Monster Hunter Now releases Exploration Bases with a few new tricks since beta

Ever since Niantic did the beta for Monster Hunter Now’s Exploration Base around two months ago, I have been incredibly excited. I love these little community-building things you can do; it’s like the Submarines and Airships in Final Fantasy XIV. Well, we can soon properly dive in, with the first Wave scheduled.

First, a step back. Let’s remind ourselves what they are.

Exploration Bases are based on local landmarks, where all hunters can work together to build up by donating Exploration Emblems found at Gathering Points. The higher the level, the more rewards everyone gets during the Waves.

The first Wave will start September 18th until October 13th, with Rifborne Deviljho leading the charge. There will be outbreaks between 17:00 and 17:59 on the 26th, and between 15:00 and 15:39 on both the 27th and 28th. Make sure you sign up for these on the 19th so you can take part. You will also get the exclusive Riftborne Deviljho Outbreak Medal, provided you slay at least one monster during the scheduled time.

Perform well enough, and you will earn a host of Deviljho parts, Zenny, and base reputation during the post-wave Base Awards. More importantly, however, is the Item Box Expansion +500 on offer. You need to achieve at least 2,000 base reputation, and then it could be yours. Then, we do it all over again in Wave 2, scheduled for October 15th to November 3rd.

Since the beta version, Niantic has performed a few requested upgrades from the testers. Hunter info won't be displayed in the activity list of reported Exploration Emblems, and you can skip the animation when obtaining Exploration Emblems. Outbreak slaying goals are now fixed at 100, and lower-level bases will require fewer Exploration Emblems from Hunt-a-thons and Elder Dragon Interceptions.

There have been a few new features added to, in addition to the Waves and Base awards. Hunters ranked on the leaderboard can now show off, as their rank will appear in the lobby and hunting screens. Finally, some Emblem fun. Exploration Emblems collected farther from your base will grant more reputation, so plan your next holiday as far away as possible. You can also earn Slaying Emblems by vanquishing 10 large monsters in the field. These expire after a Wave ends though, so turn them in quickly.

Help develop your community and download Monster Hunter Now from the App Store and Google Play.