The Monster Hunter franchise origins go all the way back to 2004, and for a long time, only the people living in Japan could enjoy the Monster Hunter series. That was until 2018, with the launch of Monster Hunter: World when Capcom brought it forward worldwide. It became one of the best-selling titles in the company's history. 

So, what do companies do when something becomes a huge success? Keep the ball rolling! Years later (let's say 2021), Capcom kept the worldwide release and gave us Monster Hunter: Rise, with new changes, features, and, of course, new monsters to hunt. But perhaps some people didn't make the jump as MH: World (plus the DLC Iceborne, one of the best of all time) introduced the players to a massive world worth exploration and replayability.

That's what we will take on, the many changes that MH: Rise, and the Sunbreak DLC provide compared to the previous title, and all the different reasons why you should upgrade from Monster Hunter: World to Monster Hunter: Rise.

Let's state one thing: what was the name of the previous title? Monster Hunter: World. What did it focus on? Of course, bringing us a fantastic and huge world to explore, and the biggest ever made for a Monster Hunter game. So, it would be no surprise that one of the few low points for Monster Hunter: Rise is its world.

Another issue that fans of the franchise had was that the environments at MH: Rise aren't as unique and splendid as in MH: World. Although, a smaller "new world" makes traversing and tracking monsters easier, as mobility was always an issue throughout the series. 

But these are the only low points for Monster Hunter Rise vs. World. As promised, let's dive into all the improvements.

Performance in gaming is now more relevant than ever, as many "Triple A" studios launch their titles in such poor states that, most of the time, players have to wait a bit more to have a stable and fun experience. Luckily that's not an issue in this renewal of Capcom with their most recent titles. Both Monster Hunter: World and Rise launched very well.

So, what's the difference between them? On graphics, Monster Hunter: World is amazing and very beautiful. But keep in mind that this game was made for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, and they could take advantage of the power those systems can hold. 

Meanwhile, Monster Hunter: Rise is a PC and Nintendo Switch game. That means they won't look as pretty as World, although the RE Engine (implemented on games such as Resident Evil: Village and their last remakes) still does wonders, and what they lack in graphics, they compensate in performance. There aren't any graphical bugs and seemingly no load times, giving the players a smooth experience.

From now on, there are all wins for Monster Hunter: Rise, and let’s start with the “biggest W” of all: Wirebugs. 

While there was a mechanic introduced in the Iceborne DLC (the Clutch Claw), these scarabs bring an entirely new way to approach battles, giving the player more speed and mobility in combat. It serves as many tools, from a grappling hook to a dodge mechanic during fights, and a recovery mechanic after suffering certain monster attacks. It also brings to the table new skills and combat moves.

All 14 weapons that were previously on Monster Hunter: World reappear in Monster Hunter: Rise. Those are the Greatsword, Sword and Shield, Longsword, Dual Blades, Bow, Light Bowgun, Heavy Bowgun, Hammer, Hunting Horn, Lance, Gunlance, Switch Axe, Charged Blade, and Insect Glaive.

But in Monster Hunter: Rise, those weapons will have additional moves called "Silkbind Attacks," which work similarly to the "Hunter Arts" from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate. Each weapon has its unique Silkbind Attacks, combining it with the Wirebug.

The Switch Skills are alternate moves to give your hunter better customization toward combat. You are free to pick any Switch Skills that will fit better to combine your playstyle with your favorite weapon and make your character feel unique. 

Plus, the Sunbreak DLC added the option to use multiple move sets while hunting with the new option called "Switch Skill Swap."

A staple of every Monster Hunter game is traveling through the world and slaying monsters with your faithful companion, the Palico. These cute humanoid cats were always a focal point in the series, providing gear, cooking food, and helping you during missions.

In Monster Hunter: Rise, they no longer only indulge "cat lovers" but there will also be room for "dog lovers." The Palamutes are dog-like companions that will help you in combat and serve as mounts to traverse the world. Like the "Raider Rides" in Monster Hunter: World Iceborne, but now it is a permanent mechanic. 

You also have the Cohoots, an owl pet that will scout more monsters for you and help you reach certain items while exploring the world. They replace the Scoutflies from MH: World but work better as a "cosmetic pet" overall.

Another of the new mechanics introduced in Monster Hunter: Rise is Wyvern Riding. After you have dealt enough damage to a monster, you will be able to mount them, further diminishing its health (very useful against large monsters), and even use them to attack if there are two monsters or more around the field. 

Keep in mind that the damage you have to deal it has to weaken the monster and make it mountable, so we recommend using the Wirebug. Then, the monster will enter a specific state where you can just walk in and press the corresponding action button to mount it.

There is another game mode that is not only hunting down monsters. It is defending…while also you end up slaying a monster.

Rampage Mode functions as a sort of "tower defense" game mode. The new Kamura Village will be under attack by monsters, and you have to keep them away from entering the village. You can use mounted turrets and range weapons or use classic style to engage them in close combat. Although, it can be a bit frustrating at the beginning, as it is more complicated to succeed than it seems.

Monster Hunter World protagonists (mainly your character) would only express themselves by emotes and physical expressions, leaving a weird atmosphere during cutscenes. People will talk and introduce new missions, characters and locations, and you are there…standing silent. 

That's no longer the case with Monster Hunter: Rise, as they are fully voice-acted and will respond more actively to all things happening during the main story.

In every new installment of the Monster Hunter series, players will be greeted with new and returning monsters from previous titles. 

In the case of MH: Rise, you will see the return of monsters like the Furious Rajang (from Freedom Unite), Lucent Nargacuga (Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate), and the Daimyo Hermitaur (from the second game), and some debuting monsters like Aurora Somnacanth, Rakna-Kadaki (and a Pyre form in Sunbreak) and Espinas, within many more to slay.

These new quests were introduced in the Sunbreak expansion. Completing the follower quests won't only give the typical rewards (gold, armor, etc.), but also you'll be able to bring those followers with you through hunts, acting like party members in battle. 

Usually, you will have to complete two or more quests, hunting down various monsters to finish follower quests. This is the first time implemented in the Monster Hunter franchise.

Endemic lifeforms were already a thing in Monster Hunter: World. But, they acted more as collectibles throughout the entire game. 

In Monster Hunter: Rise, they provide buffs for your hunts, with some being temporary (for a few seconds or minutes), while others can last the entire mission, increasing stats like your maximum life bar or your stamina.

Both game modes can be completely separated. If you want the classic multiplayer experience, you just need to travel to the gathering hub and reunite with your friends or localize team members with matchmaking. 

While if you don't want an online experience and prefer a solo run, you can do everything by yourself or bring AI companions. 

Another feature that greatly improved online multiplayer is the new system of "likes." After each hunt, you can give a like to any team member, and if both "like" each other, there will be a better chance of pairing both together for future hunts.

The food options over the canteen have been overhaul. While stating this as an improvement or not is more about each player's taste, the truth is that now you will have to eat Dangos at the taverns.

You can combine different flavors and ingredients to give you character and skill buffs for your next mission. Their function is, essentially, the same as previous food choices.

Another of the new and better features the Sunbreak DLC provides for MH: Rise is Anomaly Investigations.

It is a system crafted for accepting quests and missions on high-contract monsters. They have time limits but will reward you with large amounts of money and are incredibly useful for improving your gear.

These quests will begin with low-skill monsters, and you will work your way out against better and more dangerous creatures to hunt, like Apex monsters.

While on the environment and world department, no one could put down such a great title as Monster Hunter: World (with breathtaking graphics and art style). But in everything else, Monster Hunter: Rise is a better game.

Comparing these two games, MH: Rise rise is victorious with the many additions and improvements that were brought to the table, knowing that they have the feedback gathered during MH: World lifecycle. 

Already interested in taking the hunt of monsters in MH: Rise? You can get a Steam CD key for Monster Hunter: Rise and the Deluxe Edition in the RoyalCDKeys store at a discounted price. Also, you can buy the Sunbreak DLC and its Deluxe Edition in our store, too.