A free demo for Monster Hunter Rise is coming this evening for Nintendo Switch owners in North America (other regions are coming throughout the month). This hot news was shared via Capcom during the Monster Hunter Digital Event today.
This free demo, available only on the Switch, will give players their first taste of the latest entry in the long-running franchise. In addition to word about tonight's demo release, Capcom showed off a new "Wyvern Riding" gameplay mechanic, a new monster, and a look at returning monsters that are sure to delight fans. All of this can be seen in the video embedded (hopefully) below.
The full release of Monster Hunter Rise is slated to arrive on the Nintendo Switch on March 26, 2021. The demo runs from this evening through January 31. It will give players "ample time" to experience the various hunting options, including both offline solo and cooperative online multiplayer for up to four people. All 14 weapon types will be included in this demo.
The following modes and quests are available within the free demo:
- Training – Learn the basics of monster hunting, including an introduction to the new Wirebug mechanic and Palamute riding. Solo play only.
- Wyvern Riding – Enter an arena to experience Wyvern Riding, a new feature that allows hunters to ride and guide monsters for a period of time. Solo play only.
- Beginner Quest: Great Izuchi – Ideal for first time players or hunters who need a refresher course. Solo play, local multiplayer and online multiplayer.
- Intermediate Quest: Mizutsune – A fierce challenge for experienced players only. Solo play, local multiplayer and online multiplayer.
Check out the new footage below or read on for a bit more about the new and returning monsters. Plus, get a bit more information about Monster Hunter Rise itself.
Also revealed today, the icy Goss Harag is an entirely new monster that will make its debut in Monster Hunter Rise. This fanged beast will send a chill down hunters’ spines, as he roams through snowy fields in search of new prey and attacks using blades of ice. Goss Harag is right at home in the Frost Islands, a new snow-capped and windswept locale that was once the nesting grounds for large dragons, who only the bravest hunters would attempt to slay.
Many other classic and fan-favorite monsters will be returning to join the ever-growing roster of foes in Monster Hunter Rise. In addition to the previously-announced monsters, these seasoned threats will also make their presences known: Lagombi, Khezu, Great Baggi, Barioth, Mizutsune, and Tigrex. More new and returning monsters will be revealed in the months ahead.
About Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise is an action RPG that will transport players to the colorful Kamura Village, which attracts visitors with its unique culture and innovative hunting technologies. After hunters equip their armor and select from one of the various weapon types, all-new hunting grounds await, including the ancient Shrine Ruins, Flooded Forest and more. The debut of the new “Wirebug†mechanic allows for wire-based grappling actions that can be used to scale cliffs and other hard-to-reach areas, providing new traversal and aerial attack options. The game will also debut new hunting partners called Palamutes, personalized and rideable “Canyne†companions that will provide players with a new set of attack options, while “Felyne†Palicoes will return as support characters for actions like healing.
As Monster Hunter Rise players defeat monsters and progress through the game, items from fallen foes can be used to craft unique weapons and armor that will increase their chances of future success and survival. Hunters can tackle these challenges solo, or with up to three other players in local or cooperative online play, while also taking advantage of the versatility of the Nintendo Switch system, which allows for hunting anywhere, anytime and with anyone!
Many other classic and fan-favorite monsters will be returning to join the ever-growing roster of foes in Monster Hunter Rise. In addition to the previously-announced monsters, these seasoned threats will also make their presences known: Lagombi, Khezu, Great Baggi, Barioth, Mizutsune, and Tigrex. More new and returning monsters will be revealed in the months ahead.
About Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise is an action RPG that will transport players to the colorful Kamura Village, which attracts visitors with its unique culture and innovative hunting technologies. After hunters equip their armor and select from one of the various weapon types, all-new hunting grounds await, including the ancient Shrine Ruins, Flooded Forest and more. The debut of the new “Wirebug†mechanic allows for wire-based grappling actions that can be used to scale cliffs and other hard-to-reach areas, providing new traversal and aerial attack options. The game will also debut new hunting partners called Palamutes, personalized and rideable “Canyne†companions that will provide players with a new set of attack options, while “Felyne†Palicoes will return as support characters for actions like healing.
As Monster Hunter Rise players defeat monsters and progress through the game, items from fallen foes can be used to craft unique weapons and armor that will increase their chances of future success and survival. Hunters can tackle these challenges solo, or with up to three other players in local or cooperative online play, while also taking advantage of the versatility of the Nintendo Switch system, which allows for hunting anywhere, anytime and with anyone!