Information about the upcoming Monster Hunter Rise has been revealed thanks to interviews with senior staff to Japanese gaming news outlets.

As previously reported, the game returns to the series’ original gameplay style prior to Monster Hunter World. The game introduces a new type of companion in addition to the usual Felyne assistants, rideable Palamutes. It launches worldwide March 26th, 2021 for Nintendo Switch.

Now, more information has been revealed via interviews with 4Gamer, Game Watch, and Famitsu (translation: Silicon Era [1, 2]). Both outlets interviewed producer Ryozo Tsujimoto, and director Yasunori Ichinose.

In summation, the game will have 14 weapon styles, and the Wirebug interacts with each one differently (to cater to different playstyles, and offer more freedom of choice). The Wirebug itself was also created to ensure traversal and hunting felt (in Silicon Era’s words) “free and engaging.” It is also designed to fit the world-building.

While the game takes place in an eastern-style region similar to Yukumo Village from Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, this wasn’t a conscious choice by the developers. They had made (in Silicon Era’s words) “simply made what they wanted to make.” 

However this was also a way to set it apart from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate and Monster Hunter World. The game’s pre-planning began soon after Monster Hunter Generations was completed, and developed around the time Monster Hunter World was.

This resulted in ideas being shared between the teams. Development took longer than expected however, due to it being the first time the RE Engine was used to make a Monster Hunter game.

Monsters that have appeared in the series before will have similar behavior and appearance, though thanks the game’s setting some of the new monsters are designed with a more Yokai-inspired theme.

These include Magnamalo (inspired by Onibi, akin to will-o-wisps, and armor worn by the undead), Great Izuchi (Kamaitachi, weasel-like creatures with blades on their hand that quickly cut people while riding winds), Tetranadon (Kappa, an imp-like creature that likes to sumo-wrestle, and Tetranadon moves in a similar manner), and Aknosom (cranes and Kasa-obake, a living parasol).

Palamutes were also explained in more details. While Palicos focus on healing and traps, Palamutes attack and help players move around quickly.

The game was developed with the Nintendo Switch being portable in mind. This was why there is no stamina meter for the Palamute. The game will also support Amiibo figures beyond those directly for the game. However, the Rise Amiibo will earn players special Layered Armor sets.

The desire for players to have more freedom and movement may have been reflected in the field having no borders, or loading screens between areas. The game also features more voice clips so that characters can convey more personality, and feeling more like an anime. Players will still have the option to change to the older style of voice clips however.

Finally, Tsujimoto and Ichinose spoke to 4Gamer about if the game would have an expansion (akin to G versions of past games or Monster Hunter World: Iceborne). Tsujimoto explained how Rise would be supported after launch.

“We plan to release Event Quests after Monster Hunter Rise releases. We’ll also do title updates. However, we’ve yet to consider something like the aforementioned ‘G’ or Monster Hunter World: Iceborne. There’s still a lot more that we need to do before that.”

Translation: Silicon Era

“In any case,” Ichinose stated, “we’ve yet to complete the main game. [laughs] However, we are thinking of taking measures to keep people playing for a long time.”

The game may even have a collaboration with the upcoming Monster Hunter live action movie, but nothing was announced at this time.

You can find the full rundown (via a previously emailed press release) below.

Rise to the challenge and join the hunt!