TheMonster Hunterfranchise has a history of welcoming guests from other games to join the hunt. 2018’sMonster Hunter Worldsaw collaborations withHorizon Zero Dawn,The Witcher,and evenStreet Fighter.Based onMonster Hunter Rise’scontent roadmap through summer 2021, it looks like the latest game in the series will be getting at least a couple more crossovers.
Monster Hunter Risehas already collaborated with the upcomingMonster Hunter Stories 2, and through August, will feature two more crossover events with other Capcom franchises. Once summer is up, it’s anyone’s guess what content Capcom will pump into the game next. Given the series' track record,it’s probably not too far of a reach to assume that the game could, like its predecessors, partner up with some franchises outside of Capcom’s domain.
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NieR
A crossover betweenMonster HunterRiseand Square Enix’sNieRwouldn’t be the first time these two series have crossed paths;Monster Hunter Frontier Zpreviously collaborated with the breakout hitNieR: Automatain 2019. However, it’s worth noting thatFrontier Zwas a Japan-exclusive MMO, and its servers have also since been shut down, thereby making theNieRcontent inaccessible.
With the recently releasedremake ofNieR Replicantbringing the series back into the limelight, now seems like a great time for Capcom and Square Enix to team up to bringNieRtoMonster Hunteronce more, but for a more global audience. Armor sets resembling Nier, Kaine, and Emil, along with some new monsters based on the series' Shades would all likely make for some worthwhile additions toMonster Hunter Rise.
Final Fantasy
Monster Hunter WorldandFinal Fantasy 14have collaborated before, but should the two series unite once again,Monster Hunter Riseought to incorporate elements from some of the otherFinal Fantasyinstallments.
TheFinal Fantasygames are home to many weapons that would fit right intoMonster Hunter.Sephiroth’s absurdly lengthy sword could work as a new longsword, while Cloud Strife’s mammothBuster Swordcould function as a greatsword. Additionally, armor resembling the iconic Warrior of Light, or new hunts featuring Bahamut, Ifrit, orFinal Fantasy 15’stitanic Adamantoise would all be good ways to further implement elements from the long-running RPG series.
Metal Gear Solid
This pairing may seem a little odd, but the two series have a fairly strong connection.Metal Gear Solid: Peace WalkerfeaturedMonster Hunter-inspired missionswhere players could fight notable monsters like Tigrex and Rathalos.Monster Hunter Portable 3rdalso had armor sets and accessories inspired byMetal Gear. However, likeNieR,theMetal Gearcontent never made its way west, asMonster Hunter Portable 3rdwasn’t released outside of Japan.
In the event of a future crossover,Metal GearSolidhas a wide variety of characters thatMonster Hunter Risecould draw inspiration from for armor sets. WhileMetal Gear’slarge mechsmight not make for suitable hunts,Risecould attempt to include Gear REX, an original monster created forPeace Walkerbased on Metal Gear REX.
Shin Megami Tensei
These two series haven’t crossed paths before, but their publishers have.Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturnenotably featured Dantefrom Capcom’sDevil May Cryseries as both a boss and a party member. Both franchises were also thought to be fairly niche untilMonster Hunter WorldandSMT’ssubseries,Persona, each saw great success in the west.
Shin Megami Tenseihas an extensive list of monsters like Moloch, Jack Frost, and Cerberus that would all make for some good hunts. Additionally, armor sets based on the distinct looks ofSMT 3, 4,or5’sprotagonists would be welcome, too.
The Legend of Zelda
It’s well known thatMonster HunterandThe Legend of Zeldaare frequent collaborators, as previousMonster Huntergames have featured armor, weapons, and accessories from multiple generations ofZelda.
WithBreath of the Wild 2on the horizon, armor sets based on Link’s new look along with hunts featuring Lynels, the dragons fromBreath of the Wild,or perhaps any of Ganon’s formscould allow the two series to join forces yet again while still delivering some fresh content.
Monster Hunter Riseis available now on the Nintendo Switch. A PC port expected to launch in early 2022.
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