It’s amazing that a series this popular is also this hard to get into.

“Eventually” is doing a lot of work in that sentence, though.

In its way, it can be a remarkably chill experience.

Monster Hunter Rise palico cats serving food

Capcom

That game felt like it was actively fighting you all the way through its opening and tutorial.

By comparison,Risegets you into the action and on your own in a little under 45 minutes.

That doesn’t mean it teaches you anywhere near everything youd want to know.

Monster Hunter Rise character looking through their item storage

Capcom

Then a giant lizard-bear kicked my hairstyle in.

With a crew at your back, learning how to playRisebecomes an achievable challenge.

After that, it slowly becomes actual fun.

Monster Hunter Rise character riding their mount and exploring

Capcom

At that point, it opens up dramatically.

That learning curve is steep, though.

Id go so far as to say its not worth trying to playRiseon your own.