The recently revealed launch trailer for Monster Hunter Rise confirmed the game will be getting a free update that adds fan-favorite Apex Rathalos to the game.

While details are scant, we know the free update is coming towards the end of April 2021 (via Famitsu). Apex Rathalos will be added to the game alongside the previously confirmed Chameleos. Apex Rathalos will be added to the game’s Rampage Mode.

While Chameleos and Apex Rathalos are now confirmed for the new free title update, it’s definitely expected for them to add more monsters in future updates. Alongside the free update for Monster Hunter Rise is another future update where Capcom will conclude the game’s main story.

The April update also brings another change – the Hunter Rank cap will be removed. The new Rampage Mode lets players battle huge monsters in a tower-defense like mode, in the effort to defend Kamura village – similar to large-scale battles in previous games.

Monster Hunter Rise is now available for the Nintendo Switch. A Windows PC version is coming sometime in early 2022.