The upcoming Monster Hunter title has a confirmed release date.

The next entry in the Monster Hunter series is on the horizon, but it might not be what you’re expecting. Monster Hunter Outlanders is a free-to-play, mobile-exclusive title being crafted by TiMi Studio Group. While that might raise some eyebrows, it’s important to take a closer look, as early footage suggests it retains much of the essence of the mainline games.

The latest trailer showcases the start of a hunt against a colossal dragon. Players wield their long swords, dodge incoming attacks, and manage their health while teaming up with three others. The interface features eight buttons, a clear nod to the classic Monster Hunter gameplay. Fortunately, it will support controllers, which is a relief since this type of game typically benefits from more precise controls. We’ll discover just how closely it mirrors its predecessors when it launches on October 29, 2026.

Fans have been eagerly awaiting Monster Hunter Outlanders since its announcement on November 9, 2022. TiMi Studio Group, a subsidiary of Tencent, has a track record with titles like Pokémon Unite and Call of Duty: Mobile. Like its predecessors, Outlanders includes exploration, crafting, social features like four-player co-op, and, of course, the thrill of monster hunting. Feedback from closed beta tests has been largely positive, with players praising the combat’s resemblance to earlier entries in the franchise.

However, the biggest concern revolves around Outlanders’ monetization model. As a free-to-play game, there are valid fears that it could turn into a live-service grind that demands both time and money. According to Capcom, the game employs a gacha system where players can roll for various adventurers, each with distinct weapon specialties and abilities. It features a “pity system,” ensuring that after 90 pulls, players will receive an SSR character, with a 50% chance of it being the featured character.

Ultimately, the ease of obtaining pulls and the comparative strength of SSR characters versus their less rare counterparts will dictate whether the system feels overly exploitative or just mildly so—after all, gacha games often come with their share of pitfalls. We’ll find out if the grind pays off when Monster Hunter Outlanders arrives on iOS and Android next month.

A trip above the clouds.