Monster Hunter: Rise Vs. World - Which Is Best For Beginners?

by Jhon Lennon 62 views

Hey guys! So, you're looking to dive into the awesome world of Monster Hunter? That's fantastic! You're in for a treat because it's an incredible franchise. But with two major recent installments, Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Rise, it can be a little daunting to figure out where to start. Don't worry, I've got you covered! Let's break down both games to see which one might be the perfect fit for a newcomer. We'll look at everything from gameplay and accessibility to monster variety and endgame content. By the end, you'll have a much clearer picture of which game will get you hooked on hunting.

Understanding the Monster Hunter Universe

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of Rise and World, let's talk a little bit about what makes the Monster Hunter series so special. At its core, Monster Hunter is all about hunting giant monsters, known as 'large monsters,' to craft better weapons and armor. It's a loop of hunting, gathering resources, crafting, and then hunting even bigger, badder monsters. It's incredibly satisfying! This core gameplay is consistent across all Monster Hunter games, but the presentation and specific mechanics change from title to title. Both Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Rise are excellent entry points, but they each offer a slightly different flavor of the Monster Hunter experience. The goal is always the same: to hunt, to survive, and to become the ultimate hunter! The series is renowned for its challenging but rewarding combat, the depth of its crafting system, and the sheer variety of monsters you'll encounter. Expect to spend hours upon hours perfecting your hunts, learning monster attack patterns, and experimenting with different weapon types. It's a game that respects your time and effort, making every victory feel earned. It's also a great experience with friends. So, if you're looking for a game to sink your teeth into, you've come to the right place. Both of these games have a ton of content, and you’ll likely find yourself playing for hundreds of hours. This is especially true if you get hooked on the game’s endgame content, which we'll also discuss later.

The Allure of Monster Hunting

What is it that keeps people coming back for more? Well, the allure of Monster Hunter lies in a few key areas:

  • The Thrill of the Hunt: Each hunt is a mini-epic. Tracking a monster, learning its moves, and finally taking it down is incredibly rewarding.
  • Weapon Mastery: There are fourteen distinct weapon types, each with unique move sets and playstyles. Finding the perfect weapon for you is half the fun.
  • Crafting and Customization: Crafting powerful weapons and armor from monster parts is essential for progression, allowing you to tailor your build to your preferred playstyle. The armor also gives you skills. This level of customization is very fun, and lets you specialize in the aspects of combat that you enjoy most.
  • Monster Variety: The monster designs are fantastic. From the giant, lumbering Barroth to the lightning-fast Tigrex, each monster presents a unique challenge.
  • Community: The Monster Hunter community is known for being helpful and supportive, especially to newcomers. You'll find plenty of resources and friendly players willing to help you out.

Now that you have an idea of what Monster Hunter is all about, let’s move on to comparing Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Rise.

Monster Hunter: World - The Groundbreaking Entry

Monster Hunter: World was a massive hit, and for good reason. It brought the series to a wider audience with its stunning graphics, improved accessibility, and a streamlined approach to many of the game's systems. If you're a new player, there's a strong chance this is a good starting point, and here’s why.

Gameplay and Mechanics

World emphasizes a more realistic and immersive world. The maps are sprawling and interconnected, allowing for seamless exploration. The combat is fluid and impactful, with each weapon feeling distinct and satisfying. The Scoutflies are your guide, leading you to monster tracks and eventually to the monsters themselves. This also helps new players understand the monster’s habits and movements. World also introduced a more intuitive crafting system and a simplified resource gathering process, making the game more accessible to newcomers. The game's world is teeming with life, and you'll find yourself marveling at the environments as much as you'll be enjoying the hunts. You'll be using tools like the clutch claw to latch onto monsters and perform attacks, and the environment itself, like ledges and environmental hazards, become part of your arsenal.

Accessibility for New Players

One of World's biggest strengths is its approachability. The game offers a comprehensive tutorial system that gently introduces players to the mechanics. The game eases you into the combat system, and there's a wider range of difficulty levels. The early monsters are relatively easy to take down, giving you a chance to learn the ropes without being overwhelmed. The game also provides a clear progression path, guiding you through the story and introducing new challenges at a steady pace. Overall, World does an excellent job of holding your hand without feeling like it’s patronizing you. This makes it a great choice for newcomers who have never played a Monster Hunter game before. It's easier to get into the game and understand the basics of hunting. The game makes it easy to understand the mechanics without too much initial friction, and as you progress, you can start optimizing your builds and experimenting with different weapon types.

Pros of Monster Hunter: World

  • Stunning Graphics: The game looks incredible, especially on modern consoles and PCs.
  • Immersive World: The interconnected maps and detailed environments create a sense of realism.
  • Fluid Combat: The combat feels weighty and impactful.
  • Good Accessibility: A more accessible game, and is very friendly to newcomers.
  • Large Content: Monster Hunter World has lots of content including the Iceborne expansion.

Cons of Monster Hunter: World

  • Slower Pace: The game can feel slower at times, with more emphasis on tracking and preparation.
  • Less Mobility: Compared to Rise, movement feels a little more grounded.
  • Can be overwhelming: Even with its accessibility, there’s still a lot to learn.

Monster Hunter Rise - The Nimble Hunter

Monster Hunter Rise took a different approach. Released on the Nintendo Switch and later on PC and other platforms, Rise focused on faster-paced combat, enhanced mobility, and a more streamlined experience. This doesn't make it any less of a game, but it does make it stand out from World.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Rise introduces the Wirebug, a tool that allows you to zip around the environment, perform aerial attacks, and recover quickly after being knocked down. This greatly enhances mobility and adds a vertical dimension to the combat. The maps in Rise are more compact but still offer a variety of environments to explore. The game also features a friendly companion, the Palamute, which you can ride to get around the maps, which makes it easier. The game’s combat is very fast-paced, and it is a ton of fun. The speed of the combat makes the hunts that much more enjoyable. The game is designed to be played in shorter bursts, with hunts typically lasting a bit shorter than they would in World.

Accessibility for New Players

Rise is also a welcoming entry point for newcomers, although it has a slightly different approach than World. While the tutorial system isn't quite as in-depth as World, the game does a good job of introducing the core mechanics. The streamlined gameplay and faster pace make it easier to get into the action. It may have a higher learning curve, but not by a ton. The game is also a bit more forgiving with its difficulty curve. The early monsters are manageable, and you can focus on mastering the Wirebug and experimenting with different weapons. It's a great option if you're looking for a more action-packed experience. The game also has a focus on single-player content, making it a great option if you want to play solo.

Pros of Monster Hunter Rise

  • Fast-Paced Combat: The Wirebug adds a new dimension to the combat, making it very dynamic.
  • Enhanced Mobility: The Wirebug and Palamute make movement around the maps much easier.
  • Streamlined Experience: The game offers a more focused experience.
  • Great for Shorter Play Sessions: The shorter missions make the game great if you want to play the game on the go.

Cons of Monster Hunter Rise

  • Smaller Maps: The maps are less sprawling than in World.
  • Less Realistic: The game has a slightly more stylized and less realistic aesthetic.
  • Less in-depth Content: The game has less content compared to World, but that doesn't make it a bad thing.

Which Game Should You Choose?

So, which game is the right one for you? Let's break it down:

  • Choose Monster Hunter: World if:
    • You want a more immersive and realistic experience.
    • You prefer a slower, more methodical pace.
    • You enjoy stunning graphics and detailed environments.
    • You want a good tutorial system and more hand-holding for newcomers.
  • Choose Monster Hunter Rise if:
    • You prefer fast-paced combat and enhanced mobility.
    • You want a more streamlined experience with shorter hunts.
    • You're looking for a game that's great for playing on the go.
    • You want a more action-packed experience.

Gameplay Preference

Ultimately, your choice will likely depend on your personal preferences. If you're a fan of fast-paced action and enjoy zipping around the map, Rise is the way to go. If you value a more immersive experience with in-depth crafting and a slower pace, World might be a better fit.

Content and Updates

Both games are packed with content, and you’ll easily sink hours upon hours into either of them. World has more content at this point, but it's important to remember that Rise is a newer game, and it continues to receive updates and expansions. So, you'll have plenty to do in either title.

Weapon Choices

One of the most important things to consider is that the core gameplay is essentially the same in both games. The same weapons are present in both games. The best way to make a decision is to watch gameplay videos of each game and see which one appeals more to you. If you already have experience with the series, you might lean towards one over the other. But it's also true that either of these is a great starting point.

Final Thoughts

Both Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Rise are fantastic games, and you can't really go wrong with either. World is a great starting point for its accessibility and immersion, and Rise offers a more dynamic experience. I hope that helps you in making the decision on which game to start with. The most important thing is that you have fun. Happy hunting! Which ever game you start with, you'll be glad that you did!