The short answer is – Monster Hunter Rise‘s major title updates have been free so far, but the massive Sunbreak expansion is paid DLC.
As a fellow Monster Hunter fan, let me walk you through everything you need to know about Monster Hunter Rise‘s free updates, paid expansions, and what exciting new content is on the horizon!
A Constant Stream of Free Updates
Monster Hunter games are known for their frequent free title updates that add new monsters, gear, quests and quality of life features. Monster Hunter Rise has continued this trend wonderfully.
Since launch, Capcom has released 4 free title updates for Switch and 1 major title update for PC, expanding the game in various ways:
- Title Update 1 (April 2021): Added challenging apex monster battles and event quests
- Title Update 2 (May 2021): Introduced fan-favorites like Crimson Glow Valstrax and Apex Zinogre + Apex Diablos quests
- Title Update 3 (August 2021): Added brand new endgame quests, decorations and switch skills to diversify gameplay
- PC Title Update 1 (January 2022): Brought all content from TU 1-3 to the PC version
Most recently, Title Update 4 (November 2022) added Shrouded Nerscylla, Risen Chameleos and Violet Mizutsune as challenging new hunts.
That‘s 6 new monsters, tons of gear, fresh quests and gameplay improvements – all completely free for existing owners!
Based on this generous update schedule so far, Monster Hunter Rise players can expect to enjoy free content updates for at least the next year or two.
As a fellow hunter, I‘m thrilled that Capcom continues supporting Monster Hunter Rise in such a substantial way at no extra cost. It‘s an exciting time to be a fan!
The Game-Changing Sunbreak Expansion
Now, it‘s true the largest Monster Hunter Rise update comes at a price – the massive Sunbreak expansion priced at $39.99.
As you probably know, Sunbreak takes the Monster Hunter Rise experience to spectacular new heights:
- An entirely new story and quests centered around the Elgado Outpost
- Introduces new Master Rank hunts against tougher monsters
- Increases the max Hunter Rank from 100 to 999 for extreme challenges
- Adds the new Sandy Plains locale and the Citadel map
- Brings fan-favorite monsters like Gore Magala into the fray
- Lets you ride Malzeno, the mysterious new Elder Dragon
- Packed with new gear sets, abilities, followers, treasures and more!
Sunbreak could easily be considered Monster Hunter Rise 2.0 with the sheer amount of exciting new content and features it adds.
Of course, this level of significant expansion justifies Sunbreak‘s $39.99 price tag. It‘s practically a whole new game on top of the base experience!
Personally, as someone with 500+ hours in Monster Hunter Rise, I found Sunbreak to be worth every penny. The challenge of Master Rank quests gives me motivation to perfect my hunting skills. And I always look forward to the next free update that adds something new!
Monster Hunter Rise Stands Tall Without Sunbreak
Now, it‘s understandable if you want to wait for a sale to pick up Sunbreak down the road.
The great news is Monster Hunter Rise is absolutely still an incredible game even without its expansion.
Here are just some of the highlights you can look forward to in the base game alone:
- 30+ hour story campaign introducing Kamura Village
- 14 huge hunting locales like Flooded Forest and Frost Islands
- 33 diverse large monsters like Magnamalo, Goss Harag and more
- 6 more monsters added through free title updates after launch
- 14 different weapon types, each with deep combat mechanics
- Customize your playstyle through armor skills and decorations
- Hub area filled with lively NPCs that grows along your journey
- Arena quests, training area and challenge event quests
- Did I mention hundreds of hours of potential playtime?
Monster Hunter Rise is one of the most content-rich entries in the series right out of the box. You‘ll get more than your money‘s worth without ever setting foot in the Sunbreak expansion!
What‘s Next? Future Updates Revealed
Even with Sunbreak‘s massive content offering, Monster Hunter Rise‘s free updates aren‘t stopping. Capcom has already outlined upcoming title updates coming in 2023:
- Title Update 5 – Spring 2023: Adds Lucent Nargacuga, a challenging new variant
- Title Update 6 – Summer 2023: Featuring Seething Bazelgeuse to shake things up
And I have no doubt even more monsters, quests and gear are on the horizon later into 2023 and beyond!
Capcom has a proven track record of support post-launch support for Monster Hunter games:
| Game | Free Title Updates | Last Update |
|---|---|---|
| Monster Hunter World | 15 | October 2020 |
| Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate | 5 | November 2017 |
| Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate | 11 | April 2015 |
Given this generous history, Monster Hunter Rise looks to receive free content updates for at least the next 1-2 years. There‘s never been a better time to be a Monster Hunter fan!
Rise Headed to PlayStation and Xbox Soon
Originally exclusive to Nintendo Switch and PC, Capcom confirmed Monster Hunter Rise is coming to PlayStation and Xbox platforms in January 2023!
Even better – the console versions will include all of the Sunbreak expansion content right from launch, giving PS and Xbox owners access to the full experience.
So if you‘ve been waiting for Monster Hunter Rise on your PlayStation or Xbox, the time is almost here! No need to worry about buying Sunbreak separately.
The only downside is PlayStation and Xbox owners will miss out on some of the free title updates Switch/PC players enjoyed. But you‘ll have access to the game‘s definitive version on day one.
Well, that covers everything you need to know about Monster Hunter Rise‘s exciting updates! Let me know if you have any other questions. I‘m always happy to chat more about my favorite hunting series. Happy hunting, my friend!
