The Tokyo Game Show 2025 always brings surprises, but one game stole the show: Monster Hunter Outlanders. This isn’t just another spin-off. It’s a full-fledged mobile version of the beloved monster-hunting series. It’s a big deal, born from a partnership between gaming giant Capcom and mobile expert TiMi Studio. I snagged a few minutes with Genki Sunano, a producer from Capcom, and Huang Dong, a representative from TiMi, to get the inside scoop. We talked about how this project began, the tough parts of making it, and what new things players can expect.
This whole idea started when TiMi approached Capcom. They felt it was time for Monster Hunter to jump onto mobile screens. Capcom saw this as a golden chance to invite fresh faces into the game world. They wanted to make it easy to get into, but without losing what makes Monster Hunter so special.
Bringing such a huge game to a small phone screen was no easy task. Huang Dong explained that moving the complex systems from the big HD versions was the hardest part. They had to rebuild the user interface and controls from scratch. The goal was to make it simple for new players to grasp, yet still deep enough for old fans. TiMi had lots of experience with mobile action games, which really helped them adapt things. Some older systems were cut, and new ones were added that just fit mobile play better.
So, what’s new in Outlanders? Players won’t be the usual "Hunters" anymore. Instead, you’ll play as an "Adventurer." Each Adventurer comes with unique weapons and special skills. You won’t be alone, though. You’ll have companions like your trusty Palico and other partners. You can train these friends, and they’ll fight right alongside you. The game takes place in a brand-new world, split into many different areas. You can hunt, explore, and gather resources. You can even use these resources to build things, like your own house or a fortress. Plus, get ready for a new type of monster: the Radiant Species. These creatures have special powers thanks to a mineral called Radiantite. It adds a fresh twist to every hunt.
Genki Sunano assured me that keeping the Monster Hunter feel was key. Even on mobile, they want long-time fans to know this is the real deal. That means planning your attacks carefully and picking the best weapon for the job. It also means facing monsters that act in different ways. These things are the very heart of the series, and they won’t be changed. TiMi’s role was to make all this easier to access, while still keeping that classic series "flavor."
When it comes to how the game will make money, Huang Dong said they haven’t decided everything yet. The main gameplay will definitely feel like Monster Hunter. They might add things like different outfits or ways to customize your character. They plan to test out many different ideas before the game officially launches.
At the moment, the demo offers five types of weapons to play with. Huang Dong confirmed that by the time the game fully launches, all 14 weapon types from the main Monster Hunter series will be available. They also plan to roll out regular Seasonal Updates to keep new content coming for players.
So, where are we now? Genki Sunano mentioned that registration for the Closed Beta is open. This will help them test the game’s systems, content, and servers. There isn’t a firm release date yet for the full game. However, the main goal is simple: to let everyone enjoy the thrill of monster hunting, wherever they go.
From what the team shared, Monster Hunter Outlanders feels like a bold step. It aims to reach new players while keeping the spirit that long-time fans know and love. If you’re eager to join the hunt on your phone, keep an eye out for the upcoming Closed Beta. This might just be the portable monster-hunting experience we’ve been waiting for.