The next entry into the Monster Hunter franchise is out now on PC & Nintendo Switch. Following a franchise resurgence with 2018’s Monster Hunter World, ‘Rise’ takes what was established in World and somehow improves upon it with the limited Switch hardware thanks to the magic of Capcom’s RE Engine. The new title also introduces its own new mechanics such as a dog like creature known as a Palamute which can be rode while out on the hunt and Wirebugs for further agility & travel across the in-game battle map.

Monster Hunter Rise is a 2021 action RPG, it is developed & published by Capcom and is currently available on PC and exclusively on the Nintendo Switch for console.

Editor’s Note: A Nintendo Switch review code for Monster Hunter Rise was provided by Capcom in support of this review. Limited spoilers for Monster Hunter Rise’s story may be present within this review.

A hunter and his dog (and cat).

After nearly two decades of releases the Monster Hunter franchise finally found its mainstream stride following the release of Monster Hunter World. Taking mechanics that were presented in World, Rise improves on them and yet still manages to feel like it’s own game with its own additions to the franchise. Rise in the end because of this possesses a rare people pleaser ability for veteran players and newcomers alike.

Hunter monsters in a semi-open world.

THE GOOD: The base game of Monster Hunter Rise has you playing as a Hunter from the Kamura Village. Twins Hinoa & Minoto introduce you to the leader of the guild Fugen to congratulate you on your promotion. He later warns of signs for an event known as “The Rampage” a calamity in which a horde of monsters attacked Kamura. A similar event occurred in Kamura about fifteen years prior to the start of the game. Fugen sends the player out on tasks to prepare for the impending calamity event as further signs arise. This includes the sudden and much more frequent arrival of more powerful monsters.

Monster Hunter Rise brings back several features which made their debut in Monster Hunter World. Making significant tweaks for these mechanics and the overall game to have a much more player friendly approach it also introduces somethings exclusive to Rise such as the Wirebugs. Wirebugs give you further access to the game map by granted you the ability to climb the air and scale mountain sides. A second animal companion in the Palamute which you can ride and have aid you in battle is also present. The seamless map from World also returns reflecting the use of the Wirebugs for wider travel. Wirebugs also react to the player’s choice of weapon type for more combos. It also allows the player to capture and ride certain larger monsters to aide them in battle.

Face off against terrible beasts with up to three friends in Monster Hunter Rise.

Going back to similarities to World, there’s about fourteen weapon types. This range from swords, bows, shields, and even guns. Each type have their own strengths and weaknesses so you may want to test out as many as you can to fit your own style of play. Multiplayer also returns allowing you and about three friends to go out on quests & hunts together. However, animal companions have been limited in online with the players only being able take a single Palamute or Palico with them. New to the franchise is a brand new Rampage mode which acts as a tower defense mode where you defend a base from monsters. You can also command NPCs to use long-ranged weapons while you attack the monsters directly.

In order to get new weaponry and gear you have to acquire certain monster parts. Doing extras like ending the mission having acquired an egg from a monster’s nest will net you bigger loot for better gear. You can also acquire plants for items to aide you in battle such as health potions. There’s quite a bit to get the hang of when you first boot the game up. And it can be a bit overwhelming & terrifying, but this is true for nearly every entry. Once you get the hang of it though it can be insanely rewarding and some of the most fun you’ll have in a while. Difficulty wise I found the game to be pretty fair. No one monster fight felt too easy or too hard where I thought I needed to do it with friends or random players. There are quests for more seasoned players that can get to that point but that’s by design. The base game never really had a feeling of impossibility at any point.

Though initially confusing as hell Rise is an addictively good time when you get it.

THE BAD: Mobster Hunter Rise is one of the greatest games to release on Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, due to the Switch’s limited & admittedly dated hardware Rise suffers a bit in the performance department. This is mainly limited to poor frame rate issues. Though you don’t encounter them too often when you do you really feel it. Honestly it’s kind amazing Capcom was able to run any RE Engine built game on Switch and really makes you question developers opting for cloud versions of their games on the hybrid vs native ports. The game is also crazy addictive so if you’re someone who appreciates their time & time management then you may want to watch out for this one.

Use the monsters you kill to create more powerful weaponry & gear.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Monster Hunter Rise continues the mainstream success brought over from World by being a welcoming all-comers entry regardless of experience. You can at times feel the limitations of the Nintendo Switch, but these minor inconveniences are nothing more than a slight annoyance. The greater overall package, approachability, fun factor of Monster Hunter Rise far outweigh any existing issues the game has.