, the gameplay showcased for Monster Hunter Outlanders appears to be a faithful adaptation of the core Monster Hunter experience. Huang emphasized the team’s commitment to “preserve the authentic action and fun of Monster Hunter while adding controls designed specifically for this title.” In an era where mobile games boast impressive graphics and complex mechanics, this ambition isn’t entirely surprising. However, without hands-on experience, the actual performance on various devices remains to be seen.
Our adventure unfolds on the enigmatic island of Aesoland, where a mysterious substance triggers the emergence of ‘radiant species’—more aggressive and powerful versions of familiar monsters that can enter a frenzied state during battle. Combat remains real-time, with five weapons available in the current Tokyo Game Show build: Greatsword, Longsword, Dual Blades, Bow, and Heavy Bowgun. More weapons are slated for future release.
When asked if all fourteen weapon types from the main series would eventually make it into Outlanders, Huang remained elusive but assured players that the team would not ignore the franchise’s fantastic arsenal. He confirmed plans to introduce more traditional and original weapons over time, enriching the overall gameplay experience.
Instead of the intricate button combinations found in the PC and console versions, Outlanders employs a multi-button interface for initiating attacks and follow-ups with single taps. While this means more on-screen icons, it’s designed to maintain the fluid feel of Monster Hunter’s complex weapon types without requiring an overly complicated control scheme. Additionally, players can lock onto specific monster parts to facilitate targeting weak spots.
Adventurers are categorized into three distinct classes: ‘Assault,’ focused on damage dealing; ‘Disruptor,’ specializing in crowd control and monster weakening; and ‘Support,’ providing buffs, heals, and teammate rescues. Each class comes with a unique buddy: Assaults team up with the classic Palico, Disruptors are joined by a cute monkey-like Rutaco, and Supports are accompanied by a Trillan, a creature resembling an owl-eagle hybrid.
Beyond customizing your ‘fated adventurer’ from scratch, we also glimpsed other hunters joining the fight. Midori, a stylish Assault Longsword user, excels at counters, while Pepe, an upbeat Disruptor, wields a Heavy Bowgun. During combat, players can unleash powerful ‘co-op skills’ where the entire team concentrates fire on a single monster part for devastating damage.
Huang describes the Outlanders experience as “chilled and relaxed,” and “not too time consuming.” This approach includes certain design concessions, such as enemies flashing red before dangerous attacks like Rathian’s tail spin. This visual cue is likely a necessary adaptation for the smaller screen size of mobile devices, where traditional visual tells might be harder to discern.
Aesoland itself is divided into various regions, with the Grand Archipelago—a vibrant, colorful ecosystem teeming with fungi and marine algae in the island’s southeast—featured in the Tokyo Game Show build. While only Rathian, Rathalos, and Pukei-Pukei were shown in action, glimpses of armor hint at the presence of other monsters like Paolumu and Diablos.
Regarding a potential release on other platforms, Huang stated that Timi Studio is currently focused solely on the mobile version, with no immediate plans for expansion. While Outlanders appears to offer a compelling mobile Monster Hunter experience, its mechanical similarities to titles like World, Rise, and Wilds suggest that PC players might find those versions more fulfilling when at their desks.
The first Monster Hunter Outlanders closed beta is scheduled for November. Further details and sign-up information will be made available soon.