Monster Hunter Showdown: World vs. Rise – Which Should You Hunt First?
The question plagues every budding hunter: Monster Hunter: World or Rise? Which game is the perfect entry point into this deeply rewarding, sometimes daunting, and always thrilling franchise? The answer, as with most things in life, is nuanced. However, if pressed, I’d say Monster Hunter: World offers a more comprehensive and immersive initial experience, while Rise is a more streamlined, action-packed alternative. But let’s delve deeper to help you decide which monster-slaying adventure suits you best.
Two Paths, One Hunt: Understanding the Differences
Choosing between World and Rise is akin to selecting your first weapon – it determines your initial approach to the hunt. World presents a grand, sweeping vista of interconnected ecosystems teeming with life. The emphasis is on immersion and exploration. You’ll track monsters through dense jungles, scale towering peaks, and unravel the mysteries of the New World.
Rise, on the other hand, is a more focused and arcade-like experience. The environments are beautiful but segmented, and the game prioritizes fast-paced combat and mobility. Think ninja-inspired hunters zipping around with Wirebugs, launching into aerial attacks with unparalleled agility.
The Allure of World: A Deep Dive
Monster Hunter: World excels at creating a believable world. The monsters feel integrated into their environment, exhibiting realistic behaviors. Tracking a Rathalos becomes a true investigation, deciphering clues and uncovering its lair. The game rewards patience and observation, encouraging you to truly learn the ecosystem.
The combat in World is deliberate and weighty. Each swing of your weapon feels impactful, demanding precision and timing. Mastering a weapon in World is a journey in itself, requiring understanding of its nuances and combos. The learning curve can be steep, but the satisfaction of mastering a hunt is immense.
Moreover, World’s Iceborne expansion is a must-have. It significantly expands the game’s content, adding new monsters, areas, and a Master Rank difficulty that will test even seasoned hunters. Iceborne truly elevates World to legendary status.
The Thrill of Rise: A Need for Speed
Monster Hunter Rise streamlines many aspects of the traditional Monster Hunter formula. Wirebugs offer unprecedented mobility, allowing you to traverse environments quickly and engage in exhilarating aerial combat. The addition of Palamutes, canine companions that you can ride, further enhances the pace.
The combat in Rise is more forgiving and accessible than World. Switch Skills allow you to customize your weapon’s moveset, offering greater flexibility. Silkbind Attacks add another layer of complexity, allowing you to execute powerful special moves.
While Rise may lack the sheer scale of World, its Sunbreak expansion adds substantial content, including new monsters, locations, and a Master Rank difficulty that rivals Iceborne. Sunbreak cements Rise as a worthy entry in the Monster Hunter series.
So, Which is Right for You?
Consider these points:
- If you crave immersion and a sense of discovery: Choose Monster Hunter: World.
- If you prefer fast-paced action and accessibility: Choose Monster Hunter Rise.
- If you enjoy a challenging learning curve and a weighty combat system: Choose Monster Hunter: World.
- If you want a more forgiving experience with greater mobility: Choose Monster Hunter Rise.
- If you value visual fidelity and realistic environments: Choose Monster Hunter: World.
- If you prioritize gameplay fluidity and stylistic combat: Choose Monster Hunter Rise.
- If you’re on a budget: Both games offer countless hours of gameplay, but factor in the cost of their respective expansions for the complete experience.
- If you prefer a less grindy experience: Rise is generally considered to be less grindy than World.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences. Both World and Rise are excellent games that offer a unique and rewarding Monster Hunter experience. There’s really no wrong answer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Monster Hunter Rise a good first Monster Hunter game?
Yes, Monster Hunter Rise is an excellent entry point for newcomers. Its streamlined gameplay, forgiving combat, and emphasis on mobility make it more accessible than previous entries.
Is Monster Hunter World bigger than Rise?
Yes, Monster Hunter World is significantly larger in scope than Rise, featuring interconnected environments and a greater emphasis on exploration.
Is Monster Hunter Rise gameplay better than World?
“Better” is subjective. Monster Hunter Rise offers a more streamlined and fast-paced experience, while World prioritizes immersion and a challenging learning curve.
Is Rise less grindy than World?
Yes, generally Monster Hunter Rise is considered less grindy than Monster Hunter World, with increased drop rates and reduced crafting requirements.
Do you need Monster Hunter World to play Iceborne?
Yes, Iceborne is an expansion for Monster Hunter World and requires the base game to play.
Is it worth buying Iceborne?
Yes, if you enjoy Monster Hunter World, Iceborne is absolutely worth buying. It adds a substantial amount of content, including new monsters, areas, and a challenging Master Rank difficulty.
Can you play Monster Hunter: World solo?
Yes, you can play the majority of Monster Hunter: World solo. While some hunts are scaled for multiplayer, most monsters can be defeated on your own.
Is Monster Hunter: World grindy?
Yes, like most Monster Hunter games, Monster Hunter: World involves a degree of grinding, particularly for specific materials needed to craft weapons and armor.
Is Monster Hunter Rise repetitive?
While Monster Hunter Rise involves repeating hunts, the variety of monsters, weapons, and gameplay mechanics helps to mitigate the feeling of repetition.
Is it worth buying Monster Hunter: World?
Yes, Monster Hunter: World remains a fantastic game with a thriving community. Its immersive world and challenging gameplay offer countless hours of entertainment.
Does Rise have more content than World?
Rise has considerably more content than World, but less than IB. But its GR expansion is due in Summer of 2022, and will most likely exceed IB. (Please note that Sunbreak has been out since 2022)
Should I start with Monster Hunter World or Rise reddit opinions?
Reddit is a valuable source of opinions. Generally, Reddit users agree that World is better for immersion and exploration, while Rise is better for fast-paced action.
Is Monster Hunter Now fun?
Monster Hunter Now offers a simplified and accessible Monster Hunter experience designed for mobile devices.
Is Monster Hunter noob friendly?
Recent Monster Hunter titles, like Rise, are designed to be more noob-friendly, offering better tutorials and a more streamlined gameplay experience. The Games Learning Society may also have articles on how video games can improve learning in certain areas – check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more!
Is Monster Hunter Rise OK solo?
Yes, Monster Hunter Rise is perfectly enjoyable solo. The addition of Palamutes and Palicoes, along with the ability to recruit NPC companions, makes solo hunts less lonely.