Monster Hunter Rise, released in 2021, is an action role-playing game developed and published by Capcom exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. Serving as the sixth main installment in the Monster Hunter series, it made its global debut in March 2021, followed by a Windows version in January 2022, and ports for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S in January 2023. An expansion pack titled Sunbreak was released in June 2022.
Rise adheres to many of the innovations introduced in Monster Hunter: World while also introducing fresh features and mechanics. These include the addition of a new animal companion known as a Palamute, usable for traversal across the map or in battle, as well as the utilization of Wirebugs for world traversal and mounting and riding certain monsters. Critical reception upon release was generally positive, with reviewers praising the gameplay and the game’s expansion of mechanics introduced in World. Since its launch, it has sold over 13 million copies worldwide, securing its position as the second best-selling game in the series. Sunbreak has also achieved significant success, selling more than 6 million copies since its launch.
Similar to previous Monster Hunter titles, Monster Hunter Rise assigns the player the role of a Hunter, whose objective is to hunt down or capture large monsters. This task involves utilizing a variety of weapons, tools, and environmental elements to weaken and ultimately defeat these creatures while evading their attacks. Successful completion of quests yields loot, typically in the form of various monster parts, which can then be used to craft new armor and weapons, facilitating the challenge of confronting even stronger monsters—an integral aspect of the series’ gameplay. Rise features the return of familiar monsters from previous entries alongside a plethora of new creatures created specifically for this installment.
All fourteen weapon types present in both Monster Hunter Generations and World are available in Rise, each blending different archetypes such as swords, shields, staves, bows, and guns. Rise adopts the seamless map system introduced in Monster Hunter: World, departing from the zoned areas typical of earlier titles. Maps in Rise emphasize vertical movement, as suggested by the game’s title, providing players with new tools to swiftly ascend. The Wirebug, akin to the Clutch Claw from Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, enables players to grapple and swing across gaps or reach higher areas. Moreover, the Wirebug interacts uniquely with each weapon type, expanding their repertoire of moves and combos. Additionally, the Wirebug facilitates Wyvern Riding, allowing players to mount and partially control certain monsters, either guiding them into more favorable areas for combat or engaging them in battle with other monsters.
Introduced in Rise, Palamutes are canine-like companions that players can ride for quick map traversal without expending stamina. These companions are also adept at scaling cliffs and engaging in combat alongside the player’s other companion option, the feline Palicoes, returning from previous games. Rise offers both single-player and local and online multiplayer modes accommodating up to four hunters in a group. In single-player modes, players can hunt alongside up to two Palico or Palamute companions. In online modes, players choose to be accompanied by either a Palico or Palamute.
In addition to the traditional hunts, Rise introduces Rampage, a tower defense mode where players must defend their base village from multiple attacking monsters. Players can set up siege weapons and direct non-player characters to assist in the defense while simultaneously engaging monsters directly. Sunbreak, the expansion to Rise, introduces the Switch Skills Swap feature, allowing players to switch between two different skill sets during hunts without returning to a base camp. Furthermore, players can befriend non-player characters in the hunting hubs, who then accompany them on hunts as companions.
