Monster Hunter Rise is an action role-playing game where players take on the role of a hunter tasked with tracking and defeating large monsters in a series of quests. The core experience revolves around exploration, combat, and progression through better equipment crafted from monster materials. Available on PS5, it emphasizes both solo play and cooperative sessions with up to three other hunters.
Gameplay
The gameplay centers on a loop of preparing for hunts, engaging monsters in the field, and using gathered resources to improve gear. Hunters select from 14 weapon types, each with distinct movesets that support different approaches such as heavy close-range strikes or ranged attacks. Movement and positioning rely heavily on the Wirebug, a tool that enables quick grappling to walls, aerial maneuvers, and special Silkbind attacks tied to each weapon.
Combat involves learning monster patterns and exploiting openings, with the added layer of Wyvern Riding. This mechanic allows temporary control of a weakened monster to turn it against others or deliver powerful environmental attacks. Buddies accompany the hunter, including the familiar Palico feline companions and the newer Palamute canine mounts that aid in traversal and support during fights. Maps feature verticality and sub-areas that encourage use of the Wirebug for efficient navigation and ambushes.
Game Modes
Quests fall into categories that support different play styles. Village quests focus on the main storyline and can be tackled solo with buddy support. Hub quests scale for multiplayer, allowing teams of up to four players to coordinate against tougher targets while maintaining balanced difficulty. The Rampage represents a distinct quest type where hunters defend Kamura Village from waves of attacking monsters in a large-scale defensive scenario.
Players can switch weapons freely at equipment boxes between quests, encouraging experimentation without permanent commitment. Multiplayer sessions occur through the Hunter Hub, with options for local or online cooperation. Solo hunters benefit from AI-controlled buddies that provide utility in combat and gathering.
Story and Setting
The narrative unfolds in the village of Kamura, a settlement recovering from past threats. Fifty years after the previous major incident, a new Rampage looms, prompting the player character to train and collaborate with local residents. The setting draws from Japanese folklore for several monster designs, blending familiar creatures with new ones that exhibit unique behaviors and habitats. Progression ties directly to unraveling the causes behind these events through successive hunts and village interactions.
Is It Worth Playing?
Monster Hunter Rise suits players who enjoy methodical combat, gear progression, and monster-hunting loops in an action RPG framework. Its systems reward practice with weapons and monster knowledge, while the addition of Wirebug mobility and Wyvern Riding keeps encounters dynamic. Multiplayer scales well for groups, and solo play remains viable with buddy assistance. The PS5 version runs smoothly and includes post-launch refinements from earlier platforms. Reception has been consistently positive among fans of the genre for its refined mechanics and content depth, making it a strong choice for those seeking extended play sessions focused on mastery rather than quick sessions.
