I’m a sucker for Monster Hunter World, and I really enjoyed Wilds, but Monster Hunter Rise holds a special place in my monster-hunting, forever-grinding heart. The faster pace makes every hunt feel just slightly more chaotic, yet way more fun, and the excellent Sunbreak DLC only expands the roster of hunts with some more challenging elements, too. If you haven’t given it a chance, now is the best time, as Monster Hunter Rise and Sunbreak are available at their lowest price ever.
When it comes to the best RPGs, the usual suspects appear. Skyrim? Sure. Maybe even a dash of Fallout, too. Persona? Absolutely. Final Fantasy VII? Definitely. However, the Monster Hunter series’ focus on action typically leaves the games out of the running, and I think that’s wrong. Monster Hunter Rise is one of the best games in the genre, and even if you haven’t played any entries in the long-running franchise, this is a great starting point.
While Monster Hunter World emphasizes the length of the hunt, requiring thoughtful analysis and time spent looking for clues, Rise practically throws you into the action. Each monster exists in its own little ecosystem, usually seeing other monsters from different hunts popping in and joining the chaos, with territorial fights that could make your life easier – or harder.
All of the weapons, from the raw power of the Great Sword and the agility and buffs of the Insect Glaive to the versatility of the Switch Axe (my personal favorite), add a further layer of strategy to each hunt. Rise doesn’t punish you for trying out different equipment, especially early on, and you can experiment to see which one suits your playstyle. Typically, I find myself using the more agile-focused weapons, but you can’t beat some of the more balanced or damage-focused options.
As someone who’s owned three copies of the game–Switch when it initially released, PC, then PS5 later–I can tell you that it still excites me to this day. Even though I’ve played the newer game, Wilds, Monster Hunter Rise is the one I return to frequently, dropping in for a few hunts before finishing up for the evening. Nothing is more satisfying than nailing the perfect hunt.
If you want to finally buy the game, it’s now 86% off, with both the full game and the expansion, Sunbreak, available for just $8.39 / £6.99 at Fanatical. Honestly, as someone who has bought it at near the list price three times, this is a great deal – one you shouldn’t pass on. You’re practically getting 100 hours or more of content for a fraction of the price. Lucky you.
Disclosure: GameSpot and Fanatical are both owned by Fandom. This story was created in collaboration with Fanatical’s deals team.
