The warping structure in your hands felt like bone, making it hard to convince the average person to play, but the handheld games are superb, without any mistakes. They were relegated to handheld systems for many years, and there was a lot of busy work in the older Monster Hunter games. Many couldn’t see what all the fuss was about, but gamers really loved it, they loved it. The Monster Hunter series was an anomaly in the industry for the longest time.
Monster Hunter World, released and transformed in 2018, presented the beloved staples of the series while also offering an enticing entry point for newcomers. Capcom achieved the impossible by making Monster Hunter World irresistible. It remains the most successful release in Capcom’s history to this day.
If you’re a newcomer to Monster Hunter, there has never been a better time to get into it, as both Rise and World offer hundreds of hours of gameplay and are critically acclaimed. The Monster Hunter franchise is going from strength to strength, with Rise being the latest installment and still being popular.
Amount of Content
Instead of relying on the sheer amount of content from monster hunting and endgame quests, the replayability and charm of Monster Hunter games come from the complex narrative and intricate storytelling. These activities can play a vital role in consuming hundreds of hours of your life, making them title-worthy offers.
Monster Hunter World
Every monster has a unique armor set that you can craft with its materials, making it truly dizzying if you include variants like Rank Master and Rank High. Monster Hunter World boasts an impressive variety of monsters and over a dozen well-designed locales, including the Arena maps.
In the game Monster Hunter, there are thousands of hours of investment without owning them all, so it’s unrealistic to imagine. There are many parts with which you can build a monster, and each weapon has an extensive list of variants. In the world of Monster Hunter, there are a total of 14 different types of weapons.
The Iceborne DLC, along with the new world hub Seliana, offers players a completely new and enjoyable experience, where they can beat the main story in Astera as a Hunter. In order to tackle the challenging endgame content of Monster Hunter World, players must carefully navigate through various unique scenarios, complete numerous quests, and interact with the generous list of events and hubs. Furthermore, hidden behind the grindy and challenging process are the most intense battles and mysterious environments in the game, such as the Guiding Lands.
In the DLC section, I will further discuss Siege Battles, which are distinctive quests that immerse Hunters in battles of a much grander magnitude than ever seen before. These extraordinary quests involve more than 10 Hunters, enabling players to form parties and collectively confront a colossal Monster. If the endeavor proves successful, players can unlock highly desired rewards and engage in prolonged battles against this formidable opponent.
Considering the first series of the game using a brand-new engine, it is admirable. The Monster Hunter games are known in this department for bringing the heat and an absurd amount of content.
Monster Hunter Rise
The Rise of Monster Hunter: Ultimate, excluding the 4 previous generations, may not extend the largest monster count in the entire series, but it may be overshadowed by World in terms of graphics department.
There are many players who won’t even use 10% of them to craft, so there are so many. The customization of weapons is the same with an extensive tree to explore. Every monster has multiple variants and a suit of armor to go with each rank, just like in World.
These Rampages are incredible when played with friends, but solo play can be challenging. Monster Hunter Rise is a blend of hunting and tower defense, and a distinctive feature of the game is the inclusion of Rampage Missions. There is a lot to discover, and while the maps may have simpler designs, the difference is minimal. However, it’s worth noting that there are fewer locations in Monster Hunter Rise.
In the game where you can bring NPCs to battle alongside you, Rise introduces Quests Follower, which arguably adds a unique couple of better additions. Although Rise doesn’t have World like Lands Guiding, it easily integrates hundreds of crazy quests into Rise, making the amount of quests in Rise even better.
If you’re not inclined to do so, they provide a significantly wider range of Creatures to combat without the necessity of incessantly grinding the mode, but I personally favor Rise’s Anomaly Investigations. I will delve into these further in the DLC section, where the World introduces the Guiding Lands.
Multiplayer
Being a part of a hunting party is at the core of the Monster Hunter experience, which makes it even better. Just like a slice of toast with friends, the console I had, my Nintendo 2DS, was always there for epic hunts. Some of my most cherished gaming memories will always be the long gaming sessions spent playing the multiplayer staple series, Monster Hunter.
Monster Hunter World
Switching between lobbies, you will have to endure lengthy loading periods on console, and if you belong to multiple clans but are in a different one than your friends, you won’t be able to easily join them. It features a perplexing clan generator and one of the most intricate friend-joining systems. Regrettably, with World, it seems determined to ruin your enjoyment, but playing Monster Hunter with friends remains unparalleled.
When playing with your companions, it is necessary to halt the mission, observe a cinematic, locate the creature, and initiate a solo mission. Your friends are unable to participate in your hunts until you have personally encountered the designated monster for the initial time. The most perplexing aspect of Worlds Multiplayer are the narrative quests.
Remember, when hunting monsters in World Hunter, you can easily take over 10 minutes to reach your team’s target location on the map, so it’s important to wait patiently.
Despite the hurdles, your favorite team is not always a hindrance. Even though there are certain things that are absolutely better, some classes of weapons are still balanced. Hunting with friends is incredibly fun, despite the clunky infrastructure of the World’s suffering.
Rarely observed outside of fully-developed MMOs is an extraordinary and pleasurable encounter, replete with Hunters flaunting their equipment; it is a one-of-a-kind, bustling Hub. However, unwinding in a lively Hub teeming with Hunters showcasing their gear offers a distinctive and gratifying experience, something seldom witnessed beyond fully-fledged MMOs. Monster Hunter World boasts an ambitious Squad System that permits the coexistence of up to 16 Hunters in a single instance. Fortunately, Hub Quests and Event Quests elude the cutscene complications, and throughout the years, World has amassed an impressive array of missions to challenge with companions.
Fatalis, a Black Dragon, is a perilous Monster that Hunters can engage in awe-inspiring cinematic quests against, thanks to the World, as a significant aspect of Monster Hunter mythology.
Monster Hunter Rise
During the session, players will naturally depart and join if the Hub is not secured. To enter the lobby, you only require the 4-digit code and for your friends to be included in your friend list. The Hub serves as the central location for multiplayer quests and Rise offers a much simpler multiplayer interface compared to World, addressing many of its problems.
Prior to engaging in battle with monsters, if someone in the party hasn’t started the missions, everyone can play but there are still cutscenes in Rise. There are numerous quests to conquer and content is still being added. Additionally, you can leave your open hunts for random players to join. It is important to note that quests are limited to 4 players, and the lobbies from World are no longer available, which may diminish the sense of community. In Rise, hubs are restricted only to Hunters 4.
Gaining precious crafting resources while participating in intense conflicts is fulfilling, and I’ve dedicated countless hours aiding fellow Hunters in this game mode. Just looking to hunt? Utilize a playlist known as Strikes from Destiny, which bears similarities to these Anomaly Investigations. In this mode, you’ll never be certain of the challenges you’ll encounter when teaming up with random Hunters against ‘Afflicted’ creatures.
Despite its impressive nature, witnessing your fellow Hunters effortlessly maneuvering on their Wirebugs, leaping through the air and engaging in Wyvernriding on the stage, is still a noticeable decrease in magnitude. However, there are still colossal creatures to overcome. The multiplayer battles remain smooth and polished, but the awe-inspiring Siege Quests from World are missing in Rise, most likely due to limitations within the system.
DLC
Sunbreak and Iceborne, respectively, bring new content to the world and introduce a rise in gameplay. These expansions are now bundled with the base game, but in a year’s time, we in the West will have the opportunity to experience them. In Japan, these expansions were traditionally exclusive and known for their high-quality DLC. Monster Hunter games offer a variety of exciting content.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne
Iceborne introduces a new base of operations, where the first few hunts in the Rank Master quests are unforgiving and the locals are new, forcing you to completely upgrade your high-rank gear.
This is a great challenge for veteran Hunters who are seeking it. Iceborne is a DLC that offers a punishing difficulty note for many players, even with excessive grinding. Many new monsters, including the Elder flagship dragon Velkhana, enter the fray.
After beating the main story, Hunters can access the Guiding Lands. This area is split into several different biomes, each with its own unique set of monsters. As you level up and unlock battles against some of the most formidable monsters in the game, you’ll notice that balancing acts as an odd but enjoyable challenge. It’s not a problem or concern, but rather an inclusion that adds diversity to the gameplay. Additionally, this odd balancing act negatively impacts others, as it levels up one area while placing others at a disadvantage. So, if you enjoy hunting through high-level areas and facing off against powerful monsters, you’ll find this non-issue to be a grinding experience.
The best thing Iceborne brings to the table is a small selection of battles designed for Hunters with the best gear in the game, reimagined with stunning graphics and featuring some of the most terrifying beasts in the Monster Hunter universe. Fatalis, the hardest and most beloved fight in Monster Hunter history, serves as a fitting reward for Hunters who manage to make it to the end of Iceborne. Additionally, fan favorites like Alatreon are also brought to life in the game.
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
The DLC offers new quests with plenty of new and challenging monsters for Rank Master. In the new world of Elgado, Hunters can take on fresh challenges and tasks with the Sunbreak Rampages.
In Iceborne’s Sunbreak, you’ll find a few extras to make up for it, but the grandeur lacks in some battles of Endgame. Sunbreak significantly increases the difficulty, but it has less grandeur than World. The stars of the show are a brand new trio of monsters called the Lords Three, whose designs are based on folklore horror/Western.
These quests were restricted to a few characters per quest, but now every Hub Quest includes them. In your side quests, you can battle NPCs with your Follower.
These battles include the entire roster of monsters, which need to be maintained. These quests allow Hunters to fight progressively dangerous versions of previous monsters. I mentioned earlier that Investigations Anomaly offers an excellent experience for Hunters who want to grind.
Min-maxers desire players who are perfect, but there is no need to defeat any content in the game with these crafts. Hunters receive Anomaly Investigations as a reward for utilizing advanced crafting methods with materials.
We doubt that we will see any hunts like Fatalis, as typically battles are on a smaller scale in the world, but Capcom has added great content in the previous updates. It’s hard to say how Sunbreak will end, as the 5 Update Title isn’t out yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is Better?
I’m upset about the massive chunk of the player base that Rise Hunter: Monster is going to win over. It doesn’t matter what I say or what the quality of both World and Rise are, there’s no denying that Rise Hunter: Monster is a high-quality game.
Although the graphics may lack fidelity, I love the faster-paced combat and the complex and deep feeling of each weapon in Rise, thanks to the Silkbind abilities that give players more ways to express themselves than ever before. Even if it misses out on the impressive Siege quests, I still prefer the streamlined multiplayer and the skills that Switch and combat faster-paced.
If you are someone who enjoys combat grounded in the previous Monster Hunter titles, you have a choice to make. Should you prioritize graphics or the sheer amount of content in the game? Both options are industry standards, and you can’t go wrong with either. I dare say you should play both.
Presentation
First and foremost, let’s acknowledge the presentation since it is a significant matter that needs to be discussed. When comparing World and Rise, there are notable disparities in their appearance, but one consistent element is the extraordinary audio. The thunderous orchestral score of Monster Hunter, featuring magnificent performances by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, is truly remarkable. The soundtrack is highly cherished, even during their live concerts.
I cannot lower World’s rating for this one, but my preferred installment in the series is exclusively found in Rise and Monster Hunter 4. Majestic music enhances the epic encounters with mythical dragons, and both games are on par in terms of sound. Additionally, Rise features a corresponding melody when battling a Rathalos in World, with each musical composition being linked to a specific Monster.
Monster Hunter World
Immersive settings create stunning visuals. However, I am not convinced that a good game necessarily has impressive graphics. It is impossible to overstate how beautiful World Hunter Monster is, and graphics are one of the main differences between these two titles that I mentioned.
If you search for them, the maps of the World typically exhibit a considerable amount of height variation with breathtaking views. The locations are vibrant with distinctive plant and animal species, and each distinct habitat is immediately identifiable in World; the maps are brimming with native wildlife.
You feel like you’re playing in a frozen wasteland and it’s rare to see snow in the Monster Hunter World game. The Iceborne DLC by Capcom showcases their impressive environment-building skills, with the Hoarfrost Reach locale being particularly impressive. It’s hard to imagine the amount of detail that has been put into the series, considering the almost decade-long history on handheld consoles. Every area, from the muggy plains of the Wildspire Waste to the dense foliage and gnarled vines of the Ancient Forest, has its own unique feel.
The addition of terrifyingly fierce appearances enhances the impact of these iconic creatures, Nargacuga and Rathalos. These monsters have never looked better, both beautiful and dangerous. Their energy-based attacks are incredibly powerful, capable of burning hunters to a crisp with fireballs.
Monster Hunter Rise
If you engage in gaming on a personal computer, the disparity becomes even more evident, and Rise was never destined to possess the same level of visual appeal as World due to the constraints imposed by hardware limitations. It appears almost unjust to draw a comparison between Rise, a game specifically tailored for the Nintendo Switch, and one of the most visually stunning games of the previous generation.
Rise offers visually stunning and stylish combat, but it also cleverly distracts with its Wirebug/Silkbind moves, which I’ll touch on later. The environments in Rise are just as varied and beautiful as its handheld predecessors, but with a massive upgrade. Overall, Rise is still a pretty game that will keep your expectations in check.
Due to the absence of real ‘showstopper’ attacks and a decrease in particle effects, some of the gravitas it possesses is lost. When compared to the World’s Offerings, Monsters may seem a bit plain, but they still have a remarkable appearance.
In a Monster Hunter game, what you desire is an encounter with a colossal creature; ultimately, numerous meticulously crafted locations are ideal for this purpose. Rise doesn’t give off a negative impression, despite the fact that the areas are undeniably simpler. The layout of the map remains as reliable as always, and while they may appear somewhat subdued, each environment in Monster Hunter Rise is vibrant.
The Armor still sets a high standard with its impressive appearance, and Palamutes are adorned with detailed and lively designs. The customization options are absolutely stunning, without any restrictions, allowing you to express your individuality whether you prefer lightweight or heavy armor.
Rise is extremely well optimized to the point where the game hardly ever goes below 30FPS. If you happen to own a Switch, you’re probably aware that numerous games on the platform struggle with inconsistent and poor frame rates. It’s truly impressive how effectively Nintendo’s game engine handles the demanding Monster Hunter Rise, especially given the intense and chaotic nature of hunts. Performance problems and interruptions can really ruin the immersive experience (I’m referring to you, Pokemon Scarlet/Violet).
Best Alternatives
If you are searching for new ways to scratch that itch for hunting, you won’t find a genre of games that offers its own unique gameplay loop in as many ways as Monster Hunter.
Useful Resources
If you’re interested in giving Monster Hunter Rise a try but don’t know where to begin, here are a few useful resources you can refer to.
Gameplay & Core Mechanics
The two possess some notable distinctions, yet both games take advantage of the same gameplay cycle. Monster Hunter: Rise and Monster Hunter: World, originating from the same franchise, have numerous resemblances, in a general sense.
Monster Hunter World
Tracking down your target is an integral part of being a Hunter in the World, where Hunters rely on the help of the Scoutflies to narrow down the whereabouts of the monster. This adds a more quest-like feel to the simple kill contracts, but sometimes the Scoutflies can be annoying little creatures that can confuse and frustrate hunters.
You can use the natural traps in each locale to lure and reward knowledgeable Hunters, taking advantage of the areas where you have an advantage. However, I’ve already mentioned the complexity of the map, so you should already know your way around each locale.
The Claw Clutch allows you to tenderize areas on monsters, launching them into walls and dealing more damage. It feels almost mandatory because it’s a point of contention in the game, and it’s added as DLC in Iceborne. The best approach to battles is usually methodical and planned, not faster-paced like the handheld titles.
Mounting, a staple of previous games, can make full use of the verticality map to knock down their foes with relentless assaults from above, making Hunters triumphant in World.
Monster Hunter Rise
When you desire to engage, it feels satisfying, but it does remove a traditional aspect of hunting that some players may long for. Creatures are displayed as tiny symbols on the map, and features such as Wirebugs and Palamutes can swiftly immerse you in the battle. In comparison to World, Rise places a greater emphasis on swiftly involving you in the action.
You can customize and tailor your playstyle to suit them, giving these combat abilities more nuance and variety. The flashy abilities that are unique to each weapon are used for the Silkbind Attacks. These same bugs are used to evade attacks and quickly traverse the map by climbing walls using the Wirebugs. The Wirebugs are the new gimmick in this title.
Silkbind abilities create high-speed battles, but if you strongly dislike them, they are not obligatory. Despite sacrificing valuable damage, you can still enjoy hunting without relying on them. Rise rewards an aggressive approach, and combat becomes arguably less structured and more instinctive. Certain mundane monsters (such as Jyuratodus, for instance) become significantly more thrilling to engage with due to this rapid tempo.
Arguably, one of the most significant changes in combat is the complete control that Riding Wyvern grants you over a monster, allowing you to ride and battle with incredible damage against your target. This feature has been a mainstay in the series for years, and the removal of mounting monsters is a short-term replacement.
Conclusion
If players want to immediately consume everything on a plate, Rise gives them the opportunity. Work is usually fun, but World makes it a job. If you want the most immersive experience, Monster Hunter World takes the top spot. If you want a more streamlined experience and instant gratification, Monster Hunter Rise is the game for you.