Monster Hunter Outlanders’ second closed beta test introduces the Lance weapon, along with new gameplay mechanics and additional content for the mobile Monster Hunter experience.
Monster Hunter Outlanders Expands Second Closed Beta With New Weapon, Features, and Gameplay Enhancements
Second Closed Beta Introduces the Lance
Monster Hunter Outlanders (MHO) has unveiled new details for its second closed beta test, as shared by developer TiMi Studio Group through its Adventurers’ Digest developer blog on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter). The video highlights what players can expect when the closed beta goes live on April 29, 2026.
One of the biggest reveals is the addition of the Lance for the game’s protagonist, the Fated Adventurer. The Lance is a staple weapon in the Monster Hunter series and one of the original weapons introduced in its early days.
It excels at delivering powerful thrust attacks while also allowing players to absorb heavy damage from monsters thanks to its massive shield. In a brief gameplay snippet, the Lance can be used to charge its power while the protagonist is running, a mechanic not present in the mainline Monster Hunter entries.
With the addition of the Lance, the total number of playable weapons in Monster Hunter Outlanders’ second closed beta is now 6, including the Sword & Shield, Greatsword, Bow, Longsword, and Heavy Bowgun.
A Versatile Cast of Characters
The second closed beta for MHO will further expand on the gameplay mechanics tied to the Fated Adventurer’s three class types: Assault, Disruptor, and Support. Players can freely switch between these classes, each offering unique effects that can influence the flow of battle.
The Assault type, for example, is built purely for offense, allowing the Fated Adventurer to fire sharp projectiles that deal high-damage piercing attacks, knocking a monster down. The Disruptor class, on the other hand, uses specialized rounds that can blind monsters.
Lastly, the Support class is more utility-focused, capable of creating healing auras that restore health for both the player and nearby hunters.
Alongside the three main classes, the developers also highlighted another key group of characters in MHO: the Adventurers. These are unlockable original hunters that come with their own specialized weapons, and the developers assured fans that each one will have "standout moments" for players who prefer a more layered, strategic approach to hunts.
MHO’s selection of Adventurers will fight alongside the player, similar to the traditional Monster Hunter format. They can unleash powerful Ultimate attacks based on their weapon class.
For example, the Adventurer Raya has an Ultimate ability that can bind monsters in place, giving hunters an opening to deal heavy damage while the target is immobilized. The developers encourage players to work together during the game’s online co-op missions and use these skills to gain an advantage while hunting monsters.
An Ambitious Exploration
One of MHO’s unique features is its embrace of an open-world structure, where players can seamlessly travel across different areas and explore massive regions using their glider. To make traversal more engaging, the game introduces a new mechanic that lets players build contraptions and machinery to move quickly from point A to point B.
Among these is the Zip Line, which propels players across hard-to-reach areas and helps them reach objectives faster. Other contraptions serve different purposes, such as the Ballista for offensive support and the series’ iconic BBQ spit for preparing quick meals during hunts.
Other Features in the Second Closed Beta
With the key details covered, the developer video also highlights additional features coming in the second closed beta of MHO, including a Gathering Hub where players can mingle, do dancing mini-games, and compete in a game mode called "Guild Clash," where two teams of four hunters race to see who can take down their target monster the fastest.
The second closed beta also introduces a special endgame hunt where players will face Kushala Daora, complete with customizable gameplay modifiers that offer increased rewards for added challenge.
Monster Hunter Outlanders’ second closed beta goes live on April 29, 2026, at 7:00 PM PT / 10 PM ET / 2:00 AM UTC, with no specific end date announced. Players who have pre-registered will have a chance to gain access to the closed beta.
For more information, players can refer to the official FAQ for Monster Hunter Outlanders’ second closed beta on its official website.
Sources:
Adventurers' Digest Vol.2 - 2nd Closed Beta Test
Monster Hunter Outlanders Second Closed Beta FAQs
