Find the games you're looking for
Monster Hunter: Rise
Critics Consensus (Play It)
Streamlined action, consistently engaging combat, and smart additions to gameplay – like the Wirebug – propel the series forward, making Monster Hunter Rise an essential addition to your Nintendo Switch library.
Game Info
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.
0%
Recommended
0%
Average Score
Total Reviews: 102
Nom: Best RPG (2021) Nom: Best Action Game (2021), Editors' Choice
Gold TIER
56% of scored reviews fell within the range of 86 to 92 / 100
RELEASE DATES:
GENRES:
- Action, RPG
DEVELOPER(S):
- Capcom
PUBLISHER(S):
- Capcom
SERIES/FRANCHISE:
- Monster Hunter
GAME MODES:
- Co-operative, Multiplayer, Single player
GAME ENGINE:
- RE Engine
Where to Play
WHERE TO PLAY
** VSG may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
RATING & REVIEWS
Ratings & Reviews
102
Critic Reviews
88
Average Critic Score
Where to Play
CRITIC REVIEWS
All reviews are from professional critics. Learn more about the critics VSG aggregates.
High Score
100%
Median Score
90%
Low Score
70%
What did you think of Monster Hunter: Rise?
Player Reviews0 Votes
0
Tom Marks (IGN)
March 25, 2021
8/10
Monster Hunter Rise mixes classic Monster Hunter ideas with some of World’s best improvements and a whole bunch of clever new mechanics of its own.
Martin Robinson (Eurogamer)
March 23, 2021
Recommended
With smart additions that move the series forward, this is the most accessible, deepest and simply very best Monster Hunter to date.
Hirun Cryer (GamesRadar+)
March 23, 2021
4/5 stars
Monster Hunter Rise is a great adventure, providing fascinating new tools like the Wirebug and walking a fine line between arcade and fast-paced HD gameplay. The Rampages are a neat new addition when used sparingly, but a reliance on online hunts to finish Rise’s story is a puzzling step.
VSG News
Embracer Group CEO Takes Responsibility for Restructuring, Announces Major Company Split
Assassin’s Creed Jade Release Likely Delayed to 2025 as Tencent Shifts Focus
PlayStation 5 Pro: Leaked Specs Reveal a Major Upgrade, Release Hinted for Holiday 2024
Xbox Games Hit New Platforms: Pentiment, Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, and Grounded Coming to Other Platforms
Xbox Reaches Beyond Consoles: 4 Games to Rival Platforms, and What It Means
Score Ranges
Read the Reviews (102 total)
| Outlet | Author | Score | Date | Quote | Read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AnaitGames | Víctor Manuel Martínez García | 8 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | It may not be a step forward, but it is a very solid and clever addition to the Monster Hunter series, and proof that Capcom really knows what’s best for it. | Read review |
| Areajugones | Cristian M. Villa | 9 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is the return of the Capcom franchise to the Nintendo ecosystem, and it does so by offering a great experience for the player. Whether you’re both a veteran and a novice, Monster Hunter Rise drinks and feeds the latest news from the franchise, incorporating a number of new features such as the Frenzy and The Machine that keep ip at a very high level. | Read review |
| Atomix | Sebastian Quiroz | 90 / 100 | 04-02-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is the perfect introduction to the series. One of the best games on the Nintendo Switch and a solid candidate for the best of the year | Read review |
| Attack of the Fanboy | Dean James | 4.5 / 5 stars | 04-07-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise takes the best elements from the series and mixes them with a few new mechanics to give players a fresh experience that is the most accessible in the franchise to date. | Read review |
| AusGamers | pikamus | 9 / 10 | 03-24-2021 | com/games/monster-hunter-generations-ultimate/review/” target=”_blank”Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate | Read review |
| CGMagazine | Cole Watson | 9.5 / 10 | 03-31-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is shaping up to be my favourite Monster Hunter to date. From the fluid and in-depth gameplay, to the ingeniously designed new monsters, to the insanely fun gimmicks that add new levels of mobility, Capcom has outdone themselves with their latest entry in the franchise yet again. | Read review |
| Chalgyr’s Game Room | Richard York | 8.75 / 10 | 04-12-2021 | Overall, Monster Hunter Rise is a stellar addition to the franchise, introducing quality of life improvements, some really great new monsters, doggos, and a really well functioning online mode. The new Rampage Quests are pretty neat, and are really fun as a group, but can get a little frustrating depending on how many and what type of monsters are introduced at the same time. While Rise definitely feels “short” in comparison to other titles, there is a lot to love about the direction Rise has taken. | Read review |
| Checkpoint Gaming | Tom Quirk | 9 / 10 | 03-24-2021 | There were high expectations with Monster Hunter Rise, following World’s success and returning to a more portable console. Fortunately, Rise has taken note of the franchise’s most successful elements, and refined them into the best Monster Hunter yet. By continuing the streamlining that Generations and World started, Rise has focused on making the actual hunting the most engaging it has ever been. | Read review |
| COGconnected | Rhett Waselenchuk | 95 / 100 | 04-03-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is everything I had hoped it would be, and more. It’s welcoming to beginners while still retaining that deep core experience that longtime players know and love. It’s challenging, but never in ways that feel unfair or cruel. And the attention to the details that are meant to keep one smiling is something you don’t see too often. Every inch of Rise plays like it’s the culmination of the series’ best ideas. Subsequently, I’m enormously excited to continue my journey in discovering what else Capcom has crammed into the game. I’m 20 hours in, and I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface. So, excuse me, my next hunt awaits. | Read review |
| Critical Hit | Brad Lang | 9 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | Monster Hunter: Rise is fantastic from start to finish. It feels like a game that many will come to consider an essential on the Nintendo Switch thanks to its stunning graphics, addictive gameplay loop, consistently engaging combat, and bountiful bowls of unlockable content. Oh, and fighting alongside giant cats and dogs is simply too cool. | Read review |
| Cubed3 | Sandy Kirchner-Wilson | 9 / 10 | 04-22-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is a triumph. It may not have the shiny 4k HDR visuals of its predecessor but the more modest, design-driven visuals are a delight to behold. Gameplay is as solid as ever and features much more freeform with the new traversal tools putting it above many of the other games in the series. The new setting and characters create a much more involved scenario full of charm and fun Japanese influences. For fans of monster hunter this is an absolute no-brainer but for new players, this is a fantastic place to start. Not only will Rise teach everything there is to know about its systems, but it is one of the purest fun experiences currently available on Nintendo Switch. | Read review |
| Daily Mirror | Eugene Sowah | 5 / 5 stars | 03-26-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is an amazing game and probably one of the best titles on the Nintendo Switch. Veterans of the series may feel there is more emphasis on the action elements of the game compared to previous entries, but I feel that the game does well to balance the RPG elements with the action. The few other tweaks made to Monster Hunter Rise are fully welcomed as they don’t take away what made previous titles great making it one of the best games in the series. | Read review |
| DASHGAMER.com | Ruby Rawlins | 9 / 10 | 04-01-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is quite possibly the best Monster Hunter has ever been. Sure there may be a need to deliver more behemoths in the future but each of the monsters is given a lot of love and time in the spotlight. Capcom has created a world worth protecting despite some questionable additions and design decisions. Monster Hunter Rise is a compulsory buy for JRPG lovers, and an essential for Switch owners. | Read review |
| Destructoid | Chris Carter | 9 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | Like a lot of Monster Hunter games, I slowly started to get more and more acclimated to Rise until I hit a positive tipping point. Once it clicked, it was hard to go back to the old ways, before the wirebug opened up combat and the theme was arguably the most on-point it’s ever been. Rise should delight fans both new and old, as long as the former group is willing to work a little bit for it. | Read review |
| Digital Trends | Josh Brown | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-23-2021 | Post-game updates will ultimately decide whether this is a sure-fire classic or simply a solid stepping stone to something greater, but even at launch, Monster Hunter has never felt better. | Read review |
| Digitally Downloaded | Matt Sainsbury | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-24-2021 | It might be aesthetically different – completely different, in fact | Read review |
| Easy Allies | Ben Moore | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-23-2021 | The thrill of the hunt radiates strongly in Monster Hunter Rise, which does so much to honor the series’ respected legacy. | Read review |
| Echo Boomer | David Fialho | Recommended | 04-09-2021 | Like the games before, it’s not an easy ride from the get go, but when it clicks Monster Hunter Rise is fun, challeging and adicting. Smaller in scale, ambitious in execution, a great fit for the Nintendo machine. | Read review |
| Eurogamer | Martin Robinson | Recommended | 03-23-2021 | With smart additions that move the series forward, this is the most accessible, deepest and simply very best Monster Hunter to date. | Read review |
| Everyeye.it | Antonello Bello | 9.5 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | Carefully mixing the most successful features of Monster Hunter: World, the “classic” structure of the old episodes, as well as a tasty roundup of novelties and sensational improvements to the quality of life, such as canyne and thread insects, tsujimoto’s team managed to synthesize an almost perfect playful formula. | Read review |
| Expansive | Laurie Jones | Recommended | 04-26-2021 | Whether you want to dip into it for an hour here and there, or stay glued to the screen for an entire weekend, Rise is an incredible accomplishment in every sense of the word. With a ton of depth to get the most of your battles, a fulfilling end-game, and a ton of updates still to come, this is the most generous and rewarding third party exclusive on Switch. | Read review |
| Fextralife | Fexelea | 9 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is an excellent entry into the series that enhances RPG and combat mechanics while also keeping the game accessible to newcomers. A fun, addictive and satisfying experience for the old school and uninitiated alike, MHR will likely be the best game out on Switch all year. | Read review |
| Game Informer | Jason Guisao | 7.8 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | Fighting different beasts is always a blast. However, the time you spend outside of combat pales in comparison to your epic encounters | Read review |
| Game Rant | Greysun Morales | 4.5 / 5 stars | 04-07-2021 | Even though the difficulty isn’t what die-hard fans might be looking for, there’s no denying that Monster Hunter Rise is the most accessible title in the series to date. Its systems and mechanics will be confusing for brand-new players at first, but once they really get into it and learn what everything is about, players can look forward to a thrilling and exciting hunting experience with so much content to offer. And with free title updates coming soon from Capcom, there will be even more quests to partake in and monsters to hunt. This isn’t the ultimate package that World and Iceborne was, but the compact nature of Monster Hunter Rise feels perfect on the Switch and will definitely serve as a blueprint for future entries. | Read review |
| Game Revolution | Jason Faulkner | 4.25 / 5 stars | 03-23-2021 | Fans who love Monster Hunter exclusively for the hunts will likely welcome the raised emphasis on taking on major monsters as quickly as possible. However, Rise is missing some of the worldbuilding of Monster Hunter: World, which will make it feel a bit emptier for players who prefer to stop and smell the roses. | Read review |
| Gameblog | Jonathan Bushle | 9 / 10 | 03-24-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is probably the best episode of the saga, as it is taking all the new stuff from Monster Hunter World and improving the formula again to make the hunt more pleasant than ever, especillay if you are fond of japanese folklore. A must have for fans and the best way to discover the franchise, wherever you want. | Read review |
| GameGrin | Owen Chan | 8 / 10 | 04-26-2021 | Ignoring leaks and datamines, the return to Switch feels like a revival and if this is supposed to be the B-Team’s game, I think I know what games I’ll be more interested in moving on. But that said, for a Monster Hunter game, the core game is only just better than World at launch but is open about stopping you from progressing further until a later date. | Read review |
| GameMAG | Unknown | 8 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is something of a middle ground between Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Generations, and yet not something that incorporates best aspects of both titles. Rise is a great action game, that brings back some questionable mechanics, and for some reason completly forgets about some interesting old ideas. | Read review |
| GamePro | Stephan Zielke | 82 / 100 | 03-23-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise improves the gameplay of the series in almost all respects, but allows itself to be carved in atmosphere and balance. | Read review |
| Gamer Escape | Grant Dotter | 10 / 10 | 04-05-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise thus exceeded every expectation I had. It’s just as, if not more fun than World, and that’s saying a lot. Whether you are a veteran hunter or you’ve never laid eyes on the series before, you owe it to yourself to at least try it. It is absolutely among the best games on the Switch. It’s also a technical achievement for the platform and a system seller. | Read review |
| Gamers Heroes | Johnny Hurricane | 9 / 10 | 04-01-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is not only an excellent Switch game, but also an early game of the year contender. If you don’t mind a bit of grinding, you won’t be disappointed. | Read review |
| GamesBeat | Mike Minotti | 80 / 100 | 03-23-2021 | Instead, Rise is all about hunting monsters. Which, you know, seems appropriate for a franchise named Monster Hunter. Capcom has done a great job bringing this series to Switch, and new features like the Palamute and wirebug make this a more fast-paced experience. | Read review |
| GameSkinny | Ashley Shankle | 10 / 10 | 04-06-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise does more than rise to the occasion: it utterly outdoes itself. | Read review |
| GameSpot | Richard Wakeling | 9 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise’s renewed focus on fully-fledged action represents the series at the peak of its powers. | Read review |
| GamesRadar+ | Hirun Cryer | 4 / 5 stars | 03-23-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is a great adventure, providing fascinating new tools like the Wirebug and walking a fine line between arcade and fast-paced HD gameplay. The Rampages are a neat new addition when used sparingly, but a reliance on online hunts to finish Rise’s story is a puzzling step. | Read review |
| GameXplain | GameXplain | Recommended | 03-23-2021 | Video Review | Read review |
| Gaming Nexus | Eric Hauter | 9.5 / 10 | 04-05-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise pulls the best features from past games to create an experience that feels particularly tuned for a handheld system. With plenty of quality-of-life improvements and several fun new mechanics, Rise pushes the franchise forward while retaining all of the depth and fun that fans expect. Another stellar release from Capcom. | Read review |
| GamingBolt | Pramath | 9 / 10 | 03-29-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is mechanically the best game in the series yet, delivering a superlative experience to long time fans and newcomers alike, and also quite possibly the best game to have launched on the Switch since Breath of the Wild. | Read review |
| GamingTrend | David Flynn | 90 / 100 | 04-04-2021 | While it’s still too difficult to get into, Monster Hunter Rise is the best entry to date. Hunts feel faster and more dynamic than ever and additions like Weapon Swap Skills, Wyvern Riding, Palamutes, the Rampage, and especially Wirebugs keep the gameplay fresh and exciting. | Read review |
| GBAtemp | Scarlet Bell | 9 / 10 | 04-12-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is the best Monster Hunter experience to date from a gameplay standpoint. Iterating magnificently from World’s shift in pace, the Wirebug gives you freedom and manoeuvrability in a way the clutch claw could only dream of. What holds it back at launch is its limited content offering, leaving long-time fans like myself dead in the water while we wait for the first of what will hopefully be many major content updates. For those wanting everything I’d recommend waiting a few months, or even grabbing the PC release next year. But for others content with a steady stream of new content to keep them coming back, there is no better time to jump into the series. | Read review |
| God is a Geek | Mick Fraser | 9.5 / 10 | 03-25-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise brings enough quality of life improvements that it’s arguably better than World was at launch. A strong line-up of monsters, loads of stuff to grind through, and the series’ highest level of accessibility to date make Rise one of the Switch’s best games and an absolute must-have for series fans. | Read review |
| GotGame | David Poole | 9.5 / 10 | 04-10-2021 | Overall, Monster Hunter Rise is an incredibly impressive feat. It looks amazing, plays fantastically, and it’s chock full of everlasting charm and replayability. The quality of life improvements far outweigh the sacrifices, and the game is as addicting as it ever was. With a great selection of monsters to hunt, plenty of new features, and new buddies to love, this is quickly rising up to being a new fan favorite. Whether you’re a monster hunting pro or taking your first venture, Monster Hunter Rise is a fantastic game to play for hours on end. | Read review |
| GRYOnline.pl | Mikołaj Łaszkiewicz | 9 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | Monster Hunter: Rise is a must-buy for all fans (because it is THE best game in the franchise). And since it is very beginner-friendly, it should convince even the most inexperienced players. The series spectacularly returns to mobile consoles! | Read review |
| Guardian | Dom Peppiatt | 4 / 5 stars | 03-24-2021 | Flush with flash new tricks, simpler action and a bulging roster of hostile creatures, the latest instalment of the enduring series is an absurd delight | Read review |
| Hardcore Gamer | Kirstin Swalley | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-31-2021 | There’s no series quite like Monster Hunter, and Rise further sets itself apart as a shining beacon of how to make some of the best action combat available. | Read review |
| Heavy | Jack Fennimore | 8 / 10 | 04-06-2021 | In designing the game with the Nintendo Switch in Mind, Capcom has crafted a condensed Monster Hunter experience. It also introduced exciting new additions and improvements to features in past Monster Hunter games that I hope are carried over into future installments because they’re just so good. However, the difficulty curve needs refining and there’s still a lot of work to do to iron out the game’s more archaic features. In conclusion, the game is as fresh and exciting as the dango you eat before battle. | Read review |
| Hey Poor Player | Kenny McKee | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-31-2021 | Sometimes it’s hard to determine what the best game in a series is. This time, it’s not. Regardless of what charms the Monster Hunter games of the past might have to offer, they’re no match for Rise‘s huge jump in overall quality and polish. I’m sure that Capcom will make a new Monster Hunter game someday and, when they do, maybe it will dethrone this one. But, until that time comes, Rise will be sitting at the top—and I’m very happy that it’s there. | Read review |
| Hobby Consolas | David Rodríguez | 95 / 100 | 03-23-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is a step forward. In the absence of more content in terms of monsters (the promise of more additions allows us to be optimistic), all its new features make its gameplay the most enjoyable so far. Alone or accompanied, veteran or novice, Rise convinces in all its facets. | Read review |
| IGN | Tom Marks | 8 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise mixes classic Monster Hunter ideas with some of World’s best improvements and a whole bunch of clever new mechanics of its own. | Read review |
| IGN Italy | Diego Cinelli | 8 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise adds interesting elements to the basic formula of the series, also managing to present its contents to new players in a gradual manner. Yet it can’t help but seem, in a sense, an unfinished game. | Read review |
| IGN Spain | Álex Pareja | 8.5 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | One of the best games of Nintendo Switch. Very agile with a new vision of classic hunts. | Read review |
| Impulsegamer | Hugh Mitchell | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-24-2021 | With a slew of awesome new features, Monster Hunter Rise takes the franchise to new heights. | Read review |
| Just Push Start | Mark Fajardo | 4.4 / 5 stars | 03-27-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise basically does what you’d expect. The core experience is relatively unchanged, there are just more tutorials and certain elements were simplified to make it more accessible. This is a massive bonus for anyone hoping they don’t run into a clueless online player, though it can make the first couple of hours drag. Thankfully, the new mechanics and elements breathe new life in the franchise and is certainly enough to hold someone’s attention for a substantial amount of time. | Read review |
| JVL | Kikitoès | 9 / 10 | 04-05-2021 | Not only is it visually sound, but the artistic direction is also a hit. The new monsters are mostly sublime and their animations decidedly awesome. Despite the heaviness of some weapons, the fights are more dynamic than ever thanks to the Filoptere and each hunt offers jubilant moments where victory gives a real sense of accomplishment. In short, it’s all good, vividly the sequel. | Read review |
| LevelUp | Fernando Salinas | 9 / 10 | 04-02-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is committed to avoid tedious situations, with an efficient adventure that focuses your attention on exploration and monster battle. Rise is the highest point in the evolution of the saga that finds a balance between the past and the novelties of the Monster Hunter World: Iceborne | Read review |
| Luis Alamilla | Luis Alamilla | 8.5 / 10 | 03-29-2021 | Monster Hunter Rises is a worthy successor to Monster Hunter World that carries over its quality of life improvements while adding some amazing new mechanics. Being able to move while using a potion-making going back to older Monster Hunter games feels dated while the use of the wirebug completely changes the game for Monster Hunter combat. I love it so much. With that said, the early hours of Monster Hunter can feel so bloated with the number of menus and in-game tutorials that are bound to scare newcomers rather than welcome them. End game content is a bit light at the moment but upcoming DLC and expansions go to show even after the 100+ hours you can put into this, you’ll have a lot more waiting for you just not right away at launch. | Read review |
| M3 | Raphael Cano Felix | 8 / 10 | 04-08-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise takes the very best from its predecessor and adds a couple of new fresh touches. Elements that give the hunt a whole new dimension and that make it really difficult for us to stop playing. A word of warning to beginners only – this isn’t a game you learn in an afternoon. | Read review |
| Metro GameCentral | Unknown | 9 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | A fantastic tour de force for the Switch and arguably the best Monster Hunter game ever, with a huge range of features and monsters, both new and old, and great co-op gameplay. | Read review |
| MMORPG.com | Garrick D. Raley | 8.5 / 10 | 04-07-2021 | After the upcoming planned title updates, Rise could be a real winner. As it stands right now, I still highly recommend picking up Rise, but if you’re on the fence then it might be best to hold off at least until the story is complete. The good news for PC players is that Monster Hunter Rise will be coming to PC next year, so maybe it will launch alongside a new expansion that adds G-Rank hunts and even more monsters into the mix. Until then, I’m going to go beat that elder dragon just one more time… okay, maybe two. | Read review |
| MonsterVine | Spencer Legacy | 4.5 / 5 stars | 04-02-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is an excellent Monster Hunter game that anyone can fully appreciate. | Read review |
| New Game Network | Josh Hinke | 71 / 100 | 04-08-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise aims at old-school fans, those who were here before Monster Hunter World, and will be sure to enjoy themselves with this more compact entry. But for those who just recently came aboard the franchise, it will feel like a step down. | Read review |
| Niche Gamer | Fingal Belmont | 9 / 10 | 04-07-2021 | The dream is realized, and is unbelievably polished and tight. Capcom made not only an incredible entry with Monster Hunter: Rise, they made one of the most must-own Nintendo Switch games ever produced. This is not the kind of game played for the story, it is played for the experience and immersion of the world. | Read review |
| Nintendo Enthusiast | Jaimie Ditchfield | 9 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise respects your time with tons of content, ample upgrades and rewards for those wanting to get stronger. The game also understands that some players want to take their time with it, with no real sense of urgency to rush to the top of the ranks. I’m excited for the official launch of the game, as I’ll be able to enjoy going out on hunts with my friends. Monster Hunter Rise is a game that I’ll continue to play for a long time, as Capcom has promised additional content, with the first round arriving sometime in April. | Read review |
| Nintendo Life | Sayem Ahmed | 9 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | New mechanics, monsters and a gorgeous setting make Monster Hunter Rise a new high-water mark for the franchise. The Wirebug, Switch Skills, Palamute and carefully thought-out monsters shake things up enough to make the game feel fresh for hunters who have previously spent thousands of hours with the series, and while the package could be slightly intimidating for newcomers, it’s arguably the ideal place to get started if you’re serious about getting into the franchise. And, with a peerless four-player multiplayer experience, the new Rampage quests are a blast. After spending some serious time with the game, it’s very easy to say that Monster Hunter Rise is one of the strongest entries into the franchise to date, and another stone-cold classic for the Nintendo Switch. | Read review |
| Nintendo Wire | Ricky Berg | 9 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | For a certain type of player, Monster Hunter Rise is a Switch essential. If you’re both patient and attentive, and can handle massive opposition in the face of dedication, you will thrive. Though it can feel like taking on an iceberg with a butter knife at times, those behemoths are whittled down eventually and those moments can feel utterly glorious. | Read review |
| NintendoWorldReport | Donald Theriault | 9 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | I put about 280 hours into Generations Ultimate and was playing it even up to the time this review goes live, but for mostly lack-of-PC reasons I never got into World. Monster Hunter Rise has enough content that I feel like I’ll be able to go all the way with it, and be able to take on the new hunts as they’re delivered. Even those who are just looking for a good action game, and have no history with the series, should jump in. If nothing else, I could use some help with Rathalos. | Read review |
| Paste Magazine | Waverly | 7.5 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | There are still moments where Rise leaves me in awe, like when a player jumps over a barrier I assumed would be blocked by an invisible wall. There is still a thrill in the heat of battle being interrupted by a fight between monsters. | Read review |
| PCMag | Gabriel Zamora | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-30-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise takes what World introduced and runs with it, delivering a game that streamlines the gameplay and beefs up your kit for maximized man-versus-monster action. | Read review |
| Polygon | Ryan Gilliam | Recommended | 03-23-2021 | Rise’s gameplay variety and mobility — all fueled by that little Wirebug — make it a must-try game for Monster Hunter skeptics and hardcore fans alike. | Read review |
| Press Start | Harry Kalogirou | 9 / 10 | 03-24-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is nothing short of brilliant. It builds off of the solid foundations of World and Iceborne in ways that feel meaningful and add more depth to an already staggeringly deep gameplay loop and progression system. Despite a few minor shortcomings, Rise is another rip-roaring success for both CAPCOM and Monster Hunter as a franchise, that demands the attention of fans and anyone interested by its ever-lasting appeal. | Read review |
| Rapid Reviews UK | Seb Hawden | 5 / 5 stars | 04-01-2021 | Well, here we are people, the latest instalment of Capcom’s beast slaying RPG is here. Monster Hunter Rise is the latest in what used to be a niche series, that was until Monster Hunter World’s massive success. It is now seen as a popular household title and I could not be happier. I am no longer the black sheep that played Monster Hunter alone. Come with me people as I take you through the latest and maybe greatest Monster Hunter title to date. | Read review |
| Rectify Gaming | Dave Rodriguez | 9.1 / 10 | 07-27-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise free and plentiful post game support has made it one of the series most complete packages | Read review |
| Reno Gazette-Journal | Jason Hidalgo | 9 / 10 | 03-24-2021 | Capcom could have easily just mailed it in when it came to creating a new Monster Hunter game for the Switch. Monster Hunter Rise, however, goes above and beyond expectations by serving up a visual and technical masterpiece on Nintendo’s hybrid portable console. Rise builds on the new gameplay foundation introduced by Monster Hunter World while adding even more features and quality-of-life improvements. My only wish was that it had more content as the game felt a bit short. | Read review |
| Rice Digital | Conor Evans | Recommended | 04-15-2021 | If you are a Monster Hunter fan then you probably already own the game; however, if like me you were slightly hesitant due to it being on Switch, I can confidently say that it’s not an issue at all. If you’re a new player to the series then this is a fantastic starting point as the lower rank quests are honestly quite easy in comparison to previous titles, but the high-rank quests still offer a challenge. | Read review |
| Rocket Chainsaw | Andrew Cathie | 4.5 / 5 stars | 04-12-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is nothing short of a must have game, with the quality of life additions to traversal and movement elevating the experience. | Read review |
| RPGamer | Phillip Willis | 4.5 / 5 stars | 04-25-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is an epic experience that no Switch owner should be without. It manages to reach the vast majority of high expectations of both long-time fans and newcomers alike, and even pushes those boundaries with the exceptionally fun Wirebug mechanic and a superb cast of old and new monsters. | Read review |
| Screen Rant | Scott Baird | 5 / 5 stars | 03-28-2021 | This is the game that the Monster Hunter franchise should have been all along. The annoying parts of the experience that were retained due to tradition have finally been stripped away, leaving a polished, enjoyable experience for newcomers that will make long-time fans equally happy. Monster Hunter Rise is Monster Hunter at its finest. | Read review |
| SECTOR.sk | Michal Korec | 9 / 10 | 03-25-2021 | New monster Hunter for Switch with some fresh ideas and good gameplay. | Read review |
| Shacknews | TJ Denzer | 9 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise was beyond anything I expected. The tried and true grind of Monster Hunter’s giant beast battles is alive and performing exceedingly well for the Switch’s hardware. Its formula is also thoughtfully augmented with Palamutes, Wirebugs, and Wyvern Riding, all of which I’d love to see stay in the series after this game. | Read review |
| Sirus Gaming | Jarren Navarrete | 8 / 10 | 05-07-2021 | A fight with two different monsters will never be the same as they each have their own unique behavior and attack patterns that require different approaches. If you love thinking strategically and taking time to prepare, then this game might just be for you! There’s an exciting thrill to fighting larger beasts as you grind your equipment in preparation for the hunt. In this, Rise gets an excellent mark with our full recommendation to buy it. | Read review |
| Softpedia | Cosmin Vasile | 9 / 10 | 04-04-2021 | With a little bit more investment in the narrative, Monster Hunter Rise could have been a perfect game. Without that it’s just one of the best games in the series, a must-play title for every Nintendo Switch owner. I’m amazed that after two incredible Monster Hunter games, Capcom still finds a way to outdo itself and push out another nearly perfect monster-hunting title. | Read review |
| SpazioGames | Valentino Cinefra | 8.8 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | Monster Hunter: Rise is able to innovate and feel familiar at the same time in an exceptionally well-crafted way. | Read review |
| Stevivor | Matt Gosper | 8 / 10 | 03-24-2021 | If the clunkiness of Monster Hunter has held you back in the past, Rise could be a good jumping-on point to give the franchise another try. I’m not saying you’re going to be seeing pro strategy videos on YouTube from yours truly any time soon, but I might stick around to solve the mystery of the Rampage after all. | Read review |
| TechRaptor | Austin Suther | 9 / 10 | 04-09-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise’s new monsters and mechanics such as the wirebug make for a fresh but familiar experience. The story isn’t anything special, but the game performs well and is as addicting as its predecessors. | Read review |
| The Digital Fix | Dani Cross | 8 / 10 | 03-30-2021 | With a more fleshed-out endgame, Rise will be one of the best games on the Switch. Until then, I still recommend it to anyone looking for a great action game to get stuck into. | Read review |
| The Games Machine | Danilo Dellafrana | 9.2 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise marks the beginning of a new era for the series’ pocket adventures, finally free from the antiquated mechanics that the previous chapter, Generations Ultimate, brought with it. | Read review |
| The Outerhaven Productions | Camilo Olmedo | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-31-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is an expertly melded combination of the best elements of the series and some truly phenomenal new tricks. Whether you’re a veteran Magnamalo slayer or a rookie hunter, you don’t want to miss out on this new hunt. This is a much-play if you own a Switch. | Read review |
| TheSixthAxis | Dominic Leighton | 9 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is an incredible game. While it may not feel quite as ground-breaking for the series as World did, it boasts a stronger and distinctly Japanese identity, and the changes and streamlined gameplay simply focus on the franchise’s true stars – the monsters. Rise is easily one of the best games for the Nintendo Switch, and one of the finest Monster Hunters ever. | Read review |
| Too Much Gaming | Unknown | 10 / 10 | 04-12-2021 | While the feeling of scale in Monster Hunter Rise isn’t as large as World, it wasn’t something I immediately noticed until I took a look back. Rise isn’t as visually stunning and is currently a smaller overall package. But the core gameplay is so similar that I’m just happy to be playing a new entry in the series. It’s an incredible game that I can easily recommend to hunters both new and old. | Read review |
| Twinfinite | Zhiqing Wan | 4.5 / 5 stars | 04-06-2021 | I can’t recommend Monster Hunter Rise enough. The new gameplay additions are few, but very impactful and have pretty much changed the way I look at the series now. While World really brought the series to the next level in terms of graphical capability and level detail, Rise takes a solid step forward in evolving Monster Hunter’s gameplay. It’s still a tricky game to play with a high skill floor and ceiling, but the series has truly never been more accessible than it is now. | Read review |
| Unboxholics | Nikos Derlos | Recommended | 03-23-2021 | Despite the overfamiliarity of its formula, Monster Hunter Rise is an excellent package that can keep you entertained for months. | Read review |
| VG247 | James Billcliffe | Recommended | 03-23-2021 | While it does feel like a smaller package in terms of grand story presentation, the new additions and quality-of-life fixes make it less grindy to play, with greater flexibility in exploration, navigation, and resource collection adding to the portable possibilities. | Read review |
| VGChartz | Paul Broussard | 7 / 10 | 04-13-2021 | I can’t say that I personally view Rise as the ultimate culmination of years of Monster Hunting progress as some reviewers seem to, but if you’ve enjoyed previous hunting outings then you’ll absolutely feel right at home here. | Read review |
| VideoGamer | Josh Wise | 8 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | It’s difficult not to be bowled over as you watch a feline chef and his staff caper through a culinary ritual of song. | Read review |
| Washington Post | Gene Park | Recommended | 03-23-2021 | This year is looking pretty dry for big title releases as the world continues to grapple with the pandemic, and huge titles are seeing delays. The Nintendo Switch in particular has had a bit of a dry spell, but “Rise” comes in like a kaiju out of the tide. This is probably the best “Monster Hunter” game to date, and an easy, early contender for 2021′s best game. | Read review |
| WayTooManyGames | Kyle Nicol | 9.5 / 10 | 04-06-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is an excellent continuation of the Monster Hunter franchise, feeling more like a refinement to its predecessor’s already excellent Iceborne expansion. This is a game I will be coming back to over and over again. I’m very much looking forward to the PC release next year. | Read review |
| Wccftech | Kai Powell | 8.6 / 10 | 04-24-2021 | Once players get past the poor onboarding experience, Monster Hunter Rise might offer the series’ best entry for first time players while series veterans will fly over the competition with the new Wirebug mechanics. | Read review |
| We Got This Covered | Jon Hueber | 4 / 5 stars | 04-06-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is the most accessible game in the franchise, but shoddy multiplayer connectivity and hard-to-see handheld play hold this game back from reaching the heights it’s aiming for. | Read review |
| WellPlayed | Jordan Garcia | 9.5 / 10 | 03-23-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise shows a tremendous amount of progress in terms of game design and accessibility, even after the great strides that Monster Hunter World made in those fields, and continues to improve upon itself with interesting ideas like the new monsters and the Wirebug – this game is a must buy. | Read review |
| Worth Playing | Chris “Atom” DeAngelus | 9 / 10 | 04-05-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is probably the most accessible and enjoyable entry of the long-running franchise to date. Streamlined, focused, and incredibly fun, Monster Hunter Rise is a must-have for fans and newcomers alike. One of the best action games on the Switch and easily one of its best console exclusives, it’s everything a video game should be. Even if you’ve bounced off previous Monster Hunters, I recommend giving Rise’s demo a shot, and if you’re looking for a great way to hunt some monsters, there’s no better option on the Switch. | Read review |
| Zoomg | Sadegh Tavazoyi | 9 / 10 | 04-18-2021 | Monster Hunter Rise is not only not overshadowed by Monster Hunter World, but it provides users with new mechanisms that can further enhance the Monter Hunter’s series. | Read review |
| ZTGD | Drew Leachman | 9.5 / 10 | 04-13-2021 | I have written a lot here and feel like I have only scratched the surface. Monster Hunter Rise had big shoes to fill after coming off the heels of World, and man, did they come through swinging hard. They hit a homerun here, and with taking things from all the previous games have created a game with a great setting, fun and flashy combat, tons of customization option, and wonderful traversal. This is a fantastic game for both the newcomer to the series as well as the veteran. | Read review |
Awards & Recognition
RECOGNITION
Developed by Capcom. All titles, content, brand names, trademarks, logos, artwork, and associated imagery are trademarks and/or copyright material of their respective owners. © All rights reserved.
