Monster Hunter Rise PC VS Switch [10 Key Differences]

Monster Hunter Rise was initially released exclusively on the Nintendo Switch in March 2021. The game was later released on PC through Steam in January 2022. It made some gamers wonder about the difference between the two versions, and in this Monster Hunter Rise PC vs. Switch guide, we will be answering all the questions you may have about the two versions.

Monster Hunter Rise PC VS Switch Differences

Before we get into the details, here’s a quick overlook at the PC vs Switch comparison for MHR:

Monster Hunter Rise looks incredible on the Switch despite its outdated hardware. The developers were able to bring those visuals to the next level and bring out the game’s full potential with a PC release. The PC version also offers some new features and can be considered the game’s definitive version. In this Monster Hunter Rise PC vs. Switch guide, we will inform you of all the differences between these two versions.

1. Faster Load Times

Let’s start off our guide with one of the obvious features. The PC version of Monster Hunter Rise takes advantage of the RAM and the Solid State Drive (SSD) available in PCs, which results in faster load times.

I am not saying that Monster Hunter Rise loads incredibly slowly on the Switch. But I can’t deny that the SSD allows the game to load at unreal speeds. And it gives the PC version of Monster Hunter Rise quite an advantage over the Switch version.

2. Ability To Modify Controls

Up next, we have Key Bindings, considering that a keyboard has 104 keys compared to the Switch, which only has the same number of buttons as other controllers. Players have more freedom in customizing and designing their own controls on PC rather than solely depending on the key bindings designed by the developers.

Monster Hunter Rise was originally designed and optimized around the layout of a controller. However, having the option to customize the controls on the keyboard and mouse according to your liking is never a bad thing because not everyone plays on a controller.

3. Voice Chat

The voice chat option is a welcoming feature added in the Monster Hunter Rise PC version. Players could now speak their minds without any delay. 

A native voice chat feature is not available on the Switch, but it is available on the PC version of Monster Hunter Rise, even though Discord is also available on PC. So, for PC players, this might not be that big of a feature, but having the option of native voice chat is a win nonetheless.

4. The Full Package

Monster Hunter Rise received numerous updates, such as Event Quests, throughout its lifetime as an exclusive on the Nintendo Switch. When the game was released on PC, it received all those updates on day 1.

I am not suggesting that the original version of Monster Hunter Rise had a content drought. But one can not deny that the Monster Hunter Rise PC version had more content available on day one and was a more definitive package.

5. Wide Screen Support

Another welcoming feature added in the Monster Hunter Rise PC version is the Wide Screen Support. PC players could now fully utilize and enjoy their game on their wide screen.

Aside from making the game look more beautiful. A wide screen can also give the players an extra edge in battle because they can keep track of their enemies better and have a better view of the arena, which also increases the game’s immersion and elevates the experience.

6. Improved Textures

The PC version of Monster Hunter Rise offers improved textures and resolution. Considering how the game was originally designed for the Nintendo Switch. Monster Hunter Rise is not demanding and through Capcom’s prodigious RE Engine. The game does not seem to have any optimization issues.

Monster Hunter Rise works flawlessly on even low-tier PCs, depending on the player’s rig. They can either play the game at 4k 60fps with HDR or a 1080p 30fps. The possibilities of different combinations of graphic settings are in abundance.

7. Better Performance

Considering the PC’s superior hardware, this should not surprise most people. PC also offers better performance. The PC version of Monster Hunter Rise has uncapped frame rates, so in terms of frame per second, decent rigs should be able to leave the Switch’s performance in the dust.

This does not necessarily mean that Monster Hunter Rise performs poorly on the Switch. Considering the Switch’s outdated hardware. Seeing how Monster Hunter Rise looks as beautiful as it is on the Switch with a near-fixed 30fps experience is mind-blowing.

Considering the Switch’s 5.5 – 7-inch screen, depending on the model. And the pixel density is doing its wonders. Playing on the Switch with 30fps should not bother most people, and Monster Hunter Rise on Switch is still an experience that is indeed worth it.

8. Improved Accessibility 

Capcom introduced new settings in the PC version of Monster Hunter Rise. Players were allowed to change color filters to make their game look exactly how they wanted it to. The options included filters such as black and white and film grain filters. The PC version also featured a cinema-style mode and allowed the players to change audio as well.

9. Play On the GO!

You may be getting tired of us for mostly speaking good about PC in this article but do not worry, that is about to end. I can not call it a Monster Hunter Rise PC vs Switch guide without mentioning one of the Nintendo Switch’s key features: to play your games whenever and wherever you want.

This gives the Switch version a generous advantage over the PC version. In comparison, the PC version offers better performance and graphics. It does not quite offer better flexibility. PC players are restricted to playing Monster Hunter Rise only in their homes, which is not necessarily bad. But with the Switch, players can hunt monsters in Monster Hunter Rise wherever they want, whether on a bus or during a hiking trip.

10. DRM: Dunevo Anti-tamper

The Monster Hunter Rise PC version has a downside: DRM. DRM aims to protect software from copyright infringement or pirated distribution, but it can negatively impact the consumer. Dunevo, a robust DRM, is challenging to crack, but it sometimes degrades game performance.

For instance, in Resident Evil 8, Denuvo caused significant fps drops during certain animations, initially making the pirated version perform better. While Capcom eventually patched the performance issues, it raised concerns for gamers. Therefore, the announcement that Monster Hunter Rise on PC would also use Dunevo understandably worried many players.

That brings an end to our Monster Hunter Rise PC vs Switch guide. Both game versions offer different advantages and are for different types of gamers. It is nearly impossible to select a single version and title it the best of all worlds.

If you are the type of gamer who wants the best in graphic settings and performance, then you should go for the PC version. If you are the type of person who travels a lot and prefers gaming on a handheld, then the Switch version should fulfill your needs.

Monster Hunter Rise features numerous weapons and armor. The game encourages players to experiment with different builds. In case you are interested, we have prepared guides for different builds, such as Switch Axe, Greatsword, Dual Blade, and Long Sword build in Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak.

Next: Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak Fashion Sets