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Monster Hunter Now December update: Release date, monsters, weapons

James Busby
Zinogre in Monster Hunter NowNiantic/Capcom

The Monster Hunter Now December update is live and Niantic has released its event schedule, so here’s all the monsters, weapons, and armor that will be added in Fulminations of the Frost. 

The Monster Hunter Now December update, Fulminations of the Frost is finally live, which will enable players to hunt Zingore and other monsters in the game. There’s also the addition of two new weapon types, more armor sets, and hints of a new biome. 

With so many new additions, the Monster Hunter Now December event schedule is a sizable content drop. So before you go delving in, here’s everything you need to know about the winter update. 

Contents

Monster Hunter Now December event release date

The Monster Hunter Now December update went live on December 7, 2023, at 12:00 am (local time). This means players can now begin delving into all the new weapons, monsters, and updates. 

Monster Hunter Now December update monster roster

Hunters fighting Zinogre in the snow Zinogre is the flagship of the Monster Hunter Now December update.

A new Monster Hunter Now Special Quest will give Hunters the chance to discover the following monsters in the December update:

Large monsters

  • Zinogre (Thunder)

  • Barioth (Ice)

  • Banbaro (Ice)

  • Radobaan (Sleep)

Small monsters

  • Wulg

  • Cortos

Once you’ve completed the Urgent Quests that occur in each chapter of the Special Quest, you’ll be able to encounter and hunt Radobaan, Banbaro, and Barioth on the field. If that wasn’t exciting enough, you’ll also face off against Zinogre in an Urgent Quest.

However, the next time you’ll encounter Zinogre will be in an upcoming event, Zinogre’s Onslaught. During the event, Hunters will be able to encounter Zinogre “through a new means” that we’ll cover below.

It’s also important to note, that Barioth, Wulg, and Cortos will only appear during December to early March. Niantic has yet to give the exact cut-off date for Barioth, but this means you’ll have four months to farm up its deadly weapons and armor.

Monster Hunter Now Hunt-a-thons

Hunt-a-thons enable players to, well, hunt multiple monsters in succession. These special hunts are shown on the map via Dimensional Rifts, which occur at a Wayspot (gathering point). You’ll get a notice and a countdown will appear to let you know a Hunt-a-thon is about to start.

Up to four Hunters can join a Hunt-a-thon by simply heading over to the Hunt-a-thon Point when one is being held. Niantic has stated that Hunt-a-thons will feature some monsters that you normally only see during events, as well as monsters that exclusively appear in Hunt-a-thons.

In this case, Zinogre will be exclusive to Hunt-a-thons in the Monster Hunter Now December update.

Monster Hunter Now December update weapons

Dual Blades and Lance in Monster Hunter NowDual Blades and Lance will be added in the Monster Hunter Now December update.

So far, a total of two new weapons have been revealed in the Monster Hunter Now December update. These are the following: 

  • Dual Blades

  • Lance

These two weapons were revealed in the official Monster Hunter Now December update artwork, which shows Hunters wielding both weapon types. Niantic has given the following description for each weapon:

Dual Blades

This weapon hits quickly and boasts great mobility, allowing you to launch attacks in quick succession. Entering Demon Mode switches up the actions and enhances attack performance. It also has its own stamina gauge. Stamina gets used up while activated, ending Demon Mode once it has run out.

Special Skill: Heavenly Blade Dance (SP)—a series of fatal attacks that soar high into the sky, slicing through monsters.

Lance

This weapon allows you to guard by performing a Hold Action. It boasts very high defense and has a long reach. Performing a Counter-Thrust at just the right timing allows you to guard against monster attacks so you can inflict high damage with minimal vulnerability.

Special Skill: Dash Attack—a lethal, full-throttle thrust that penetrates through all defenses.

Monster Hunter Now December update armor sets

Banbaro and Barioth armor in Monster Hunter NoeBanbaro armor (left) and Barioth armor (right) can be seen in the promo image.

Aside from Zinogre armor, Hunters can expect to get their hands on Barioth, Banbaro, and Radobaan armor in the December update. In fact, both the Banbaro and Barioth armor sets can be seen in the Monster Hunter Now December update promo image. 

Monster Hunter Now December event lineup

Qualily’s Special Quests

Qualily’s Special Quests returned in the December update, rewarding Hunters with Carpenterbugs, Monster Bones, Dragonite Ore, and Zenny. Event Quests were available for an extended period during this time.

Dates & times (local time)

  • December 1, 2023, at 5:00 pm until December 6, 2023, at midnight.

Zinogre’s Onslaught

While Zinogre will not appear on the field, you’ll be able to hunt it through Hunt-a-thons which will be introduced with the coming update.

Dates & times (local time)

  • December 15, 2023, until December 17, 2023

Pink Rathian & Diablos event

Pink Rathian and Black Diablos will also be making their return, with event-exclusive equipment and quests rewarding lots of Zenny.

Dates & times (local time)

December 23, 2023, at 9:00 am until January 8, 2024, at 11:00 pm.

So, there you have it, that’s everything you need to know about the Monster Hunter Now December update. Be sure to check out our Monster Hunter Now page for all the latest news and guides.

Monster Hunter Now codes | Monster Hunter Now pre-registration rewards | All monsters in Monster Hunter Now | Monster Hunter Now event | How to play multiplayer Monster Hunter Now | Monster Hunter Now Special Skills | Monster Hunter Now weapons list | Can you play Monster Hunter Now on PC? | Monster Hunter Now gathering respawn times

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