With Monster Hunter‘s popularity surging in recent years, aided by the breakthrough success of 2018‘s critically-acclaimed Monster Hunter World and its definitive Iceborne expansion, Monster Hunter Rise‘s switch exclusivity through early 2023 was long overdue to end. Rise‘s version 2.0 multiplatform update brought the title to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Game Pass right as the franchise appears poised for a new wave of mainstream recognition in Western markets.
For the 10 million+ owners of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox latest generation hardware that took the plunge after loving World, along with Xbox Game Pass subscribers gaining access to the franchise for the first time through the subscription, Rise brings a refined gameplay experience that should satisfy their monster hunting cravings as the wait for Monster Hunter 6 begins.
Reaching Wider Audiences Outside Nintendo Ecosystems
Rise launching on platforms beyond the Nintendo Switch opens the potential series pool of recurring players substantially – an important milestone reflecting Monster Hunter establishing itself firmly within popular culture globally compared to past eras where it struggled outside Japan.
| Platform | Approximate Console Sales | Potential Player Base |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | ~114 million | 114 million |
| PlayStation 5 | Over 30 million | Over 30 million |
| Xbox Series X/S | Over 15 million | Over 15 million + Game Pass subscribers |
With significantly larger console distribution than Nintendo can offer even with the dominant Switch sales, Capcom is seizing the opportunity introducing Rise to ecosystems where World popped off. This could pay dividends for the upcoming Monster Hunter 6 as well.
Core Refinements for Smoother Hunting
Rise distinguishes itself through a focus on dynamic combat compared to previous entries – almost resembling character action games like Devil May Cry at points instead of the traditionally slower-paced battles. Between new Silkbind attacks for each weapon type that unleash flashy signature moves, along with the addition of the Wirebug mechanics for grappling and launching aerial combos, hunts feel faster and more responsive now.
Combined with quality of life adjustments greeted as overdue modernizations by series fans – like Pyknics allowing easy item access, switchable skill loadouts to customize builds on the fly etc. – Rise resolves long-running franchise pain points holding back gameplay. Reviews praised how approachable yet deep the systems felt on Switch, rewarding veteran knowledge while not overwhelming newcomers.
For players who adored World, Rise brings a similar balance honed further. Side by side comparisons illustrate the advancements:
| Feature | Monster Hunter World | Monster Hunter Rise |
|---|---|---|
| Business Model | Paid Base Game + Paid Expansion | Same |
| Graphics Fidelity | Higher overall details/resolution | Scales well from 1080p – 4k |
| Loading Times | Multiple long loads beteween zones | Nearly seamless open worlds |
| Difficulty/Learning Curve | Easier onboarding, moderate endgame challenge spike | Beginner friendly onboarding, intense G/Master Rank endgame |
While Rise utilizes a greater focus on mobility and flair compared to World‘s measured, weighty attacks, both showcase the series at its peak modern engagement.
Post-Launch Support Keeps Hunts Alive
Monster Hunter employs a games-as-a-service approach nowadays, with new monsters, events, cosmetics and gear added monthly or weekly alongside seasonal festivals. This keeps the community playing together between major expansions.
Rise continues this, with over 40 free title updates released since launch introducing fan favorite beasties like Gore Magala and Gold Rathian alongside equipment to craft. An ambitious ‘Sunbreak‘ expansion launching March 2023 for all platforms also promises a 30+ hour Master Rank endgame campaign taking players to new locales – essentially ‘Monster Hunter Rise 2‘ amounts of content, continuing the game‘s lifecycle until the next mainline project.
Capcom CEO Haruhiro Tsujimoto affirmed this ongoing support Komura Village quoting: “Rise will continue to drive engagement and player retention all the way through retail promotional initiatives for Sunbreak and the continued release of digital Event Quests."
Between the hundreds of hours of optimized current content and Sunbreak extending playability further, fans will remain satiated on the rise as Monster Hunter 6 enters full production.
Recommended Entry Point for New Hunters
For Xbox owners that haven‘t embarked on this addictive monster hunting and gear crafting journey previously or PlayStation faithfuls starved for more after exhausting World, Rise serves as a perfect entry point with more mobility-focused gameplay and quality features improving the existing formula‘s sharpness.
Some key questions new hunters may have include:
Should I get Rise or World first?
- Both are excellent starting points benefiting from lessons learned over the franchise‘s lifetime. Rise may have a slight edge for absolute newcomers given mobility options more forgiving to beginners. I recommend playing both!*
Is Sunbreak worth getting with the base game?
- Sunbreak essentially contains a whole sequel‘s worth of content – easily 80+ hours of Master Rank quests alone atop the base game‘s completion time. Think of it as Monster Hunter Rise 2! Well worth it for devoted hunters.*
How does the PS5/Xbox version compare to Switch?
- With buttery smooth 60 FPS options at 4K resolution and much faster loading, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S ports edge out even Switch‘s original release performance wise! No compromises for home console owners.*
Welcome to Kamura Village, the gathering hub where your monster hunting journeys through gorgeous living ecosystems filled with exotic creatures begin – happy hunting!
