A free trial for Monster Hunter Rise is now available on Nintendo Switch Online, giving subscribers a chance to try the game risk-free before the Sunbreak expansion releases later this year. Capcom’s sixth mainline installment in the Monster Hunter series debuted last year as a Nintendo Switch exclusive before dropping on PC in January 2022. The game tasks players with hunting and slaying powerful monsters that threaten the peaceful Kamura Village. The game has received some free DLC, including multiple Capcom collaborations, such as one that brought content from Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, and another that introduced Okami’s Amaterasu as a Palamute costume.
While its developers have dropped occasional updates for Monster Hunter Rise – like the Monster Hunter Rise Version 3.0 update that added two monsters to the game – Capcom has yet to drop a full DLC expansion pack. That changes very soon, as Capcom plans to launch the massive Sunbreak expansion sometime this summer. The brand-new expansion was showcased at last September’s Nintendo Direct, and the cinematic trailer teased new environments and an enormous dark dragon mob, which players will likely have to fight. Monster Hunter Rise’s paid expansion pack will likely add new monsters, locations, and stories into the mix, giving veteran Monster Hunter players new adventures to experience. More information for Monster Hunter Sunbreak is set to drop on Tuesday, March 15 at 10:00 am ET during a 20-minute livestream on Twitch.
According to VG247, a free trial for Monster Hunter Rise is available now on Nintendo Switch Online. The trial is only available in North America and Europe until March 17; however, all progress completed during that time can be transferred over to the full game when purchased. Only Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can access the free trial, though it is available under the standard model, as opposed to the Plus Expansion Pack membership. A seven-day trial of Nintendo’s online service is available, which means players can try both out simultaneously risk-free.
After its Switch release, Monster Hunter Rise was ported to PC in January and reviews pointed out its impressive graphics and performance improvements not previously available on the Nintendo Switch. Despite the obvious improvements to the PC port, the Nintendo Switch version was critically acclaimed regardless of technological limitations. While the digital download of Monster Hunter Rise is available on the Nintendo Switch store for just under $40 USD, the free trial allows players to get started on their adventure without having to pay for entry. It also gives Nintendo Online subscribers the opportunity to try the game ahead of Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak.
Subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online costs $3.99 USD per month, but drops to $7.99 USD for three months and $19.99 USD per month for a twelve-month pack. While many criticized the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack for its slate of underwhelming features for a hefty price, the standard model still provides good value, especially at lengthier subscriptions. Being able to try blockbuster games like Monster Hunter Rise is one such advantage, especially for those on the fence about jumping into Capcom’s successful franchise.
Source: VG247