The Monster Hunter series once had a cult following. That is until 2017’s Monster Hunter: World opened up the series to the masses. In 2021, Nintendo Switch got Monster Hunter Rise, a game which opened up the series to an even larger and more casual audience.

It’s no surprise that this once-Nintendo exclusive has made the jump to the PlayStation and Xbox in 2023. Monster Hunter Rise is built around all the things that worked so well in World while also pushing everything that little bit further.

Monster-Centred

It must be said that no one is playing these game for the story. Even so, Rise has a pretty weak tale compared to the other games in the series. However, it does, just about, hold it all together.

Seeing you having to defend you’re village from the threat of ever growing monster attacks, due to the ‘Rampage’. The Rampage was an event that hit your village some 50 years ago but has returned. It’s no secret that the ‘real’ tales that are to be told are the ones you and your mates will forge in the games signature epic hunts.

Gameplay-wise, Monster Hunter Rise sticks to its guns mostly as you build up your character by hunting bigger and more deadly beasts.

As you slay them you’ll be able to craft better gear from the bits of the monsters you slay, which makes your different armour sets and is addictive gaming loop, as you try to grab those last few pieces you need to craft the full set.

Hunt-Ready

You can pick from two sorts of quest “Village” quests which are seen as story focused and can be played in solo and “Key” quests which are more multiplayer focused offerings where the most fun is to be found.

There are 14 different weapon classes to pick from (though no new ones if you’re looking for anything different to try), each with pros and cons. Also each takes time to truly master, as they all control differently and change the flow of battles.

Monster Hunter Rise takes a lot of the ideas that Worlds added to the series. Stuff like loading smaller maps and using items on the move. If you have played hundreds of hours of World, much of Rise will feel like second nature now.

Monster Stepping

Monster Hunter Rise does bring new elements to the table. The biggest being the wirebug – a sort of rechargeable grappling hook that lets you dart around the area super-fast.

Monster Hunter Rise also lets you climb which adds a new sense of verticality to the game. Climbing can also be used in battle lending more depth and variables. The game also adds an excellent new recovery move if you get knocked down.

Also new is the ability to ride a mount in the form of your furry new Palamute buddy. This is a big dog/wolf that will also help you out in a fight, as well as streamline more of the games mundane tasks, like sharpening your weapon on the move.

Monster Upgrade

More interesting, though, are gameplay changes around the monsters themselves. You can rodeo them over to other creatures and fight, which is as fun as it sounds. However, it must be noted that this ability never finds use as much as you may like. And trust us you’ll need the extra help as the game is packed with monsters to battle.

There are some 50+ to find with a solid selection of them available from the get-go. Each has a strong mythical Japanese folklore vibe to them.

New additions to the roster like Magnamalo, Almudron and Tetranadon are very welcome. Monster variety and sheer quantity are now spot on, aided by how the game doles them out.

You’ll be forced to try a few different strategies and pushed out of your comfort zone on plenty of occasions. The monster lineup does an impressive job of keeping the core mechanics fresh for far longer than they have any right to.

There is also a horde/tower defence mode called Rampage which feeds into the threads of the core tale – where you set up defences to battle waves of attacking monsters, which is a fun and fresh take on things. Plus it’s a lot of fun if you’re playing with a group of your mates, baging some sweet gear for completing Rampages.

Port Issue

Monster Hunter Rise‘s port to 9th gen. systems is not without its issues. As you may expect having come from the Switch, there are a few lo-res textures and effects in the mix. And the whole thing lacks the level of polish World. It must be noted that this build runs like melted butter, which the Switch version could only dream of.

Monster Hunter Rise vertical — 2023 on the Xbox Series X

Another issue is that the Xbox and PlayStation versions are missing the Sunbreak expansion which is set to launch later in the year. Cheeky Capcom.

Fans of Monster Hunter will love Rise. It’s more of what makes the series great while also building on the foundation that World had laid down. is welcoming and very accessible to newcomers, all of which makes it a hunt well worth taking.