Introduction
Hey there fellow hunter! Have you heard about Monster Hunter Rise? It’s the newest game in Capcom’s crazy popular Monster Hunter series. This bad boy first launched on the Nintendo Switch back on March 26, 2021. But PC hunters didn’t have to wait too long – it came to Steam on January 12, 2022.
I don’t know about you, but I’m pumped! Monster Hunter Rise takes everything I love about Monster Hunter and kicks it up a notch. The deep action RPG gameplay is still there, don’t worry. But there are some exciting new additions that make hunting monsters more dynamic and fun than ever.
My favorite new feature has to be the Wirebug. It lets you zip around levels like Spiderman! Stringing together Wirebug moves with your flashy switch skills makes combat feel so fluid. And when you mount monsters using the Palamute’s Wirebug powers? Chef’s kiss.
Another neat addition is the NPC companion characters. Having buddies like Hinoa and Minoto along for the ride makes Rise feel like a lively, character-driven adventure. And I can’t forget to mention the new hunting grounds – they are just breathtaking! Exploring the Flooded Forest and Sandy Plains never gets old.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a greenhorn hunter, Monster Hunter Rise is worth checking out. With its revamped gameplay, vibrant world, and insane monster roster, Rise takes the Monster Hunter formula to new heights! I can’t wait to sink hundreds more hours into this bad boy. Happy hunting!
As a high-fantasy action RPG, Monster Hunter Rise retains the challenging monster hunts the series is loved for, while also lowering the barriers for new players. With its robust gameplay systems, charming worldbuilding, and multitude of colossal creatures to battle, Monster Hunter Rise stands out as one of the best entries yet in this legendary franchise spanning almost 20 years.
The Monster Hunter games first launched in 2004 and have grown into a massively popular franchise, known for their strategic real-time combat and addicting loop of taking down larger-than-life beasts and using their parts to craft new gear. Monster Hunter Rise is the newest mainline title in Capcom’s series, and it confidently evolves the Monster Hunter formula with new mobility options, animal companions, and quality of life improvements. At the same time, it retains the incredible depth and challenge veterans expect from these games.
Monster Hunter Rise is set in the fictional land of Kamura Village, which is suddenly thrown into chaos by a cataclysmic event known as The Rampage. This tower defense-style threat will require all of your hunting know-how to fend off. With an array of colossal monsters to take down using an arsenal of distinct weapons, and lush environments to explore using new tools like the Wirebug, Monster Hunter Rise delivers an exhilarating hunting action RPG experience on the Nintendo Switch and PC.
Gameplay – Weapons, Monsters, and Locales
In Monster Hunter Rise, you’ll find a variety of cool weapons to master. With 14 unique types like the Great Sword, Long Sword, Sword & Shield, Dual Blades, Hammer, Hunting Horn, Lance, Gunlance, Switch Axe, Charge Blade, Insect Glaive, Light Bowgun, Heavy Bowgun, and Bow, there are so many options to tackle every battle.
The larger weapons like Great Sword and Hammer provide raw stopping power, while lighter options like Dual Blades focus on elemental damage and speedy combos. Ranged weapons like the Bow give hunters the ability to deal sustained damage from afar. Each of the 14 weapons has extensive move sets and combos to learn, providing hundreds of hours of mastery for those who wish to main a weapon type and take it to its full potential.
Brand new monsters like the pack leader Great Izuchi, the muddy Tetranadon, and the ethereal Somnacanth join returning favorites in the roster. Rulers like the infernal Magnamalo and the frosty Goss Harag pose deadly challenges to overcome. Late-game additions like the muddy Almudron, the venomous Rakna-Kadaki, and the serpentine Wind Serpent Ibushi and Thunder Serpent Narwa provide hardcore endgame tests. With over 40 large monsters to hunt, there is no shortage of epic battles and challenges to overcome in Monster Hunter Rise.
You’ll battle these beasts across varied locales like the ancient Shrine Ruins, the icy Frost Islands, and the peaks of the Sandy Plains. Additional areas like the Flooded Forest, Infernal Springs, and Lava Caverns offer even more environmental variety. Each area is teeming with endemic life and provides different environmental advantages to utilize in your hunts. You can lure different creatures to gain advantages in battle or use the terrain to mount devastating attacks. Mastering each map and using their unique traits to your advantage is key.
| Weapon Types | Monsters | Locales |
| Sword & Shield | Somnacanth | Sandy Plains |
| Dual Blades | Magnamalo | Flooded Forest |
| Hammer | Goss Harag | Infernal Springs |
| Hunting Horn | Almudron | Lava Caverns |
| Lance | Rakna-Kadaki | Volcano |
| Gunlance | Wind Ibushi | Citadel |
| Switch Axe | Thunder Narwa | More… |
| Charge Blade | ||
| Insect Glaive | ||
| Light Bowgun | ||
| Heavy Bowgun | ||
| Bow |
New Features
Monster Hunter Rise introduces several impactful new features that evolve the Monster Hunter formula. Chief among them is the Wirebug, an insectoid grappling device that opens up new aerial moves and mobility options. Hunters can now quickly traverse maps and initiate mounting attacks on monsters like never before. Strategic use of the Wirebug can allow for spectacular finishing blows and evasive maneuvers.
Palamutes are all new canine companions that you can ride into battle. Having a Palamute by your side allows for faster movement across the hunting grounds, and their attacks can provide additional damage in the fray. Along with the returning Palico cat companions, Palamutes give hunters help on their journeys.
Many of the weapons have new Switch Skills that can be swapped to modify your play style. Great Sword for example has access to a mid-air charging attack for the first time. There are also improvements to multiplayer functionality, making playing with friends smoother than ever. Joining games, communicating, and staying connected are easier than in previous titles.
Overall these additions help modernize Monster Hunter Rise and lower the barriers to entry, while still retaining the strategic real-time combat the series is known for.
Core Monster Hunter Gameplay Remains
At its core, Monster Hunter Rise retains the satisfying gameplay loop and RPG systems that fans love about the series. Highly challenging battles demand skill, preparation, and knowledge of monster weaknesses to come out victorious. Monsters display complex behaviors and attacks that require learning and responding appropriately. Proper planning of items, traps, elemental resistances, and more are key.
There is deep progression as you use monster parts acquired from hunts to forge new armor and weapons, then take on even greater challenges. New gear provides new build opportunities and abilities to experiment with. Gathering resources for crafting ammo, potions, and other items remains a key part of success.
Despite the mechanical additions, the charming worldbuilding and design that makes exploring new Monster Hunter locations so magical hasn’t been lost either. Each area is full of life, ecosystems, and quirks that make them feel like real places. Taking in the sights between hunts retains the wonder and atmosphere Monster Hunter is known for.
Improved Accessibility for New Players
While retaining its trademark depth and challenge for series veterans, Monster Hunter Rise also lowers the barriers to entry for new players in a number of ways.
There are more comprehensive materialization and training modes to teach newcomers the ropes of hunting. Joining friends online and connecting with other players is easier than past entries thanks to streamlined multiplayer menus.
The increased mobility options like Wirebugs create faster, more fluid battles that are less punishing to new players. Gone are the days of tedious gathering quests before getting to the real action. The action starts right away, while still slowly easing players into the systems.
Overall, Monster Hunter Rise serves as the perfect entry point for fledgling hunters to get into the iconic Monster Hunter gameplay loop without being overwhelmed. Veterans can also enjoy breezing through the early game faster to get to the bigger challenges.
Conclusion
With its exhilarating combat, captivating environments, and fresh features, Monster Hunter Rise takes the addictive Monster Hunter formula and evolves it meaningfully for a new generation.
By retaining the depth fans expect while balancing accessibility for newcomers, Monster Hunter Rise stands tall as one of the very best entries in this acclaimed franchise. The developers at Capcom have once again shown their mastery of the hunting action RPG genre with this must-play Nintendo Switch and PC title.
For both veteran monster hunters and new recruits, Monster Hunter Rise provides an engrossing experience filled with crafting, customization, and most importantly, epic battles against towering beasts. With the Palamutes, Wirebugs, Switch Skills, and a huge arsenal of weapons, Monster Hunter Rise is undoubtedly the apex of the action RPG genre.
Additional Details
An expansion DLC called Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak is set to release in summer 2022, bringing even more content to this amazing game. There are episodes and community content worth checking out for any Monster Hunter Rise fan as well.
The game features a story centered around the remote ninja village of Kamura, which gets swept up in a catastrophic event called The Rampage. This tower defense-style threat unleashes waves of monsters that you must repel using everything from traps to cannons. It will take all your hunting skills to save Kamura Village from annihilation.
Monster Hunter Rise also introduces the new village of Elgado, home to a colorful cast of quirky characters who aid you on your adventures. Elgado serves as a new hub full of NPCs who offer side quests, weapon and armor crafting, training, and more.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new recruit, Monster Hunter Rise is the most accessible Monster Hunter yet while retaining the incredible depth long-time fans love. With the Wirebug mobility, Palamute companions, an amazing arsenal of distinct weapons, and larger-than-life dragons and beasts to topple, Monster Hunter Rise is the apex of action RPG gaming on the Nintendo Switch and PC platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What platforms is Monster Hunter Rise available on?
A: Monster Hunter Rise is available on Nintendo Switch and PC. The Switch version was released first in March 2021, followed by the PC version in January 2022.
Q: Does Monster Hunter Rise support cross-platform multiplayer?
A: Unfortunately no, Monster Hunter Rise does not support crossplay between Nintendo Switch and PC. Players on each platform can only play with others on the same platform.
Q: How does Monster Hunter Rise compare to World?
A: Monster Hunter Rise is more streamlined and accessible than Monster Hunter World, with quality-of-life improvements and new mobility options. However, World offers a more realistic graphics style and environment. Both are excellent games in the Monster Hunter series.
Q: Is there paid DLC for Monster Hunter Rise?
A: Yes, the massive Sunbreak expansion DLC will launch in the summer of 2022 and requires purchase to access its new story, monsters, gear, and more. Smaller DLC-like character outfits are also available.
Q: Can you play Monster Hunter Rise single-player?
A: Yes, all of the key story quests and urgent quests in Monster Hunter Rise can be taken on solo if desired. However, multiplayer allows hunting with up to 3 other players for a cooperative experience.
With its unique blend of strategic combat, RPG progression, and colossal battles, Monster Hunter Rise provides hundreds of hours of solo and multiplayer hunting action on Nintendo Switch and PC.