Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Gets More Monsters, Demo

Capcom held a new showcase presentation, during which it provided more details and footage for the upcoming Sunbreak expansion for Monster Hunter: Rise. The “A New Frontier” trailer shows the new jungle region in the expansion, which is based on the regions of the second generation Monster Hunter games (Monster Hunter 2, Monster Hunter Freedom 2, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite).

The video also reveals four more monsters appearing in the game. First is Gore Magala, the flagship wyvern from Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, along with its Frenzy Virus special attack. Espinas, the Thorn Wyvern, is also making its return to the series, having previously only appeared in Monster Hunter Frontier and Monster Hunter Online, with its powerful horn and toxic fireballs. The expansion will also see the return of the crustacean-like Daimyo Hermitaur, as well as the introduction of a new Rakna-Kadaki subspecies, the fire-based Pyre Rakna-Kadaki.

In addition to showing the new region and monsters, Capcom announced that a demo for Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak is now available on PC (via Steam) and Nintendo Switch. The demo features four hunts of increasing challenge: a beginner hunt against a Great Izuchi, an intermediate hunt against a Tetranadon, an expert hunt with new monster Astalos, and a final advance hunt against Sunbreak’s flagship monster Malzeno.

Finally, Capcom teased some of the free post-launch updates coming to Sunbreak. The first update in August will add Lucent Nargacuga, as well as other new monsters and the Forlorn Arena location. The second update will launch in fall and add new rare and subspecies monsters, with another update in winter adding more pseical species monsters. Further updates are planned in continue in 2023.

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak will release on PC and Nintendo Switch on June 30, 2022. Sunbreak includes a new storyline, as well as new locations, new monsters, a new quest rank, and new gameplay features. The expansion will be available to purchase individually or in a new bundle featuring both Monster Hunter Rise and Sunbreak. A Deluxe Edition that includes bonus content such as layered armor sets, gestures, and hairstyles will also be available.