Monster Hunter Rise revealed - and coming to Switch in March
Fans of Monster Hunter have something to celebrate today - a brand new entry in the series, exclusive to Nintendo Switch - and it's coming out soon! The game is set to release on March 26, 2021.
Monster Hunter Rise is the latest entry in Capcom's action RPG series that was already big in Japan but catapulted to enormous western popularity with the release of the truly excellent Monster Hunter World. It was announced by Capcom and Nintendo today during a Nintendo Direct Mini, and it wasn't even the only Monster Hunter game present - Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin was also announced in the same broadcast.
While Stories 2 provides a more strictly role-playing game like Monster Hunter Experience, Rise is more like a traditional series entry, providing an evolution on the tools and skills players have found in previous entries.
As well as the standard version of the game, there will be a physical collector's edition, a digital deluxe edition, and even special amiibo that'll provide in-game unlocks. Information on these editions can be found in the press release below.
Announcement Trailer
Monster Hunter Direct
Monster Hunter Rise evolves the Monster Hunter series by providing hunters with an inventive set of new tools to track down and defeat threatening monsters. Players can tackle these challenges solo, or with up to three other hunters in local or cooperative online play. Offering a story-based RPG experience, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin will immerse players into the adventures of a new Monster Rider, as they journey to a variety of scenic locations, embark on epic quests and befriend magnificent monsters.
Monster Hunter Rise is an action RPG that will transport players to the colorful Kamura Village, an all-new serene mountain locale that attracts visitors with its unique culture and innovative hunting technologies. After hunters equip their armor and select from one of the various weapon types, all-new hunting grounds await, including the ancient Shrine Ruins and more. Featuring maps with no loading times, the continuous gameplay ensures that players will remain on their quests as soon as the hunt begins without transitions between areas.
The core gameplay experience in Monster Hunter Rise will feel familiar to previous Monster Hunter entries, but it also introduces several new and exciting mechanics for hunters to master. For the first time ever, wire-based grappling actions can be performed by using a “Wirebug” while standing or in mid-air, adding an all-new level of aerial maneuverability to hunting strategies and attacks. As players defeat monsters and progress through the game, items from fallen foes can be used to craft unique weapons and armor that will increase their chances of future success and survival.
Monster Hunter Rise will introduce Magnamalo, a menacing new flagship monster that will present a formidable challenge to hunters of all skill levels. Players can expect to confront additional new monsters like the shape-shifting Aknosom, the amphibious Tetranadon, as well as numerous fan-favorite and returning species from previous Monster Hunter games. In addition to the plethora of solo and multiplayer quests, the story mode will task aspiring hunters with discovering the secrets behind the puzzling “Rampage” events that threaten Kamura Village.
Monster Hunter Rise will also debut new hunting partners called Palamutes, personalized and rideable “Canyne” companions that will provide players with a new set of attack options, while “Felyne” Palicoes will return as support characters for actions like healing. On solo hunts, players can select both a Palamute and Palico to assist them, while multiplayer hunters can choose either one.In addition to the physical and digital standard editions of Monster Hunter Rise available for pre-order for MSRP $59.99, a special Deluxe Edition and Collector’s Edition are also being offered. The Deluxe Edition for MSRP $69.99 will include the standard edition of the game (physical or digital), as well as a digital DLC pack voucher that can be redeemed for bonus in-game content such as a “Kamurai” full layered armor set, exclusive gestures, cosmetic items and more. The limited Collector’s Edition (physical only) for MSRP $99.99 will contain everything from the Deluxe Edition, in addition to physical items including a monster icon sticker pack, Kamura Mark enamel pin and an amiibo figure of Magnamalo, the flagship monster featured in the game.
