This main game, released in 2015 for the Nintendo 3DS, is a role-playing game focused on monster hunting. The core gameplay loop involves accepting quests to track and battle large monsters across various environments. Success in these hunts provides materials used to craft and upgrade weapons and armor, enhancing the player's capabilities for future challenges. The game offers extensive character customization through its equipment system.

The Hunter's Journey: Setting and Atmosphere

The game is set in a world featuring diverse ecosystems, including forests, deserts, and volcanic areas, each inhabited by unique monsters. The atmosphere emphasizes exploration and strategic preparation, where understanding monster behaviors is as important as combat proficiency. Dynamic elements such as weather and time of day can influence monster activity and the overall hunting experience.

Core Gameplay Mechanics: What Makes This Game Unique?

This action RPG centers on the act of hunting. Players select from a range of distinct weapon types, each with its own set of moves and tactical considerations. A notable feature of this installment is the introduction of Hunting Styles and Hunter Arts. Hunting Styles modify fundamental combat actions and evasion techniques, while Hunter Arts are special, powerful abilities that can be deployed during battles. These systems allow for significant customization of combat approaches.

The Art of the Hunt: Combat and Progression

Combat requires players to learn monster attack patterns, identify weaknesses, and manage resources like stamina and weapon sharpness. Each monster presents a distinct challenge, often necessitating specific strategies and equipment. The progression system is directly linked to the hunting loop; defeating monsters yields materials for forging and upgrading a wide variety of weapons and armor. This crafting system supports extensive character customization and the development of specialized builds.

What are the main features of this RPG?

Key features of this RPG include:

A selection of distinct weapon types, each offering a unique playstyle.
The Hunting Styles system, which alters core combat mechanics.
Hunter Arts, special abilities that add strategic depth to battles.
A comprehensive crafting system for weapons and armor, enabling character customization.
A variety of monsters, each with unique behaviors and attack patterns.
Exploration of diverse environments.

Available Content

This title is a complete main game experience. There are no downloadable content (DLC) packs or expansions available for this release.