Monster Hunter Now is gearing up for its next major live event in Osaka, Japan, on November 14–15, 2026. Taking place in the Namba area, the two-day celebration will introduce the Elder Dragon Amatsu to the game alongside the debut of Riftborne Nargacuga.
Known for its incredible speed, Nargacuga is already a challenging opponent. Its Riftborne form introduces a special part influenced by an abnormal rift, making precise targeting even more difficult as the monster darts across the battlefield. Hunters will need to study its movements, time their attacks carefully, and coordinate with teammates to hit the vulnerable area.
Amatsu will also feature in a special hunt with unique mechanics, giving attendees the chance to take on the Elder Dragon alongside other players. The event is designed around cooperative play, with hunters encouraged to team up and make the most of the live gathering.
Monster encounters will be a major part of the experience. Popular Riftborne monsters are scheduled to appear throughout the event area every 30 minutes, giving players regular opportunities to join group hunts, collect materials, and upgrade their equipment. The game's expanded access range and reduced waiting times for certain hunting activities are also designed to help attendees fit more gameplay into their day.
Players can earn tickets through event-exclusive quests to forge special weapons and armor. The event-exclusive weapons will cover all weapon types, while temporary reductions in the materials required to upgrade this equipment should make progression easier during the event period. Special boosts will also help players who are newer to the game or haven't fully upgraded their usual gear take part in the hunts.
There will be rewards beyond combat equipment, too. Ticket holders will receive exclusive layered equipment, while event-exclusive accessories, a Hunter Medal, and a Guild Card background offer additional ways to commemorate the occasion. The event will also introduce Sticker Hunt, a new activity in which players complete special quests to earn rewards exclusive to the live event.
The Osaka event will also bring a useful change for hunters who have invested in Nargacuga equipment. When the live event begins, weapons forged from Nargacuga materials will become eligible for Style Customization for all players.
These weapons are known for their high affinity, reaching 40% at Grade 10. Since affinity improves the chance of landing critical hits, the ability to customize these weapons could make them even more appealing for players building around critical damage. Hunters can use the new options to refine their equipment and make better use of Nargacuga's strengths.
This change also gives players another reason to gather Nargacuga materials ahead of the event, particularly if they want to upgrade their weapons and experiment with different builds.
Carnival 2026 isn't limited to battles on a phone screen. The event area around Namba will feature places for hunters to meet, photo opportunities, exhibits, and other activities designed to bring the Monster Hunter Now community together in person. Attendees can also collect event giveaways, although supplies will be limited.
The live event is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. JST on both November 14 and 15. Organizers estimate that the main gameplay content takes around three hours to complete, though attendees may want extra time to explore the event areas and participate in additional activities.
A ticket is required to access the Osaka event's exclusive gameplay, and players must enter the designated event area to begin the special quest. Hunters who can't make it to Japan will have another opportunity to participate: a separate global event is planned for November 28–29, allowing ticket holders around the world to challenge Amatsu from their own locations.
For the latest details about tickets, event activities, and rewards, visit the official Monster Hunter Now Carnival 2026 Osaka website.
