This article was originally written for TheNintendoVillage.com, a website I founded and ran from 2018 to 2021.

A brand new Monster Hunter game has been announced for Switch. Monster Hunter Rise will launch on the console on 26 March 2021.

Revealed during today’s Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Presentation, the game features all the hallmarks fans of the series will be familiar with, along with some new features including layered a rideable dog companion called a Palamute, and of course, a host of new monsters.

As detailed in the dedicated Monster Hunter Direct that followed the Nintendo Direct Mini, players will be able to utilise a new hookshot-esque item named a Wirebug in combat to chain together attacks and pull monsters close (or zip closer to bigger ones). Plus, every combat area is seamlessly connected, allowing players to explore and chase down monsters without loading times.

There are also three new amiibo accompanying the game, which will be available exclusively from the My Nintendo Store in March. They consist of a Palico, a Palamute, and the new flagship monster for the game, the Magnamalo.

The game will have three different versions; the Standard version, a Deluxe Edition with a bunch of DLC included, and a Collectors Edition. The latter pack will include the game and DLC, a Magnamalo amiibo, pin badge and sticker pack. Players who pre-order ether version will also receive a bunch of in-game goodies, including armor sets and skins for your Palamute and Palico partners.

The game will also speak to Monster Hunter Stories 2 (which was also announced during the Direct) in some way, though more details on how are promised for later.

Check out the Monster Hunter Direct below for more details including the trailer!

Source: YouTube