Monster Hunter Now
Monster Hunter Now is a location-based augmented reality mobile game, developed by Niantic under license from Capcom, that lets mobile gamers and Monster Hunter franchise fans hunt 50+ monsters in real-world environments via iOS and Android, monetizing through seasonal content, in-app purchases, and a Season Pass.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2023
- Headquarters—
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
What Monster Hunter Now does
Monster Hunter Now is a location-based augmented reality mobile game developed by Niantic in partnership with Capcom and licensed to operate the Monster Hunter franchise on iOS and Android. Launched on September 14, 2023, the game overlays monster-hunting gameplay onto the player's real-world environment using GPS and Niantic's AR platform. The core experience lets players explore outdoor locations to encounter and battle a roster of 50+ monsters, gather materials to craft weapons and armor across 12 weapon types, and complete seasonal quests either solo or cooperatively. Cooperative mechanics include Friend Link group hunts and the Base Defense raid mode, while a unique driftstone/driftsmelting system ties armor skill crafting to real-world walking distance, reinforcing the location-based positioning.
The product is delivered through three distribution surfaces: a free-to-play iOS/Android app distributed via Apple App Store and Google Play, a QR-code-driven Web Trial for zero-download play, and a standalone Web Store (store.monsterhunternow.com). Content is delivered via a seasonal model (currently Season 10: Halcyon Crimsonbolts), with new monsters, weapons, armor, skills, Riftborne variants, and collaboration events introduced on a roughly quarterly cadence. Strategic collaborations with other Capcom titles, including Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, extend the franchise's presence across Capcom's broader ecosystem.
Monster Hunter Now operates a freemium monetization model. Revenue is generated through in-app purchases of gems/premium currency, a tiered Season Pass subscription providing layered equipment and progression rewards, limited-time layered equipment packs, a recurring Special Field Hunt Ticket, and Premium Quests unlocked via gems. Players progress through Base Defense raids, seasonal events such as Driftsmelting Bonanza and Elder Dragon Interceptions, and collaboration story quests. The audience is horizontal: mobile gamers broadly and existing Monster Hunter franchise fans seeking a portable Monster Hunter experience, with a deeper-engagement hardcore segment that buys Season Passes and pursues endgame content.
Monster Hunter Now firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Monster Hunter Now
- Legal name
- Niantic
- Website
- https://monsterhunternow.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2023
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Monster Hunter Now is a location-based augmented reality mobile game, developed by Niantic under license from Capcom, that lets mobile gamers and Monster Hunter franchise fans hunt 50+ monsters in real-world environments via iOS and Android, monetizing through seasonal content, in-app purchases, and a Season Pass.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Monster Hunter Now industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Mobile AR Gaming
- NAICS
- Amusement Arcades (71312)
- SIC
- Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Virtual Goods & Digital Item Commerce (skins, cosmetics, DLC) (MPAFAJAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Billing, Subscription & Entitlement Management (IAP orchestration) (MPAFAJAC), In-Game Item Marketplaces & Trading Platforms (MPAFACAJ)
Keywords
Monster Hunter Now business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- In-App Purchases (Gems / Premium Currency): Players purchase gems or premium currency through the in-game shop to unlock premium quests, cosmetics, and convenience items. Limited-time packs (e.g., Ogre Pack, Rathalos Rider Pack) and the Extreme Hunter Pass are sold in-app.
- Season Pass: A Season Pass is offered each season (e.g., Season 10 Pass) providing exclusive rewards, Pro Gamer layered equipment, Season 10 Background, Wyvern Gem Shard, and other premium items as players progress through tiers.
- Special Field Hunt Ticket: A limited-time ticket purchasable via in-app Shop, Special Quests tab, or Web Store that provides unlimited Paintballs, faster monster respawn (30 minutes), expanded access range, and exclusive quests. Purchases through Web Store include bonus Item Box Expansion.
- Web Store Purchases: Sales of in-game item packs through the standalone Web Store (store.monsterhunternow.com), which may include bonus Item Box Expansion as an incentive over in-app purchases.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free-to-play base game with optional in-app purchases |
| Subscription | Annual | Season 10 Pass (paid tier progression) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Special Field Hunt Ticket (daily ticket) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Extreme Hunter Pass |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Monster Hunter Now product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Monster Hunter Now is a free-to-play, location-based augmented reality mobile game where players explore real-world environments to hunt over 50 monsters, collect materials, and craft weapons and armor. The game is delivered through iOS and Android apps under license from Capcom's Monster Hunter franchise, with a continuous seasonal content model (currently Season 10: Halcyon Crimsonbolts), cooperative multiplayer via Friend Link and Base Defense raids, and a driftstone crafting system tied to physical walking. Monetization is driven by in-app purchases of gems, Season Pass subscriptions, Special Field Hunt Tickets, and limited-time item packs sold via the in-game shop and a standalone Web Store.
Product overview
Monster Hunter Now is a location-based augmented reality mobile game developed by Niantic in partnership with Capcom. The core product is a mobile AR hunting game where players explore real-world locations to encounter and battle over 50 different monsters. The offering includes the main mobile app (iOS/Android), a web trial version, and a web store for purchasing season passes, premium quests, and in-game items. Content is delivered through seasonal updates (currently Season 10: Halcyon Crimsonbolts) featuring new monsters, weapons, armor, and skills, with Base Defense being a key cooperative game mode introduced for end-of-wave challenges.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Monster Hunter Now Mobile App A location-based augmented reality mobile game where players hunt monsters in the real world using GPS and AR technology. Features real-time monster encounters, cooperative multiplayer hunting, and equipment crafting. Available for free download on iOS and Android.
- Monster Hunter Now Web Trial A browser-based trial version of Monster Hunter Now accessible via QR code scan, allowing prospective players to try the core gameplay loop without downloading the mobile app.
- Monster Hunter Now Web Store An online storefront for purchasing in-game items, season passes, premium quests, limited-time layered equipment packs, and Special Field Hunt Tickets directly from a web browser.
- Season Pass A seasonal paid progression tier offering exclusive rewards including Pro Gamer layered equipment, Season Background, Wyvern Gem Shard, and other premium items as players advance through tiers.
- Premium Quests Purchasable quests unlocked via gems in the in-game shop that offer valuable monster material rewards for completing specialized hunting challenges.
- Base Defense Mode A monthly cooperative raid mode where players team up with other hunters in their area to challenge powerful Riftcharged monsters across multiple hunts, culminating in a Base Defense event.
- Special Field Hunt Ticket A limited-time daily ticket that provides unlimited Paintballs, faster monster respawn (30 minutes), 50% expanded access range, double materials from small monsters and gathering points, and exclusive quests.
Companies that use Monster Hunter Now
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Monster Hunter Now technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
Monster Hunter Now partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.
- Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted ReflectionflagshipA collaboration event between Monster Hunter Now and Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection (Capcom). The event features Rudy, the Royal Felyne character, and a slightly odd Rathalos in a limited-time collaboration story quest. Players can earn exclusive Rudy Mask layered equipment, a limited Hunter Medal, and a gift code that unlocks bonus items (Square-Framed Glasses accessory) in Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection on supported platforms (Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam).
- Capcom Co., Ltd.coreCapcom is the original developer and IP holder of the Monster Hunter franchise. The partnership grants Niantic the license to develop and publish Monster Hunter Now as a mobile AR game. Capcom provides the monster designs, weapons, armor, gameplay mechanics, and franchise lore. The website footer credits 'Characters / Artwork / Music ©CAPCOM', indicating a licensing arrangement for the use of Monster Hunter IP in the mobile game. Both companies collaborate on seasonal content, new monster introductions, and collaboration events (e.g., Monster Hunter Stories 3 crossover).
- Apple Inc.coreApple serves as the distribution platform for Monster Hunter Now through the iOS App Store. The game listing is featured on the official website with an Apple App Store badge linking directly to the app. Apple provides the App Store infrastructure, payment processing for in-app purchases, and exposure through Apple's mobile gaming ecosystem.
- Google LLCcoreGoogle serves as the distribution platform for Monster Hunter Now through the Google Play Store. The game listing is featured on the official website with a Google Play badge linking directly to the app. Google provides the Play Store infrastructure, payment processing for in-app purchases, and exposure through the Android ecosystem.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Monster Hunter Now competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Pokémon GO: Niantic's flagship location-based AR mobile game. Closest comparable — same parent, same AR + GPS platform, same seasonal live-ops and IAP model, same retail channels.
- Pikmin Bloom: Sister Niantic AR walking game. Directly comparable on AR + GPS mechanics, outdoor engagement, and F2P with IAP; though Pikmin is a gentler walking companion game rather than combat.
- Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds: Netmarble's F2P mobile action RPG set in the Studio Ghibli–styled universe. Comparable on mobile ARPG genre, anime-style IP aesthetic, and live-ops seasonal content.
- Monster Hunter Stories: Capcom's own Monster Hunter mobile/console RPG. Same IP, same monster/weapon/crafting universe, active cross-promotion partner via the Stories 3 collaboration event.
- Black Desert Mobile: Pearl Abyss's F2P mobile action MMORPG. Comparable on action combat, deep gear/enhancement systems, and live-ops seasonal content in the mobile ARPG category.
- Genshin Impact: HoYoverse's F2P open-world action RPG. Comparable on seasonal content cadence, gacha/cosmetic monetization, and deep character/weapon progression systems on mobile.
- Honkai: Star Rail: HoYoverse's F2P mobile turn-based RPG. Comparable seasonal battle pass, gacha monetization, and endgame content cadence on mobile.
- Diablo Immortal: Blizzard/NetEase's F2P mobile action RPG. Highly comparable in mobile ARPG genre, gear grind, seasonal battle pass monetization, and endgame cooperative raid mechanics.
- Sky: Children of the Light: thatgamecompany's social exploration mobile game. Comparable on real-world walking-based engagement, cooperative multiplayer, and live seasonal content cadence.
Broad incumbents
- Monster Hunter Wilds: Capcom's flagship Monster Hunter console/PC title. Same IP universe and franchise fan base, competes for player time/spend, and influences the strength of Capcom's mobile licensing priorities.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Monster Hunter Now social profiles
Digital presenceMonster Hunter Now financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Monster Hunter Now leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Monster Hunter Now funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Monster Hunter Now M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Monster Hunter Now
What does Monster Hunter Now do?
Monster Hunter Now is a free-to-play, location-based augmented reality mobile game where players explore real-world environments to hunt over 50 monsters, collect materials, and craft weapons and armor. The game is delivered through iOS and Android apps under license from Capcom's Monster Hunter franchise, with a continuous seasonal content model (currently Season 10: Halcyon Crimsonbolts), cooperative multiplayer via Friend Link and Base Defense raids, and a driftstone crafting system tied to physical walking. Monetization is driven by in-app purchases of gems, Season Pass subscriptions, Special Field Hunt Tickets, and limited-time item packs sold via the in-game shop and a standalone Web Store.
Is Monster Hunter Now a public or private company?
Monster Hunter Now is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Monster Hunter Now founded?
Monster Hunter Now was founded in 2023.
How does Monster Hunter Now make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. In-App Purchases (Gems / Premium Currency) is the primary driver. The others are season Pass, special Field Hunt Ticket and web Store Purchases.
Who are Monster Hunter Now's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds, Monster Hunter Stories, Black Desert Mobile, Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Diablo Immortal and Sky: Children of the Light. Monster Hunter Wilds is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Monster Hunter Now have an API?
No public API is recorded for Monster Hunter Now.
What industry is Monster Hunter Now in?
Monster Hunter Now's product category is Mobile AR Gaming. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFAJAF, Virtual Goods & Digital Item Commerce (skins, cosmetics, DLC), with a secondary code of MPAFAJAC, Billing, Subscription & Entitlement Management (IAP orchestration). Its NAICS code is 71312 and its SIC code is 7990.