Monster Hunter Rise’s new demo has recently rolled out, a spiritual successor to the critically acclaimed Monster Hunter: World. World deviated from the rest of the series in many ways, trying to be more of an accessible game for newcomers and returning players. Well, not only was World the most accessible Monster Hunter game we have seen in a while, but it also went on to become Capcom’s best-selling game to date. There was one unfortunate caveat, as Nintendo Switch owners never received a port to World or its expansion Iceborne. Well, that’s where Monster Hunter Rise fits in.

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While it’s not official, there is a high chance we will see a direct sequel to World. This puts Rise as somewhat of a filler between World and its hypothetical sequel. That doesn’t mean Rise will be without its own merit, as the demo offered a balance of the classic Monster Hunter titles, and the more refined experience of World. Many of the changes are really welcome, while some still have a ways to go.

While in combat, the wirebug acts as an extension to the hunter in almost every regard.

One of the biggest additions in Rise is the ability to swing around the map using an insect called a wirebug. Players load in with two wirebugs that recharge over time, but can gain access to a third wirebug while exploring. Outside of combat, hunters can use wirebugs to traverse the map and platform to various hidden locations. While in combat, the wirebug acts as an extension to the hunter in almost every regard. You can use the wirebug to evade monsters, or to be more offensive. Each of the 14 weapons has a unique silkbind move that makes use of the wirebug and the weapon to deal devastating amounts of damage. Hunters can also use wirebugs to avoid knockbacks. As a monster hits you, hunters can just make use of the wirebug to get out of danger and recover a lot sooner.



You can attack the monsters as you would in any other Monster Hunter game, but the advantages that the wirebug offers in terms of manoeuvrability makes it an instant quintessential mechanic to the series. Kinsect Glaive users won’t be the only hunters ruling the skies in Rise. Finally.

While the map is a lot of fun to explore, many players just like to get into the action. Capcom introduced the concept of riding into battle in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, and has decided to expand on that idea in Rise with the addition of a Palamute, your trusty dog-like creature. Palamutes save a lot of time in missions, as hunters can sharpen their weapons, or apply any consumable buffs on the way there. But where the Palamute really excels is the ability to jump off of it and start the fight off with an aerial attack. If that isn't enough, Palamutes will also help you in the fight, making solo fights a lot more engaging.



You can tell Capcom has put a lot of attention into streamlining the experience. Want some Potions? Just grab some herbs and it will automatically craft it for you. Collecting honey will then instantly convert those Potions into Mega Potions. This isn’t necessarily a new feature for players coming directly from World. However, the scout flies from World seemed to have been replaced by an equally frustrating arrow that hovers over the hunter’s head.

...I felt the Wyvern riding is still a little on the clunkier side of things.

Not everything in the demo was great, as I felt the Wyvern riding is still a little on the clunkier side of things. The concept of not only being able to ride these monsters, but also use their attacks against other monsters is amazing. That being said, there are a few tweaks that need to be made.

To ride a monster, it’s relatively easy. All you have to do is damage the monster using a silkband technique that requires the wirebug. When a player deals enough damage, the player will be given a prompt that allows them to ride the monster. On the other hand, players can just use the puppet spider (endemic life that can be picked up as an item), which allows them to do the same thing.



Controlling the monster is where the clunkiness comes in. The monster feels very awkward to control, as you basically aim with the analogue stick and then just click a button for the monster to torpedo in that direction. The monster has access to a light attack, a strong attack, and an evade (which becomes an emergency evade when the monster is in motion). The attacks themselves feel very lethargic. There is a noticeable waiting time between pressing the command to attack, and the monster actually attacking.

It isn’t all bad. While Wyvern riding isn’t as fluid as I would have liked it to be, there still is a lot to like about it. For instance, the Mounted Punisher move can be prompted once the necessary gauge has been built up. This deals a ton of damage, and the meter itself can be filled by attacking and staying on the creature. This comes down to how well hunters are able to micromanage everything in the middle of the hunt, as there is a mount timer that counts down how long you can ride a monster for.



Despite Monster Hunter Rise running on the Nintendo Switch, Capcom have manage to capture some of the rich environments present in World. Hunters will find all kinds of endemic life that will aid them in their hunt, from the aforementioned wirebugs to spirilbirds that boost maximum stamina and health. Petalace is a new piece of equipment that capatilises on the endemic life. Depending on the type of Petalace, the spirilbird boosts will be different. The temporary increases to stats such as attack, defense, stamina, or health can last for the rest of the hunt.

As for the actual visuals, the demo really showed what Capcom is capable of when they’re at their best. Sure, this may not hold much of a candle to its visually splendid cousin, Monter Hunter: World. But Capcom has managed to make Monster Hunter Rise feel like the World we truly deserved on the Switch, and then some.

Mizutsune’s dangerous ballet within its bubbles is a breathtaking sight...

We will have to wait for the full game to see just how well Monster Hunter Rise lives up to these expectations, but there is definitely a lot to love in the demo. Mizutsune’s dangerous ballet within its bubbles is a breathtaking sight, and we just can’t wait to see what else Rise has in store. Stay tuned to Nexus Hub for the full review.



If you’re new to the series, or just want to see what Monster Hunter Rise feels like, you can download the free demo exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch. The demo ends on the 31st of January, with Monster Hunter Rise scheduled to launch on the 26th of March, 2021.