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How these games compare with Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise gives Switch players quests for up to four people, locally or online, with monster spoils used to upgrade weapons and armor, according to Nintendo’s 26 March 2021 guide. The alternatives below preserve different parts of that formula, so the best fit depends on whether your group values crafting, combat pace, or boss-focused sessions.
| Game | Closest match | Co-op size stated by source | Session shape | Platforms listed by publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Hearts | Creature hunts, gathered materials, weapon and armor crafting | Up to three players total: you and up to two others, per EA | Hunts and crafting progression | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S |
| GOD EATER 3 | Fast monster battles and weapon variety | Not stated on the Bandai Namco page cited here | Action-RPG battles against Aragami | PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC |
| ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN | Co-op boss fights and expeditions | Three-player squads; solo play is also described by Bandai Namco | Changing Limveld runs across a three-day-and-night cycle | PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC |
Wild Hearts: the closest hunt-and-craft alternative
Wild Hearts most directly carries over the loop of preparing for a hunt, taking down a major creature, and using the rewards to improve your equipment. Its targets are Kemono—giant, nature-infused beasts—and EA says players gather materials from hunts to create weapons and armor for tougher encounters.
The co-op group can include you and up to two other players. Hunting also has its own identity: Karakuri technology lets players build and use devices in the hunting grounds. EA lists the game for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with a release date of 16 February 2023. See the official Wild Hearts page for its feature and platform details.
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- Contains both Monster Hunter: World and the Iceborne expansion
- Explore sprawling locales teeming with undiscovered creatures and thriving ecosystems
- Battle fearsome monsters not only to craft new weapons & armor, but also to drive the story forward and uncover the mysteries of the New World and Hoarfrost Reach
- Extensive single-player campaign that also allows drop-in multiplayer; use the SOS Flare to summon other hunters for an assist!
- Use monster materials, as well as items found growing in the wild, to craft new items and gear
GOD EATER 3: faster battles and weapon variety
Choose GOD EATER 3 if your group is drawn to brisk action and a distinct anime-RPG style more than to a documented crafting loop. Bandai Namco describes creating a character, choosing from a range of God Arcs, and fighting Aragami in high-speed battles. The publisher lists it as an action, anime, and RPG game for PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
The Bandai Namco product page does not state a co-op player count or establish multiplayer features, so check the current platform-specific listing before buying if playing together is essential.
Rank #2
- Welcome to the new world: taking on the role of a Hunter, players are tasked with going on a research expedition to a newly discovered continent known only as “new world”.
- Living and breathing ecosystem: utilize the surrounding environment and wildlife to your advantage;Subgenre:Action role-playing game (RPG)
- Online drop-in multiplayer: when the battle is too daunting to take on single-handedly, hail up to three other hunters to assist during quests by sending up a sos flare to a worldwide server.
- Hunt to craft new Gear: defeat monsters and collect loot from fallen foes to craft equipment and weapons styled after the monsters that have been slain.
- SEAMLESS gameplay: players and monsters can move from One map area to another freely and without loading screens whilst gameplay also dynamically transitions between night and day.
ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN: co-op runs built around bosses
ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN fits groups that mainly want to explore, survive changing conditions, and fight major bosses together. Bandai Namco describes it as a standalone adventure in the Elden Ring universe: three Nightfarers explore Limveld, whose sessions change, and hunt Nightlords. The publisher’s release announcement describes squads of three or solo play, a shifting three-day-and-night cycle, and a boss at the end of each night.
That run-based structure is a meaningful departure from Rise’s hunt-and-craft progression. Nightreign is not the closest substitute if your favorite part is gathering a monster’s materials and turning them into upgraded gear. It is the strongest fit of these three when the shared boss encounter is the main attraction. Bandai Namco lists PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. Details are on the official Nightreign page and in the 30 May 2025 release announcement.
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Rank #3
- Introduces Kirin, a lightning-charged elder dragon mega boss that delivers one of the most demanding and strategic hunts in Monster Hunter World: The Board Game.
- Expands campaign depth with branching quests, rare loot rewards, and powerful crafting paths that reshape how hunters prepare for future encounters.
- Features escalating difficulty as Kirin grows more dangerous, forcing players to adapt tactics, optimize builds, and master risk-reward decisions.
- Includes a highly detailed Kirin miniature with commanding table presence, enhancing immersion and visual impact during epic boss battles.
- Designed for experienced tabletop players seeking intense cooperative gameplay, advanced strategy, and meaningful long-term progression.
Which one should your group choose?
- Pick Wild Hearts for the closest documented match to cooperative creature hunts with material-based weapon and armor crafting.
- Pick GOD EATER 3 for fast, stylized battles and weapon variety; confirm multiplayer support and group size for your platform before committing.
- Pick ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN if you want three-player expeditions and boss fights, and are happy with a changing session-based format rather than Rise’s hunt-and-craft progression.
Platform availability differs: Wild Hearts is listed for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S; GOD EATER 3 for PS4, Switch, and PC; and NIGHTREIGN for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. Check the official platform listing for the version you plan to play.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Welcome to the new world: taking on the role of a Hunter, players are tasked with going on a research expedition to a newly discovered continent known only as “new world”.
- Living and breathing ecosystem: utilize the surrounding environment and wildlife to your advantage;Subgenre:Action role-playing game (RPG)
- Online drop-in multiplayer: when the battle is too daunting to take on single-handedly, hail up to three other hunters to assist during quests by sending up a sos flare to a worldwide server.
- Hunt to craft new Gear: defeat monsters and collect loot from fallen foes to craft equipment and weapons styled after the monsters that have been slain.
- SEAMLESS gameplay: players and monsters can move from One map area to another freely and without loading screens whilst gameplay also dynamically transitions between night and day.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
