Monster Hunter Rise was first revealed in a recent Nintendo Direct and appears to have changed quite a few things from its predecessor, Monster Hunter World. Monster Hunter Rise brings the series back to being portable with the Nintendo Switch and features many new monsters, locations, and game mechanics. The conflict in this game isn't only a flagship monster this time either, as a rampage seems to be affecting all the monsters players will encounter in the game. Said monsters will be found in an assortment of locations around the main base, Kamura Village.
Monster Hunter Rise showed off many changes from the previous main series title, Monster Hunter World, in its Nintendo Direct reveal trailer, as well as in its slightly longer Tokyo Game Show trailer. Perhaps the most notable change Monster Hunter Rise brings to the table comes in the form of a new tool in the hunter's kit, the Wirebug. This Wirebug not only affects the hunter's mobility, but also the design of maps, and even the pacing of combat. Something else new to the series is the addition of a companion called the Palamute. The Palamute is basically a dog version of the Palico, though it does have a few key differences in how it assists hunters. Finally (and what every fan of the series hopes for) Monster Hunter Rise will feature a host of new monsters, some of which even seem to have rivalries with returning ones.
Perhaps the most obvious change from Monster Hunter World to Monster Hunter Rise would be the monsters. After all, the flagship monster in MHW was Zorah Magdaros, a volcanic dragon the size of a small island. In comparison, Monster Hunter Rise's menacing and still somewhat mysterious Magnamalo is large, but it doesn't seem to be too different in size from other medium-sized monsters in the series, like Zinogre. Magnamalo's threat doesn't seem to come from its size though, and it might even be more dangerous than Zora Magdaros, as it seems likely that Magnamalo could have something to do with the rampage going on, as its purple energy seems to match the rampage's quite a bit. Besides the flagship monster though, the trailer also showed off four other new monsters. Aknosom (a Bird Wyvern), Tetranadon (an Amphibian), Great Izuchi (a Bird Wyvern), and a spider monster that has only been shown in passing.
What Monster Hunter Rise Gameplay Is Like
Besides changes to monsters from Monster Hunter World to Monster Hunter Rise, there's also been a great deal of change to mechanics as well. One particular mechanic that changed is the partner system, both when playing alone and online. In MHW players would have their Palico as a partner when playing solo, and, if they were to have a party with more than two people, the Palico would no longer be of assistance. In Monster Hunter Rise not only can players bring along another partner called a Palamute when playing solo, but they can also still bring along a partner of their choice when playing with friends. This new partner not only adds some interesting variety to the game either, but it's also perfectly designed to become an Amiibo in the future.
The biggest mechanic change in Monster Hunter Rise from Monster Hunter World could actually be the most impressive one; the new Wirebug feature. It might sound similar to MHW's Slinger, which allows hunters to grapple around locations, but the Wirebug is actually much more than that. Based on the trailers, the Wirebug plays a vital role in Monster Hunter Rise, even contributing to the game's name. It offers a high degree of mobility, allowing players to perform what is almost a double jump function, and can even be used in combat, providing new opportunities for combos, as well as speeding up the game's pace. This change in mobility, especially the verticality it provides, is sure to make both battles and travel in Monster Hunter Rise something to look forward to.
Monster Hunter Rise releases exclusively on Nintendo Switch on March 26th, 2021.