As apparent because the method may sound now, there was a time when the Monster Hunter collection was the one place the place you can expertise a really epic battle in opposition to large beasts. The collection had been plugging alongside, garnering a hardcore fanbase, however lastly exploded in recognition with Monster Hunter World, which introduced the collection again onto a number of platforms after a run of Nintendo unique entries. The newest sport, Monster Hunter Rise, heads again into exclusivity on Nintendo Switch, leaving many new followers who performed it on consoles with a monster-sized gap to fill.
As standard because the Switch is, there’s no getting round the truth that an enormous variety of gamers received hooked on the Monster Hunter method, and had been anticipating extra, solely to be disenchanted that the follow-up is unique to a system they don’t have entry to. All just isn’t misplaced, nevertheless, as a result of this as soon as small searching style has grown fairly a bit, with many different video games placing their very own spin on the method. Looking throughout all platforms, we’ve discovered the most effective video games like Monster Hunter you’ll be able to play proper now, together with some shocking picks you may not have considered.
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Dauntless (PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC)
One of the closest imitators to Monster Hunter there may be the free-to-play Dauntless. The main variations come within the type of the extra trendy and animated artwork type, and the truth that it’s, you recognize, free. Being free, and never developed by a large firm, there isn’t as a lot range as its inspirations. There are just a bit over 20 monsters, referred to as behemoths on this sport, and 6 weapon sorts to experiment with. Those might look like small numbers, however Dauntless goals extra for depth of content material reasonably than width. Hunts are multi-part affairs, there’s tons of drugs to craft, and an elemental armor system to handle. It is actually a smaller-scale model of all the most important components present in Monster Hunter.
If being free wasn’t sufficient to encourage you to not less than give Dauntless a attempt, add in the truth that it absolutely helps cross-play with each different platform. As lengthy as you’ve got pals with any gadget this sport runs on, you’ll be able to all boot it up and get that searching repair along with no funding. And for anybody involved concerning the microtransactions (which this sport definitely must earn a living, in spite of everything) they’re nothing to fret about. All you should buy with actual cash are beauty gadgets that don’t give any benefits or lock you out of content material.
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Toukiden 2 (PS4, PC)
This sport was initially a PS Vita title (RIP), however was fortunately additionally launched on the PS4 and PC. If Monster Hunter had been Dark Souls, then Toukiden 2 could be Nioh. By that we imply it’s a extra Japanese-themed model of the identical method, and boy does it work. Rather than conventional beasts that appear to be a mixture of dinosaurs and Eastern creatures of delusion, Toukiden 2 has you searching down a various roster of Oni. The sport can also be fully open-world, reasonably than damaged up into zones, making the searching truly really feel such as you’re truly monitoring one thing down. Crafting is right here, after all, and there are tons of weapons, gadgets, and kit to create.
A attainable level in opposition to Toukiden 2 is that it’s a bit older, and a port of a Vita title, so isn’t the best-looking sport round. It isn’t dangerous wanting, however don’t count on World ranges of constancy. Also, there’s no cross-play between PC and PS4, solely console and Vita, assuming you had been in a position to get it earlier than the shop closure. Otherwise, this can be a faster-paced tackle the style with a much bigger concentrate on RPG components. The greatest Oni require simply as a lot consideration and preparation as any monster would, and are simply as satisfying to convey down, particularly with pals. You may even play a free model to get a style earlier than committing.
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God Eater 3 (PS4, PC, Switch)
Though far much less standard, the God Eater video games have at all times been a direct competitor to the Monster Hunter collection. In phrases of high quality, although, God Eater has been primarily on par with the king ever because it debuted in 2010. The first sport was solely on the PSP, and the sequel solely received a port to PS4 with the second iteration referred to as God Eater 2 Rage Burst, however we lastly received an entry constructed absolutely for PS4 with 2019’s God Eater 3, and it’s by far probably the most refined entry but. Rather than a extra even break up between searching and combating, God Eater 3 will get you into these blood-pumping battles a lot faster, utilizing an analogous zone construction to a Monster Hunter sport.
Not many individuals come to the searching style for the story, and also you shouldn’t count on an incredible one from this sport both. The addictive nature of the fight, and simply how deep these techniques get, completely pair up with the tried and true method of taking up a mission, discovering the monster, killing the monster, after which return to improve your gear to do all of it once more. You can play with pals, or usher in some respectable A.I. companions that can assist you take down Aragami, the huge beasts that skulk across the destroyed world. Aragami have breakable components, weaknesses, and are divided up into ranks that signify the problem and rewards you’ll get.
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen (PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC)
This is the place the record begins to maneuver away from the direct imitators, no matter how good they’re, and into another titles not usually related or in comparison with the Monster Hunter video games. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is break up somewhat heavier on the RPG facet than the searching facet, however is presumably extra thrilling due to it. The one factor it does share with searching video games is the lackluster story that’s higher off ignored. Combat, then again, is the place Dragon’s Dogma actually shines, particularly when dealing with a big creature. You have a number of courses to choose from, and may even spec into a number of courses, with totally different stats and preferences. This is a single-player-only expertise, although, so your solely firm shall be your NPC companions.
By now you’re in all probability questioning how the monster battles truly really feel, and once more, that is the sport’s declare to fame. Monsters are lethal right here. They received’t go down straightforward, and are a refreshing mixture of motion fight and Shadow of the Colossus type mounting. Sure, on common the monsters you’ll battle on this sport are far smaller than the towering hulks of a Monster Hunter correct, however while you climb on a troll’s again, desperately hanging on as you attempt to sink your blade in whereas it makes an attempt to throw you off, they really feel something however small.
Read our full Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen overview
Horizon Zero Dawn (PS4, PC)
This sport in all probability wants little introduction, however when you occurred to overlook Horizon Zero Dawn when it was a PS4 unique, it has now not less than come to PC as nicely to make it simpler to choose up. Unlike most searching video games, you play as a set character in Horizon, Aloy. She is a talented hunter, utilizing primarily bows and ranged weapons, in an open world full of robotic creatures resembling large dinosaurs. The smaller prey goes down straightforward sufficient, however many of the various enemy sorts have deep well being swimming pools, strengths, resistances, and parts you’ll be able to goal to disable strikes or use in opposition to them. Just like Monster Hunter, you might want to have a plan getting in earlier than beginning a battle with considered one of these colossal machines.
Unlike a Monster Hunter title, Horizon Zero Dawn is sort of story-focused. There are loads of cutscenes, quests, and facet quests to tackle as you stage up, buy new armor and weapons, and unlock new abilities. The gear system is, not less than compared to one thing like Monster Hunter, fairly missing, so don’t count on to be always getting, or crafting, new weapons or armor. The selection it does have is not less than distinct, with use instances for each kind of arrow, bow, and power you get. It’s excellent for a style of searching monsters, solely with out the lengthy dedication.
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Shadow of the Colossus Remake (PS4)
Shadow of the Colossus Remake is what you get when you boiled down Monster Hunter into absolutely the naked minimal of mechanics. There’s no gear to unlock, no ranges to realize, ranks to rise by means of, gadgets to craft, or something like that. All you’ve got is your sword, bow, horse, and 16 colossi to search out separately. And it’s wonderful. By now nearly everybody has heard critics and gamers alike sing the praises of this excellent sport, particularly the remake, and for as soon as the hype is warranted. If you don’t get the rest from this symbolically deep expertise, it’s unimaginable to not really feel the joys of toppling a few of the greatest foes in gaming.
This is by far the shortest sport on the record, and in comparison with another correct Monster Hunter title, is downright puny. What makes {that a} profit is how Shadow of the Colossus cuts out any superfluous components to make the tightest expertise attainable. There aren’t any ranges, no different aims, and even different enemies to battle. It’s simply you, 16 colossi, and the identical gear you begin with from starting to finish. You can dive into some bonus modes, like time trials, for some extras, however this sport banks all the things on how awe-inspiring the core fights are.
Read our full Shadow of the Colossus Remake overview
Attack on Titan 2 (PS4, Xbox One, Switch)
Whether you’re a fan of the anime or not, Attack on Titan 2 is a high-energy, fast-paced, and intense motion sport pitting you in opposition to dozens of big foes. Titans are your essential prey, and principally seem as large folks, but are distinctly non-human. Your character is supplied with the enduring omnidirectional gear from the present, primarily providing you with the mobility of Spider-Man to zip round environments and attain the angles essential to convey down a titan along with your blades. This is form of a reverse muso sport, the place you’re the delicate mobs to the enemies. With your enhanced mobility, although, you’ll be able to flip the tides and produce down beasts ten occasions your dimension.
Attack on Titan 2 has quite a lot of content material packed in. You have a narrative mode that covers the primary two seasons of the present, solely that includes your individual customized character, Another Mode which lets you play particular missions as the primary solid, Inferno Mode which simply amps up the issue after finishing the story, and Town Life which helps you to work together with characters, tackle problem missions, craft new gear. You may play just a few aggressive multiplayer modes, in addition to cooperatively with pals. Attack on Titan 2 is quick, brutal, and an all-around nice time.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC)
Witchers are, by their very own definition, monster hunters for rent. So it might solely make sense that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt would fulfill not less than some of what gamers need out of a monster-hunting expertise. However, that isn’t this sport’s main objective. The story and lore of this world and characters take middle stage right here, with dozens and even a whole lot of hours of questing and exploring to do. The open world is among the most realized and engrossing fictional areas ever delivered to life in video games. Geralt himself, regardless of permitting some participant enter, can also be a totally fleshed out and compelling protagonist.
So, how is that this motion RPG slot in with different monster searching video games? Well, searching monsters is definitely part of the expertise. Some essential quests will pit you in opposition to probably the most thrilling and huge monsters, although nothing unreasonably large, however searching facet quests are Geralt’s specialty. In every case you will have to find out about your prey, what they’re, what weaknesses you’ll be able to exploit, after which put together your self with the suitable indicators, or spells, oils, weapons, potions, and armor. Most must be tracked down utilizing your Witcher sense too, which can also be similar to how monitoring works in Monster Hunter World. If you take pleasure in seeing all of your prep work come to fruition in a hunt, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will provide you with that satisfaction in spades.
Read our full Witcher 3: Wild Hunt overview
Destiny 2 (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC)
Hang on, hear us out on this one. Yes, Destiny 2 is a shooter. No, there aren’t any conventional “monsters” as you’ll count on, however mechanically this on-line shooter in all probability has extra in frequent with the monster hunter method than you may count on. First up, and the most important similarity, is the loot grind. Destiny 2 is all about getting higher loot, whether or not or not it’s weapons or armor, to slowly enhance your total energy so you’ll be able to tackle harder missions. Sound acquainted? Just exchange your swords, spears, hammers, and bows with assault rifles, snipers, shotguns, and pistols. Throw within the distinctive character courses and skills, and naturally the rock-solid gameplay, and you’ve got a time sink simply as deep as any Monster Hunter.
Then there are all the top sport actions, corresponding to raids. While not hunts in a conventional sense, they’re lengthy, coordinated gauntlets of puzzles, fight, and boss fights in opposition to some large enemies on the finish. These are simply as intricate and require as a lot sensible play, teamwork, and information as the most effective hunts. Plus, Bungie is unbelievable about offering common updates and tweaks to the sport. New content material, occasions, quests, and expansions are launched repeatedly so that you’ll at all times have a purpose to come back again. Oh, and you are able to do most of it fully free.
Read our full Destiny 2 overview
Dragalia Lost (IOS, Android)
Dragalia Lost enables you to take your monster searching expertise wherever you go in your smartphone of alternative. It has a easy, but cute, artwork type and isn’t very deep when it comes to gameplay mechanics, however serves completely nicely for the platform it’s on. You are introduced into the land of Alberia, the place dragons roam the world. As a member of the royal household, you’ve got the particular skill to kind a pact with dragons to remodel your self right into a dragon throughout fight. The protagonist, Euden, is one such individual and the sport’s plot follows him on his quest to finish his Dragon Selection Trial. The setup is easy sufficient and spans 14 chapters. Combat, once more, depends on just some contact controls to get the job finished however would solely be irritating if it tried to pack in too many strikes or mechanics.
The gameplay is damaged up into particular person missions, every of which you and your get together of three companions will battle your approach by means of a dungeon and in the end face off in opposition to a boss on the finish. You can management every member of your get together, swapping at any time, and make the most of their distinctive particular strikes together with the flexibility to turn into a large dragon quickly. Your get together may be A.I. managed, or you’ll be able to crew up with actual folks on-line. It may sound like simply one other cell RPG, however Draglia Lost is shut sufficient to Monster Hunter that the sport had an official crossover collaboration referred to as Primal Crisis. This launched the flexibility to kind a pact with Rathalos, earn weapons based mostly on the Rathalos set, and two characters sporting the Kirin and Rathalos armor units.
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