Niantic announced on the 7th that the Monster Hunter Now summer season event, 'Monster Hunter Now Summer Hunt 2026', is set to commence. The festivities are scheduled to run for a full week, from the 20th to the 26th.

The star of this event is the frost-wielding Elder Dragon, Velkhana, making its grand debut. Velkhana unleashes cryo-breaths that cannot be blocked, and the creature wraps itself in ice to protect its breakable parts. Once Velkhana's health drops below fifty percent, the ice armor hardens, forcing players to rely on Fire, Dragon, or Blast element weapons to shatter those defenses. Slaying Velkhana grants materials to craft new water-element weapons and the Barioth armor set.

The Barioth set comes with the 'Frostcraft' skill, which boosts ice-element attack power and allows players to absorb incoming damage as special health when activating special skills. It also features the 'Punishing Draw' skill, increasing damage output when the special gauge isn't fully charged. During the event, players can use up to two 'Special Carving Knives' per hunt, making the grind for materials significantly smoother.

Regardless of whether a dedicated ticket has been purchased, all players can challenge Velkhana at Elder Dragon Interception points. Players invited via friend links can join the hunt regardless of distance. With both HATs (Hunt-a-thons) and Elder Dragon Interceptions running 24/7 throughout the event, cooperation with hunters across the globe is effectively encouraged.

Furthermore, purchasing the 'Special Summer Hunt Ticket' doubles the base material rewards from Elder Dragon Interceptions. It also cuts the respawn timer for large monsters by 30 minutes and expands the field access range by 1.5 times.

To celebrate, Niantic is offering special free quests that grant a limited-edition medal and guild card background for defeating Velkhana, along with additional quests that provide materials to craft the Hunting Horn, 'Barioth Flute'.