Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate: Everything you need to know

Monster Hunter fans may have been disappointed when World skipped the Nintendo Switch, but with the release of Generations Ultimate, the console now has its own hunting adventures. Up to four friends can set out into the wild to take down enormous creatures that fly, swim, and charge across the plains.

What should you expect from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate? Here's everything you need to know.

What is Monster Hunter Generations?
What's new in the Ultimate edition?
How do I play?
How can I play with others?
Where do I start?
How much does it cost?

See at Amazon

What is Monster Hunter Generations?

Monster Hunter Generations was originally released in 2016 for the Nintendo 3DS as the latest handheld entry in the series. As before, you play a hunter on an adventure to slay enormous and rare creatures, using the rewards to grow stronger. The game is an action-adventure title that focused on complex combat and, in later stages, teamwork.

It's a fairly challenging game with complex combat and crafting, so don't expect to just head in and button mash your way through. However, Capcom has gotten better over the years at introducing new players to Monster Hunter through tutorials and story quests, so don't shy away if this sounds fun to you as a series newcomer.

What's new in the Ultimate edition?

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is an HD version of Monster Hunter XX, which was released in Japan in 2017 as an expanded version of Monster Hunter Generations. Though there is no new content exclusive to the Switch version, it does come with the ability to transfer saved characters from the Monster Hunter Generations games on the Nintendo 3DS.

How do I play?

Your goal in Generations, as in other Monster Hunter games, is to bring down increasingly large and more challenging monsters, then use the rewards you get from those hunts to craft stronger weapons, armor, and tools that will let you take down the next monster. The game has 14 total weapon types to choose from, each with its own range, strengths, and weaknesses. You can specialize in whatever works best for you, or try out all the weapons and choose the most effective tool for each new situation. Both weapons and armor can be upgraded.

In addition, Generations includes special Hunting Arts — special, super-powerful moves that can be activated once charged — and Hunting Styles, which can further customize the game's different weapon types. Each weapon can be used in Guild, Aerial, Striker, or Adept Style to better tackle certain enemy types or fit the preference of the player.

Finally, Monster Hunter Generations introduced a new Prowler mode that allows players to become a stealthy Felyne and play as the cat-like creatures during a hunt.

How can I play with others?

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate allows you to team up with up to three others and play co-op. The game does not offer couch co-op, but you can play with your friends who also have the game on their Nintendo Switches via a local wireless connection, or online. Note that online play will only be free until the Nintendo Switch Online service goes live in September, at which point you'll need a subscription to continue playing online with others.

Where do I start?

Monster Hunter games are notorious for being difficult, and with the wide variety of customization and combat options in Generations Ultimate, you might find yourself overwhelmed.

If you're new to the series, don't fret. Complete the game's tutorials, start with smaller monsters, and focus on learning one weapon that feels good to you very, very well. Once you've mastered it, try swapping its Hunting Style until you excel at that as well. Keep expanding your horizons, upgrading your armor, and slowly working your way up to bigger and bigger monsters as you grow more comfortable with the game.