Embark on an expedition to the vibrant and untamed "New World," a recently discovered continent teeming with diverse flora, fauna, and colossal monsters. As a hunter, your mission is to join the Research Commission and contribute to understanding this enigmatic land. The game offers a dynamic and interconnected ecosystem where the environment itself becomes a tool in your arsenal. Players can utilize the terrain, lure monsters into traps, and observe their behaviors to gain an advantage during hunts.

The core gameplay loop revolves around tracking, confronting, and ultimately defeating these formidable creatures. Success in these hunts yields valuable materials, which are then used to craft a wide array of weapons, armor, and other equipment. This progression system allows for deep customization and strategic preparation for increasingly challenging encounters.

The Premise and Setting

Players create their own hunter and are dispatched to Astera, the Research Commission's central base in the New World. This landmass is a living, breathing environment, with each area possessing unique characteristics and inhabitants. The atmosphere is one of exploration and discovery, as you delve deeper into the mysteries of this new frontier and the creatures that call it home.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

The heart of the experience lies in its intricate hunting mechanics. Players must meticulously track monsters, utilizing environmental clues and specialized tools. Combat is deliberate and requires understanding monster attack patterns, weaknesses, and the strategic use of your chosen weapon type. Each of the 14 distinct weapon types offers a unique playstyle, from swift dual blades to heavy great swords.

Cooperative Hunting and Crafting

A significant aspect of the game is its emphasis on cooperative play. Hunters can team up with up to three other players, either locally or online, to tackle the most challenging monsters. This shared experience fosters teamwork and strategic coordination. The materials gathered from successful hunts are crucial for progression, allowing players to forge increasingly powerful gear that enhances their combat capabilities and survival chances.

What makes this game unique?

The interconnectedness of the game's world and its ecosystem sets it apart. Monsters interact with each other, and the environment can be manipulated to the hunter's advantage. This creates emergent gameplay scenarios and a sense of a truly living world. The deep crafting system, tied directly to the success of hunts, provides a compelling long-term progression path.

Release Information

This main game was released on January 26, 2018, and is available on PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), and Xbox One.