Yeah, I just installed the apk from an older release off apkmirror and installed Pro from the play store. I also disabled auto-update in the play store for both. You should look up if your OS can disable network connectivity on an app to app basis, the steps are different on each OS but it’s usually buried somewhere in the settings. If your OS is unable to do so, I would use Netguard to prevent applications from using the internet.
Edit: Like someone already mentioned, the apk for each release is also available in the Nova launcher discord server.
I was running Charge Blade throughout the campaign of Sunbreak and I decided to pick up Insect Glaive once I hit MR6 last week. I love this damn weapon. You can play it on the ground or go into the air and target monster parts that are hard to reach otherwise.
Unfortunately there’s a bit of a learning curve on which kinsect to use (I believe powder and assist are the preferred ones and dual color can speed up the harvesting process), where to aim for extracts on each monster and finding which combos/switch skills work best for you. Despite the initial complexity, it’s my favorite weapon thus far (I’ve used every melee weapon other than switch axe but the bulk of my hunts are with hammer, dual blades and charge blade).