Monster Hunter: A Guide for Hunters of All Levels

Monster Hunter: From Rathalos to Rise

At its core, Monster Hunter is an action role-playing game where players take on the role of a hunter tasked with slaying or capturing a wide variety of fearsome monsters. Gameplay revolves around hunting these creatures, using the materials gathered from them to craft powerful weapons and armor, and then using that upgraded gear to tackle even tougher hunts. It's a rewarding cycle of preparation, execution, and progression.

While combat is a central element, strategy and resource management are equally important. Hunters must learn monster behaviors, exploit their weaknesses, and utilize the environment to their advantage. Multiplayer is a key component, allowing hunters to team up with friends and tackle challenging hunts together.

Exploring the Monster Hunter Games

The Monster Hunter series boasts a rich history, with numerous titles released on various platforms. Here's a look at the main entries:

• Monster Hunter (2004)
The game that started it all! Released on the PlayStation 2, it laid the foundation for the series' core gameplay mechanics.
• Monster Hunter Freedom (2005)
The PSP port that brought Monster Hunter to a portable format, popularizing the series' multiplayer aspect.
• Monster Hunter 2 (2006)
Introduced new monsters, weapons, and gameplay mechanics, expanding upon the original's formula.
• Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (2007) & Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (2008)
Further iterations on the PSP, solidifying the series' popularity on handheld consoles.
• Monster Hunter Tri (2009)
Made its debut on the Wii, featuring underwater combat and a focus on storytelling.
• Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (2010)
Returned to the PSP, introducing new monsters and a streamlined hunting experience.
• Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (2011)
An enhanced version of Tri, released on the 3DS and Wii U.
• Monster Hunter 4 (2013)
Introduced mounting mechanics and more vertical level design, adding a new dimension to hunts.
• Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (2015)
An expanded version of MH4, featuring more content and challenging monsters.
• Monster Hunter Generations (2016)
Celebrated the series' history, featuring fan-favorite monsters and hunting styles.
• Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (2017)
An enhanced version of Generations, released on the Nintendo Switch.
• Monster Hunter: World (2018)
A landmark title that brought the series to a global audience with stunning visuals and a more accessible gameplay experience.
• Monster Hunter World: Iceborne (2019)
A massive expansion for World, adding new monsters, a new region, and Master Rank difficulty.
• Monster Hunter Rise (2021)
Introduced the Wirebug mechanic, allowing for more agile movement and aerial attacks, and a focus on Japanese-inspired aesthetics.
• Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak (2022)
A substantial expansion for Rise, featuring new monsters, a new locale, and Master Rank content.
• Monster Hunter Stories (2024)
A turn-based RPG, remastered version of the first Monster Hunter

Each game in the series introduces unique monsters, locales, and gameplay mechanics, offering a fresh experience for hunters. Some titles feature unique storylines, while others focus primarily on the hunt itself. The core gameplay loop of hunting, gathering, and crafting remains consistent, providing a satisfying sense of progression and achievement.

The Next Hunt: Monster Hunter Wilds

The highly anticipated next installment in the series, Monster Hunter Wilds, is set to release at the end of this month. While details are still somewhat scarce, trailers and previews have showcased stunning visuals, seamless open-world environments, and dynamic weather conditions that will impact hunts. It's speculated that Wilds will further evolve the series' gameplay mechanics, offering hunters new ways to interact with the environment and hunt monsters. The promise of a truly wild and unpredictable hunting experience has generated immense excitement within the Monster Hunter community.

Monster Hunter Wilds System Requirements on PC

Minimum:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows®10 (64-bit Required)
Processor: Intel® Core™ i5-10600 or Intel® Core™ i3-12100F or AMD Ryzen™ 5 3600
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1660 Super(VRAM 6GB) or AMD Radeon™ RX 5600 XT(VRAM 6GB)
DirectX: Version 12
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 140 GB available space
Additional Notes: SSD required. This game is expected to run at 1080p (upscaled from 720 native resolution) / 30 fps under the "Lowest" graphics setting. DirectStorage supported.

Recommended:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows®10 (64-bit Required)
Processor: Intel® Core™ i5-11600K or Intel® Core™ i5-12400 or AMD Ryzen™ 5 3600X or AMD Ryzen™ 5 5500
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 2070 Super(VRAM 8GB) or NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 4060(VRAM 8GB) or　AMD Radeon™ RX 6700XT(VRAM 12GB)
DirectX: Version 12
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 140 GB available space
Additional Notes: SSD required. This game is expected to run at 1080p / 60 fps (with Frame Generation enabled) under the "Medium" graphics setting. DirectStorage supported.

Joining the Hunt today!

Whether you're drawn to the thrill of the hunt, the challenge of mastering different weapons, or the camaraderie of hunting with friends, the Monster Hunter universe offers something for everyone. With a rich history and a promising future, now is the perfect time to dive into the world of Monster Hunter.

So, grab your weapon, gather your party, and HUNT!