Is it really 'free' or will I get hit with charges?

It's free to play, and you can progress without spending a dime. The 'trap' is the health system—if your kid plays poorly and loses all their health, they have to wait for it to regenerate or use a potion. They get a few free potions a day, but the temptation to buy more is real if they're on a roll.

How much data does this game use?

Like most Niantic games, it's constantly talking to a server. If your kid isn't on an unlimited plan, keep an eye on it. It's not as heavy as streaming video, but it adds up over a month of daily walks.

Can they talk to strangers in the game?

No. There is no in-game chat. You can see other players nearby on the map and join their hunts, but there is no way to communicate with them through the app. It's one of the safest social implementations in mobile gaming.

Is the violence too much for a 10-year-old?

It's pure fantasy violence. You're hitting big monsters with oversized weapons, and they disappear in a puff of light when defeated. There's no gore or realistic blood, just 'sparks' and damage numbers to show you're hitting them.

Monster Hunter Now – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Monster Hunter Now

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game2023

80%

WISE Score

72%

IGDB

Pokémon GO's grittier older brother that trades ball-throwing for giant swords and tactical dinosaur hunting.

Monster Hunter Now

game

2023

80%

WISE Score

72%

IGDB

Pokémon GO's grittier older brother that trades ball-throwing for giant swords and tactical dinosaur hunting.

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Where to Play

Google Play

App Store

Screenwise Verdict

If your kid is over the 'cute' phase of Pokémon but you still want them getting some sun, Monster Hunter Now is the move. It’s a polished, tactical action game that rewards skill and preparation rather than just who has the fastest internet connection.

It avoids the worst pitfalls of mobile gaming—there's no toxic global chat and the monetization isn't shoved in your face. It's a solid middle ground for families who want a 'real' gaming experience that doesn't involve being tethered to a console all afternoon.

Age Fit

Best for kids 10 and up. It requires more manual dexterity and timing than Pokémon GO, plus the maturity to stay aware of their physical surroundings while focusing on a screen.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It encourages real-world movement and cooperative play without the toxic social layers found in most competitive games. While the core loop is 'kill monster, make hat,' it's presented with a sense of adventure rather than cruelty.

Imaginative

The gear-crafting system is deep and rewarding, requiring kids to plan their 'builds' and understand elemental weaknesses. The AR integration makes the neighborhood feel like a fantasy ecosystem.

Safe

The lack of online chat is a massive win for safety. Niantic's systems are generally robust, and the game includes speed-locks to prevent playing while driving. The biggest risk is a kid walking into a lamppost because they're staring at a Rathalos.

Enriching

It gets kids outside and walking. The tactical nature of the 75-second fights rewards timing and pattern recognition over mindless button mashing.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Physical activity is baked into the core loop; you can't progress without actually moving through the real world.
The 75-second hunt timer makes it perfect for quick bursts of play rather than hours of couch-locked screen time.
The Paintball mechanic is a parent's best friend—it lets kids 'mark' a monster while out and about so they can hunt it safely at home later.
Cooperative play is seamless; kids can team up with nearby friends (or you) to take down bigger threats without needing a headset or a chat room.

⚠

What to Watch For

The health wall is the game's main friction point; once your character's HP drops too low, you either wait for a slow recharge or stop playing.
Street awareness is the real-world danger here. The game is engaging enough that kids might forget they're standing in the middle of a driveway.
The grind for materials can get repetitive, especially when trying to upgrade a specific weapon that requires rare drops from a specific monster.

Conversation Starters

"Which monster has the toughest attack pattern you've seen so far?"
"If we go for a walk in the park today, what kind of materials are you hoping to find in the swamp or desert zones?"
"Do you prefer the fast-paced dual blades or the heavy-hitting great sword?"
"How do you decide when to use your special attack versus saving it for the next hunt?"

Deep Dive

The Niantic Formula, Refined

By 2026, we’ve seen a dozen AR games try to catch the Pokémon GO lightning in a bottle. Most fail because they're just reskins of the same 'catch 'em all' mechanic. Monster Hunter Now succeeds because it actually cares about being an action game. The combat isn't just a formality; it's a tight, rhythmic dance of dodging and striking that feels genuinely satisfying when you nail a perfect counter.

For parents, the 'Paintball' system is the standout feature. One of the biggest issues with AR games is kids wanting to stop in the middle of a busy sidewalk to engage in a five-minute battle. Here, the game can automatically 'paintball' monsters you pass, saving them for a list you can tackle when you get to a park bench or back to your living room. It effectively decouples the walking from the fighting, making the whole experience safer and less disruptive.

Gear, Not Gacha

Unlike many mobile RPGs that rely on 'pulling' for heroes in a virtual slot machine, progression here is tied to hunting specific monsters. If you want a Rathalos chest plate, you have to find and fight a Rathalos. This creates a clear, logical goal-setting loop for kids. They aren't hoping for luck; they're planning a hunt.

"The story is rather simple... Our world has become fused with that of the Monster Hunter world." — OMG Girls Game!

The stakes are low, the monsters are cool (more 'dinosaur' than 'demon'), and the social pressure is non-existent. It’s a rare mobile game that respects the player's time—and the parent's peace of mind.

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