Monster Hunter Rise, the latest iteration in the Monster Hunter series, is available now for Nintendo Switch. The game will be coming to PC at a later date.

Despite being labeled as the same “generation” as Monster Hunter World, the game introduces plenty of new features with a primary focus on mobility. They’ve also introduced a new companion, the Palamute.

The main way the game does this is with its unique new feature, the Wirebug. This allows you to grapple, as well as even recover yourself when you’re knocked down. The wirebug also has Silkbind moves, special moves that consume your charges to let you do big damage.

Another new feature they’ve introduced is Wyvern Riding, which builds upon the mounting mechanic from previous games. This lets you commandeer roaming monsters, letting them fight other monsters or ramming them into walls to damage them.

Monster Hunter Rise also introduces a new village named Kamura, where you’re getting to the bottom of the mystery of the Rampage. You’ll get to play through the Rampage as well, in a pseudo-tower defense minigame where you fight off multiple monsters before fighting off a powerful Apex monster.

The launch trailer also detailed the first free title update, due late April. This features an Apex Rathalos, and it’s unclear if this is the same update that introduces Chameleos.

For those on the fence, the demo is still available for the game, or you can read our own first impressions of the demo here.

Monster Hunter Rise

Publisher: Capcom

Developer: Capcom

Release Date: 2021-03-26

Nintendo Switch

The critically acclaimed action-RPG series returns to the Nintendo Switch™! Set in the ninja-inspired land of Kamura Village, explore lush ecosystems and battle fearsome monsters to become the ultimate hunter. It’s been half a century since the last calamity struck, but a terrifying new monster has reared its head and threatens to plunge the land into chaos once again. Hunt solo or in a party with friends to earn rewards that you can use to craft a huge variety of weapons and armor. Brand new gameplay systems such as the high-flying ‘Wire Action’ and your canine companion ‘Palamute’ will add exciting new layers to the already robust combat that Monster Hunter is known for. Whether it’s at home, on the go, online or offline - you’ll always be ready for your next hunt on the Nintendo Switch™!