Today marks the 20th anniversary of the iconic creature-slaying action RPG, Monster Hunter, and to celebrate the day, Capcom has a plethora of games, old and new, for players to enjoy.
Capcom kicked things off on March 1st, 2024, with a fan-favourite monster countdown on Twitter (also known as X), the results of which were tabulated from the Monster Hunter 20th Anniversary website. Capcom also released a franchise bundle on Steam, including Monster Hunter World, Monster Hunter Rise, the DLC expansions for both, and Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin for a massive 70% discount, but this is only available until March 21st, 2024.
Not only that, the first season of Monster Hunter Now, titled The Vernal Invade, will begin on March 13th, 2024, which will add new monsters, new gameplay features, cosmetic items, special quests and more. Players will be able to utilize the Charge Blade and take on the Odogaron, Tzitzi-Ya-Ku, and Deviljho. Also, Deviljho may now invade certain monster encounters, replacing the current monster and attacking the player.
Furthermore, there will also be a new status ailment added: bleeding, which is inflicted by Odogaron’s attacks as well as Layered Equipment, new skills, and sixteen new Celebration Quests will award hunters with an exclusive hunter medal and Beginner Weapon Tickets.
Of course, there are new (and old) games on the horizon to celebrate the 20th anniversary. Monster Hunter Wilds looks to build on the foundation set by Monster Hunter Rise with more open spaces, enhanced verticality, and new environmental hazards and monster stampedes. While Capcom has been sparse on details, it is set for a 2025 release.
However, announced during the February 2024 Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, the critically acclaimed Monster Hunter Stories is receiving a full remaster, with improved graphics and full voice-acting to compliment the already stellar gameplay. Monster Hunter Stories Remastered will be released on Nintendo Switch, PC, and PS4 in the summer of 2024.
For over two decades, this series has pioneered a new genre of RPG and become a phenomenon amongst gamers. Since launching in 2018, Monster Hunter World has gone on to sell more than 20 million copies worldwide and become the best-selling game in Capcom’s 40-year history. The series has consistently garnered exceptional reviews from critics—CGM gave Monster Hunter World a 9/10 and Monster Hunter Rise a 9.5/10.
