Monster Hunter Rise: Where To Start

What's up, fellow hunters! So you've just booted up Monster Hunter Rise and you're standing there, shiny new gear on your back, ready to take on the world. But then it hits you: where do you even begin? It's a big game, guys, and the sheer amount of stuff thrown at you can be a little overwhelming at first. Don't sweat it, though! We're going to break down exactly where to start in Monster Hunter Rise so you can get straight to the good stuff: slaying massive beasts and looking absolutely stylish while doing it. Whether you're a complete newcomer to the Monster Hunter series or just jumping into this latest adventure, this guide is for you. We'll cover everything from your first steps in Kamura Village to understanding those all-important early quests.

Your First Steps in Kamura Village

Alright, so you've made it through the intro and you're standing in the bustling hub of Kamura Village. This is your home base, the place where you'll grab quests, craft gear, and generally get your bearings. The first thing you'll want to do is talk to everyone! Seriously, folks. Chatting up the villagers is a fantastic way to learn about the world, understand what's going on, and get yourself pointed in the right direction. Pay special attention to Elder Fugen, the village chief. He's your main quest giver at the start, and he'll be the one sending you out on your initial hunts. Don't ignore the other NPCs either; many of them offer side quests, tips, or unlock new services as you progress. You'll also want to get familiar with the Buddy Plaza. This is where your trusty Palicos and Palamutes hang out. You can train them, send them on missions to gather items, and customize their gear. Your buddies are going to be invaluable allies, so make sure they're up to snuff from the get-go. Gear up your buddies, give them some cool outfits, and get them ready for action. Also, take a moment to check out the Marketplace and the Smithy. This is where the magic of crafting and upgrading happens. You'll be spending a lot of time here, so get comfortable with how to browse weapons, armor, and materials. For now, just get a feel for the place; you'll be diving into crafting proper soon enough. Remember, Kamura Village is your sanctuary, so explore it, interact with it, and make it your own. The more you understand your surroundings, the smoother your journey will be.

Understanding Early Quests and Objectives

Now that you've got a feel for Kamura Village, let's talk about quests in Monster Hunter Rise. This is the core loop of the game, guys. You accept a quest, you hunt a monster (or gather some stuff), and you come back with rewards. Easy peasy, right? Well, mostly. At the start, you'll be tackling Village Quests. These are single-player focused and are designed to ease you into the mechanics. Don't skip these! They're crucial for learning the ropes. Your first few quests will likely involve hunting relatively harmless monsters like the Izuchi or the Great Baggi. These are your training dummies, so to speak. Use these hunts to practice your weapon controls, learn how to dodge attacks, and get a feel for the different combat mechanics. Pay attention to the quest details. Each quest will tell you what you need to do, what monster you're hunting, and often provides hints about its weaknesses. The Hunter's Notes in your menu are your best friend here. They contain a wealth of information about monsters, weapons, armor, and items. Keep those Hunter's Notes handy! As you complete Village Quests, you'll increase your Hunter Rank (HR). This is a crucial progression system that unlocks new, tougher quests and monsters. Don't worry too much about HR at the start; just focus on completing the quests that are available to you. Also, keep an eye on your Wirebug. This amazing tool allows for incredible mobility, and learning to use it effectively for both traversal and combat is a game-changer. Practice those Wirebug moves! The early quests are also a great opportunity to experiment with different weapon types. You won't be a master overnight, but try out a few to see which playstyle clicks with you. Each weapon has a unique feel and moveset, and finding your favorite is part of the fun. So, take your time, enjoy the learning process, and don't be afraid to fail. Every hunt is a learning experience, and soon enough, you'll be taking down much bigger prey.

Mastering Your First Weapon and Gear

Choosing your first weapon in Monster Hunter Rise can feel like a monumental decision, but honestly, don't overthink it too much at the beginning. The game offers twelve distinct weapon types, each with its own pros and cons, and the most important thing is to find something that feels right for you. If you're completely new, something with straightforward controls like the Great Sword (big hits, slow swings), the Long Sword (balanced offense and defense), or the Sword and Shield (quick attacks, ability to use items while unsheathed) might be a good starting point. Don't be afraid to try out the Training Area to get a feel for the combos and mechanics of each weapon without the pressure of a monster trying to flatten you. Experimentation is key, guys! As for gear, your initial armor set will likely be basic. Your priority should be crafting or upgrading pieces that offer decent defense. Defense is your lifeline early on. Don't worry about specific skills just yet; focus on surviving. You'll earn monster materials from your hunts, and these are what you'll use at the Smithy to craft new armor and weapons. Keep an eye on the materials you're collecting and see what you can make. Sometimes, a new weapon might require a specific part from a monster you've already fought. Don't be shy about replaying quests if you need specific materials. Upgrading your gear is essential for progression. Your weapons deal damage, and your armor protects you. Both need to be improved as you face tougher monsters. As you progress, you'll start to notice armor pieces with skills. These skills provide passive bonuses, like increased attack power, better defense, or faster stamina recovery. For now, just focus on getting a balanced set that offers good overall protection. Later, you'll learn how to build specialized armor sets around powerful skills. But for your first few hours, prioritize raw defense and decent attack power. Remember, your hunter is only as good as their equipment, so invest time in understanding the Smithy and what materials you need.

The Importance of Buddies (Palicos and Palamutes)

Okay, let's talk about your best friends in the New World (or, well, Kamura): your Buddies! In Monster Hunter Rise, you're not alone. You've got your Palicos (the cat-like companions) and your Palamutes (the dog-like companions) to watch your back. These guys are not just for show; they are incredibly useful. At the beginning of the game, you'll get to create your first Palico and Palamute. Make sure you give them names you like because you'll be adventuring with them for a long time! Your Palicos come with various support types (like healing, gathering, or bomb support), and your Palamutes are excellent for mobility and dealing damage. As you progress, you can recruit more buddies, each with different skills and support types. Don't neglect your buddies' gear! Just like your hunter, their weapons and armor can be upgraded and crafted using materials. A well-equipped buddy can make a huge difference in a hunt, especially in those tougher early fights. You can also send your buddies on expeditions from the Buddy Plaza. These expeditions are a fantastic way to passively gather materials, currency (like Zenny), and even new endemic life forms that can help you during hunts. While you're off on a main quest, your buddies can be out gathering resources for you. Think of them as your support team and resource gatherers. When you're starting out, make sure your active buddies are kitted out with the best gear you can afford, and consider sending out a couple of other buddies on expeditions regularly. Their assistance in combat, whether it's healing you, distracting monsters, or landing a few extra hits, can be the difference between victory and a trip back to Kamura Village. They truly are indispensable allies, so treat your buddies right and they'll help you conquer anything.

Understanding Hunter Rank and Unlocking New Content

As you bash monsters and complete quests, you'll notice a number steadily climbing: your Hunter Rank (HR). This is arguably the most important progression metric in the early game. Hunter Rank dictates what quests you can access and what monsters you can fight. Think of it as your overall experience level as a hunter. Every quest you complete, whether it's a Village Quest or an early Hub Quest, awards you points that contribute to increasing your HR. At certain HR thresholds, new quests will unlock, introducing you to more challenging monsters and more complex environments. Don't get discouraged if your HR seems to climb slowly at first; it picks up pace as you go. Your primary goal in the early stages is simply to complete the available Village Quests. These will naturally increase your HR and introduce you to the core mechanics and monsters of Monster Hunter Rise. Once you start unlocking Hub Quests (these are designed for multiplayer but can be tackled solo), you'll find that they also contribute to your HR, often at a faster rate. However, it's generally recommended to get a solid grasp of the game through Village Quests before diving headfirst into the Hub. As your HR increases, you'll also unlock new items at the shop, new crafting options at the Smithy, and new features in Kamura Village. It’s a constant cycle of progression: hunt monsters to increase HR, unlock new content, hunt stronger monsters. Pay attention to the HR requirements for new quests; sometimes you'll need to grind out a few easier quests to meet the HR requirement before you can progress the story. The game is designed to gently guide you through its content, and your HR is the key that unlocks the next door. So, keep hunting, keep completing those quests, and watch that HR climb! It's the most reliable way to ensure you're always facing the right level of challenge and unlocking all the awesome content Monster Hunter Rise has to offer. Higher HR means more monsters, better gear, and bigger adventures!

Tips for Your First Monster Hunts

Alright, hunters, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: your first monster hunts in Monster Hunter Rise. It can be pretty intense when you first lock onto a monster and it charges at you, right? But don't panic! Here are some top tips to help you survive and thrive. Firstly, always prepare before you leave Kamura Village. Pack Rations for stamina, Mega Potions for health, and Whetstones to sharpen your weapon. If you're fighting a specific monster, check your Hunter's Notes for its elemental weaknesses and consider bringing the appropriate gear or ammo. Don't be stingy with your consumables! Using a potion before you faint is way better than trying to chug one while a monster is on top of you. Observe the monster's attack patterns. This is the single most important skill in Monster Hunter. Watch how it moves, when it attacks, and what tells it gives before a big move. Most monsters have predictable attack sequences. Learning these will allow you to dodge effectively and find openings to attack. Don't get greedy! It's tempting to land one more hit, but often it's better to play it safe, dodge, and wait for another opening. A few safe hits are better than getting knocked out because you overextended. Utilize your Wirebug constantly. Use it to dodge attacks, reposition yourself, and even to mount monsters for special attacks (Silkbind Attacks). Mastering Wirebug mobility will keep you alive and allow for more offensive opportunities. Target specific monster parts. Many monsters have weak points (like the head or tail) that take more damage. Breaking parts can also yield rarer materials for crafting. Keep an eye on your Wirebug gauge and make sure you have enough to escape danger. Don't forget your buddies! They can draw aggro (the monster's attention), heal you, or deal extra damage. Coordinate with them or at least rely on them to help manage the monster's focus. Finally, don't be afraid to run away. If you're low on health and potions, or the monster is just too much, retreating to a safe area to heal up or regroup is a valid strategy. Death isn't the end, it's a learning opportunity. So take a deep breath, observe, be patient, and you'll be taking down those early monsters like a pro in no time. Good luck out there, guys! You've got this!

Conclusion: Your Rise to Hunter Greatness

So there you have it, folks! You've got the lowdown on where to start in Monster Hunter Rise. From getting cozy in Kamura Village, understanding those crucial early quests, and mastering your first weapon and gear, to relying on your trusty buddies and keeping an eye on your Hunter Rank, you're now equipped with the knowledge to embark on your grand adventure. Remember, Monster Hunter Rise is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, enjoy the learning curve, and don't be afraid to experiment. Every hunt is a chance to learn something new, refine your skills, and discover what makes this game so incredibly rewarding. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or brand new to the series, the path to becoming a legendary hunter is paved with patience, practice, and a whole lot of monster slaying. Keep exploring, keep crafting, and most importantly, keep having fun! The monsters are waiting, and your rise to greatness begins now. Happy hunting!