Monster Hunter is making another leap into mobile gaming with Monster Hunter Outlanders, developed by TiMi Studio Group under CAPCOM’s supervision and published by Level Infinite. It’s a free-to-play title for iOS and Android that blends classic hunting action with systems reworked for smaller screens. We had the chance to try a 15-minute demo at Tokyo Game Show 2025, and the experience gave us a clearer idea of how this ambitious project is shaping up.

Story and Setting

Outlanders begins with a familiar Monster Hunter premise but adds its own twist. Players step into the role of Adventurers, explorers from various cultures whose airship crash-lands on the island of Aesoland. At the heart of this setting is Radiantite, a mineral that reshapes landscapes, influences ecosystems, and alters monsters themselves. Radiantite isn’t just lore; it drives gameplay as well. The demo showcased the Grand Archipelago, a vibrant zone filled with fungi and glowing marine life, where exploration felt rewarding thanks to interactive elements and the option to build traversal structures.

Single Player and Multiplayer

The game offers both solo and cooperative play. In single-player, NPC Adventurers accompany players and actively contribute in battle rather than feeling like passive followers. Multiplayer hunts, demonstrated at the Monster Hunter Outlanders stage, support up to four players with both quick chat and voice communication, ensuring that teamwork remains central to the experience.

Hunting on Mobile

One of the biggest questions was how Monster Hunter combat would translate to mobile. The demo showed that the team has worked carefully to maintain the series’ identity. Using the Great Sword, combat felt weighty and familiar, with charge timings and animations intact. Simplified tap-based combos made the system more approachable without sacrificing depth. The auto-follow camera reduced screen management issues, while a lock-on wheel allowed for targeting specific monster parts. Clearer visual prompts also helped telegraph attacks, a welcome adjustment for mobile displays.

Adventurers and Classes

In Outlanders, players control pre-set Adventurers and a default customisable hunter, with three core combat classes: Assault for damage, Disruptor for crowd control, and Support for healing. The Fated Adventurer, the default customisable character, can switch between classes and wield multiple weapon types. At the demo, five weapons were available, including the Great Sword, Long Sword, Dual Blades, Bow, and Heavy Bowgun. Other named Adventurers, such as Midori and Madelyn, were also revealed, highlighting how squad composition could significantly impact encounters.

Buddies and Companions

Companions return in familiar and new forms. Palicoes are back, joined by Rutaco and Trillan, each aligned with different Adventurer classes. While Palicoes focus on offense, Rutaco leans into gadgets and Trillan supports with recovery abilities. Even within the same buddy type, variations in appearance and skillsets add another layer of customization.

Monsters and Exploration

Hunts remain at the core, with new mechanics layered in. A squad-wide Co-Op Skill encourages coordinated strikes for massive damage, though it wasn’t fully showcased in our session. Radiant Species, monsters mutated by Radiantite, offer tougher, more aggressive battles and can even frenzy mid-hunt. Outside of combat, exploration plays a larger role, with players able to construct traversal tools, repair watchtowers to expand maps, and take on side activities like the Egg Heist Challenge or treasure hunts.

First Impressions

From our short session, Monster Hunter Outlanders feels like a genuine attempt to adapt the series to mobile without losing its essence. Combat preserved the weight and rhythm that fans expect, while new features such as Adventurer classes, buddy systems, and Radiantite-driven monsters introduce fresh ideas. The real test will come with progression and monetization, but as a TGS 2025 demo, Outlanders left us optimistic about its potential.

If you want to know more about about Monster Hunter Outlanders, you can check out their official website.