The realm of mobile virtual reality games has a formidable new contender, and it carries the seal of Niantic, the same company behind the iconic Nintendo title, Pokémon GO. Yet, while both games leverage VR capabilities and GPS for map access, they stand apart as distinct experiences. Enter Monster Hunter Now, and we’re here to guide you on how to embark on this adventure.
The Essence of Monster Hunter
Monster Hunter is a beloved video game saga characterized by the pursuit of monsters and the collection of materials to forge superior equipment. In the transition to mobile, the combat system adeptly captures the saga’s essence, blending it with VR immersion and smartphone interactivity.
Getting Started with Monster Hunter Now
What sets Monster Hunter Now apart from other Capcom franchise titles is its mission duration; here, you won’t invest more than half an hour, as missions typically span just over a minute. Additionally, the game employs a vertical screen orientation, and, akin to Pokémon GO, playing necessitates venturing outdoors. However, you won’t be flinging Poké Balls to capture creatures; Monster Hunter Now’s gameplay diverges substantially from that mechanic, focusing instead on device orientation and map navigation.
Starting Your Journey
Upon launching Monster Hunter Now, the initial steps include entering your date of birth and registering as a new player (you can expedite this process by using your Google account). Ensure that you grant the required location permissions, as the game heavily relies on this data for gameplay.
Character Creation and Class Selection
Next, you’ll embark on character creation, choosing your character’s class—a staple in the Monster Hunter series. Later on, you’ll have the opportunity to select various weapons and armor to suit your preferences, as each weapon type comes with its own unique attacks. The character customization options are robust, allowing you to tailor your avatar to your liking. Once your character is ready, you’ll delve into the game world and undergo a brief tutorial to familiarize yourself with the gameplay.
Learning the Ropes
Mastering Monster Hunter Now’s mechanics is a breeze, especially if you’ve dabbled in Pokémon GO. The gameplay shares similarities, with the process beginning by tapping on the monster icon visible on the map. From there, engage in combat by tapping the screen to initiate attacks and string together combos to vanquish your prey. Dodge incoming threats by swiping sideways, hold to block, and utilize items using the on-screen button at the bottom.
Solo or Co-op Adventures
An essential aspect of Monster Hunter Now is the option to embark on your adventures solo or with friends and fellow players. If you opt for online play, the game will automatically match you with other users in your vicinity, up to a maximum of four players. You can also add friends via QR codes, which your friends can scan using their mobile devices.
Visit the In-Game Store
The game features an in-game store where you can spend the gems you’ve acquired on items and Zeni to enhance your weaponry. Don’t forget to claim your daily free item, offered every 24 hours as an added bonus.
Downloading Monster Hunter Now for Free
Monster Hunter enthusiasts cannot afford to overlook this mobile rendition. It features some of the franchise’s most renowned monsters, such as Rathalos and Barroth, while boasting impressive, detailed graphics. Best of all, Monster Hunter Now is available for free on both iPhone and Android devices.
Downloading Tips
The game’s initial download size is approximately 100 MB, whether acquired from the App Store or Play Store. Keep in mind that upon launching the game, you’ll need to install an additional 78 MB data pack. This storage requirement may increase with future updates, so it’s advisable to ensure you have ample free storage space.
