Niantic announces a new AR mobile game Monster Hunter Now

Niantic, the developer behind the popular game Pokemon Go, has announced its latest mobile game, Monster Hunter Now. In partnership with Capcom, the game will bring Rathalos to life using augmented reality in September 2023.

Players will be able to hunt monsters in the real world, with different regions spawning specific monsters. Battles will use tap and swipe controls, with weapons and armor forged and upgraded using materials earned from defeated monsters. Multiplayer features will allow players to team up against larger monsters and a new "paintball" feature will allow players to challenge monsters with friends and family.

The game will utilize Niantic's AR technology to let players hunt together in real-world locations. Monster Hunter Now will launch for iOS and mobile devices, with a closed beta test beginning on April 25 for interested players who sign up on the game's official website.