As promised, a temporary Nintendo Switch exclusive has been released today – the action RPG Monster Hunter Rise. On the occasion, Capcom released a launch trailer and a series of short commercials for Japanese television.

At the end of the trailer, it is reported that the first free update in late April will add the dragon Apex Rathalos alongside the previously announced monster Chameleos. In Japan, the cartridges were sold out before the game was released. As previously reported, Monster Hunter Rise will lose its exclusive status in the first half of 2022 when the PC version is released.

Monster Hunter Rise is an action RPG set in the dreamlike setting of the mountain village of Kamura, which attracts visitors with its unique culture and special hunting methods. Equipped with armor and weapon types, players venture out onto entirely new hunting grounds, including ancient sanctuary ruins, a flooded forest, sandy plains, and more. As you advance and overcome the monsters, they have at their disposal items of defeated enemies, which can be used to improve ammunition that increases the chances of survival.

Hunters can tackle these challenges alone or with up to three allies in local and co-op multiplayer. Unlike previous handheld versions of the game, Rise offers seamless locations like Monster Hunter: World, with no transitions between areas.

In addition to many single and multiplayer quests, the game features a story mode that invites hunters to uncover the secrets of the mysterious events of Fury that threaten the village. To survive the onslaught of monsters, you need to unite with the inhabitants of Kamura, build defensive structures and protect your fortress from waves of enemies and any monsters that may join the horde.

Building on the Monster Hunter series, the game offers a suite of new tools to hunt down and crush dangerous monsters. The Wirebug mechanic provides a new level of maneuverability and allows you to use string beetles to climb rocks and other hard-to-reach places.

Palico Cotta will return as support characters for actions such as healing. And palamutes, new hunting partners, open up interesting ways to move and attack. In a solo hunt, players can take both palamut and palico to help, while in multiplayer battles, only one of them can be taken onto the battlefield.

The flagship monster Magnamalo is introduced, as well as other monsters such as the shape-shifting Aknosom, the amphibious Tetranadon, the Great Izuchi, and others. Hunters will also face numerous enemy types from previous Monster Hunter games.