Monster Hunter is one of the most prevalent multiple-platform Action RPG series of all time! Monster Hunter games work on a common theme of monster-slaying in a fantasy world.
Despite originating in 2004, the video game franchise gathered worldwide stardom after releasing Monster Hunter World in 2018. The developers expressed their gratitude by releasing the Icebreak expansion pack in the preceding year (2019).
The next addition to the Monster Hunter Series was Monster Hunter Rise (2021). An expansion pack, Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak was unleashed in 2022.
The Rise version comes with additional features than its predecessor. Both MHW & MHR rank closely when it comes to the overall gameplay experience. But which game is the star of the Monster Hunter Franchise? Let’s find out in the Monster Hunter Rise vs. Monster Hunter World Ultimate Comparison.
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Monster Hunter Rise vs Monster Hunter World
The Monster Hunter Rise constantly faces comparison with its predecessor ever since it emerged in the gaming world. Different gamers and critics agree that MHR is more arcade-style while the MHW is more realistic. Despite being the games of the same series & genre, MHR & MHW have their distinct essence.
The Metascore rating system is a feature on the popular game critic website Metacritic. According to this, MHR scores a Metascore of 88 while the MHW leaps ahead with measly 2 points which makes a Metascore of 90 points. This rating system is based on the overall ratings found on the internet.
However, we decided to conclude a more detailed component-wise Monster Hunter Rise vs Monster Hunter World comparison. We will be basing this analysis on factors like the Storyline, Graphics, Gameplay, Platforms and features of the game.
Monster Hunter Rise vs Monster Hunter World Storyline
The MHW story is pretty straightforward. The game revolves around an uninhabited continent thriving with wild beasts & wilderness.
The player illustrates the role of a hunter in the game. The MC has to enter the New World (the uninhabited continent) to eliminate ferocious monsters & collect valuable entities. The narration style of the story is not very clear or verbal.
The story is objectified towards the protagonist performing various operations in the New World.
MHR has a more candid narration style as compared to MHW. The tale begins in a village named Kamura. The Main Character of MHR is approached by Minoto & Hinoa at the demand of the Village Head, Fugen. The MC spots an unknown aerial monster on their way to see Fugen.
MC is then told about an infamous event called the calamity that took place five decades ago.
The calamity is rumored to wipe out the village completely. MC has to get into the depth of the hidden mystery that points to the Elder Dragon in this arcade role-playing game.
Even by looking at the trailers of both games, you may feel a greater sense of purpose and story depth in the MHR.
On the contrary, Monster Hunter World offers a slower progressive storyline that unfolds in about 48 hours of gameplay. Monster Hunter Rise story mode consists of about 22 hours of gameplay.
Monster Hunter: Rise has a more defined & expressive storyline and wins this round of Monster Hunter Rise vs Monster Hunter. But no there’s no doubt that both the games have an impressive storyline.
Monster Hunter Rise vs. Monster Hunter World Gameplay
Even after belonging to the same category of Action RPG, MH Rise & MH World delivers varying degrees of Gameplay Experience. Both games operate on a similar explorative concept.
MHW manages to provide a larger & realistic world while MHR’s map is more interactive but comparatively smaller in area. The game design of Monster Hunter Rise is more beginner-friendly than its predecessor.
Next up, we will be comparing the combat styles of these babies. Monster Hunter World combat demands a more strategic attacking approach from the player. Monster Hunter Rise on the other hand is all about speed; this RPG will certainly put your reflexes to the test.
MHR gives more advanced attack options to keep up with the high-paced monsters. If you prefer a wild battle spree over slow-paced strategic combat, then MHR might suit your taste better.
You can say that MH Rise has a more arcade-style feel to it. But if you are looking for a more realistic and tactical fighting style, go with MHW.
Even though it is a matter of preference, MHR fits under the title of Action RPG more since it scores higher on Action with a well-balanced RPG aspect. This does not mean that MHW has anything less to offer; the realistic fight simulation can easily teleport you into the New World (metaphorically, of course).
So, it is safe to say that MH: Rise wins this round
Monster Hunter Rise vs Monster Hunter World Platforms
MH World initially came out for PS 4 & Xbox One on 26th January 2018. Soon after, MHW was also released for Windows on 9th August 2018. You can also check out more games like Monster Hunter World.
MHR, the next instalment of the Monster Hunter Series, was initially released for Nintendo Switch. The game was recently made available for Xbox Series One/X/S, PS 4 & PS 5.
The ease of accessibility is vaster for Monster Hunter Rise but the maximum experience can be extracted by playing it on PC devices. If you prefer gaming on consoles, Monster Hunter World is the game for you. So, it thoroughly depends on your preference which game will suit your taste more.
This round can easily be declared a tie due to limitations on both ends.
Monster Hunter Rise vs Monster Hunter World Graphics
The Next Round is comparison is Graphics. MHW was developed for multiple platforms and had significantly better graphic specs than MHR. The graphics of the MH World appear much more vivid and pigmented while the MH Rise graphics have a subtle lighter color tone. Despite furnishing intense attention to detail, the character expressions in MHW are quite monotonous.
MHR may not have breathtaking visuals but it has decent graphics considering it is more of a PC game. Rise is equipped with RE (Reach for the Moon Engine), which gives the game a faster transition rate. MHW’s MT Framework certainly faced raised brows from fans & critics at the time. The game, however, did not disappoint with its state-of-the-art Graphics and visuals even with an obsolete engine.
The game characters are relatively more expressive & animated in MH Rise which infuses an enticing simulatory experience to the player. However, MH World’s attention to detail while carving the characters can’t be ignored.
After concluding all these factors, we can say that Monster Hunter World has hands down better graphics in comparison to MH Rise.
If you like Wither 3 and Elden Ring, you can also check out the Witcher 3 vs Elden Ring comparison.
Monster Hunter Rise vs Monster Hunter World Features
Whenever a new game is released in an already popular franchise, a lot is anticipated from it. Did Monster Hunter Rise manage to deliver well in comparison to MH World? Let’s find out in the feature comparison below.
1. Multiplayer Mode
MHR & MHW are both equipped with the Multiplayer mode. MH Rise provides both local & online multiplayer options while MH World is constrained to solely online multiplayer mode. The multiplayer mode for both games permits up to 4 player alliances. MHR has segregated the Story Mode & Multiplayer Mode.
2. Rampage Mode
MH Rise presents a brand-new feature in the Monster Hunter Games called Rampage Mode. If you are a fan of Tower Defense games, this feature will surely woo you. This mode facilitates the player neck-to-neck against a spree of agitated monsters. The monsters are fixated on destroying the village, and the player must stop the rampage before it becomes a massacre.
3. Wirebug Mechanic
A feature that is a game-changer is the Wirebug Mechanic. This mechanic allows the players to perform specialized attacks such as Wiredash, Wirefall, Silkbind Attack & Wall Run. These skills take a while to master; you can refer to the instructional video below to sharpen your skills.
4. Wyvern Riding
The next feature that allures the fans of the Monster Hunter Franchise is the Wyvern Riding! Lost are the days when you climb the monsters for mere bonus points. MH Rise now lets the player take control of monsters during the gameplay. This way you can use the enemies against the enemies to slash your way through the game.
5. Game Companion
MH World featured Palico (cat-like creature) alongside players for strategic guidance regarding the attack & defense tactics. MH Rise introduced another companion called Palamute (Cannine-like creature) to assist the player in attacking the fast-paced monsters. Both are decent sidekicks but the direct combat assistance from Palamutes makes them a better companion in an Action RPG set.
6. Monsters
Monster Hunter Rise features many more monsters than the Monster Hunter World. The monsters appear randomly on the map with unpredictable attack patterns. The attack speed of monsters in MH Rise is much more elevated than in MH World. The best part of the MHR monsters is how well they blend into their environments. MHR offers many more monsters than the classic MHW. Monster Hunter World on the other hand offers more intricate & realistic monster designs.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monster Hunter World Iceborne worth it in 2023?
Yes, absolutely! Monster Hunter World is an All-Time Classic. The Iceborne expansion pack is even more legendary than its base game.
Which is the highest-selling game of the Monster Hunter Series?
Monster Hunter World is the highest-selling game of not just the MH series but Capmon Studios as well. The game has sold over 20 million original units if we also include the Icebreak expansion sales.
Which has better graphics Monster Hunter World or Rise?
Monster Hunter World has better graphics since the game was released on multiple gaming platforms. Monster Hunter Rise was initially developed for PC & Nintendo Switch exclusively, which is tremendously reflected in its graphics.
Which game is more beginner-friendly, Monster Hunter World or Rise?
Monster Hunter Rise is definitely more beginner-friendly than MHW. The interactive & concise area, simplified objective and story narration help the player dwell into the game easily.
Do I need to play Monster Hunter World before Monster Hunter Rise?
No, it is not necessary to play Monster Hunter World before Monster Hunter Rise. The stories of these games are not interconnected and the gameplay is objectified to monster hunting. So, it does not spoil the gameplay essence if you decide to go with Monster Hunter Rise first.
Monster Hunter Rise vs Monster Hunter World Conclusion
After considering all the parameters and features offered by the MH Rise & MH World, we have come to a final verdict. MH Rise leaps ahead of its predecessor. The reason behind this is not that MHW lacks in offering a decent gameplay experience but that MHR has so much more to offer.
Our verdict is purely based on comparative analysis and factual information. The analytical victory of MHR over MHW does not disregard the mindblowing experience that MHW is able to induce on gaming consoles. It is also true that despite having a wide range of features, MHR isn’t able to deliver that well on the Graphics Front. The underlying reason behind this is the fact that MHR was specifically designed for PC devices. On the contrary, MHW was developed for gaming consoles.
This was it for Monster Hunter Rise vs. Monster Hunter World Comparison. Do you agree with our Monster Hunter Rise Vs Monster Hunter World Analysis? Don’t hesitate to comment with your opinions down below.
