This coming Friday, March 26 is a big day for Monster Hunter fans. Capcom will be launching the latest game in the hugely popular franchise, Monster Hunter Rise, as a timed-exclusive for the Nintendo Switch console. And while fans are no doubt excited to get their hands on Monster Hunter Rise and start slaying some monsters, they should note that there will be a day one update in store for them.

Capcom has released the patch notes for Monster Hunter Rise's day one update, which will be required for anyone that wants to use the game's DLC or use its online multiplayer features. Capcom was sure to note in the patch notes that a Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to play online as well, though fans can play Monster Hunter Rise local multiplayer without connecting online as long as everyone has the same software version.

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The game's day one update is said to be about 600MB, which will bring the Monster Hunter Rise total file size on Switch to about 8 GB. After downloading the update, players will be able to access content from the Deluxe Kit, as well as their pre-order and amiibo bonuses. Basically, Monster Hunter Rise players will want to make it a point to download the day one update if they want to fully experience what the game has to offer.

Monster Hunter Rise mount

Being able to access the Monster Hunter Rise pre-order bonuses is likely the biggest reason that fans will want to download the day one update. However, Capcom also noted that the update includes some "miscellaneous bug fixes." Capcom didn't go into specifics about the bugs, but regardless, the update should go a long way in making Monster Hunter Rise a more polished experience overall.

Even without the day one update fixes, though, it seems like Monster Hunter Rise should please fans of the franchise. Early Monster Hunter Rise reviews have suggested that the game is quite good, moving the series forward by introducing a variety of new gameplay mechanics to shake up the established Monster Hunter formula. It remains to be seen how exactly longtime fans will react to the changes in Monster Hunter Rise, but the reviews have been promising.

With the Monster Hunter Rise release date right around the corner, fans don't have to wait much longer to find out if it lives up to the hype.

Here are the full Monster Hunter Rise patch notes:

Main Additions/Changes

  • Access to the content from the Deluxe Kit, as well as the add-on content from pre-order bonuses and amiibo bonuses

Bug Fixes/Miscellaneous

  • Miscellaneous bug fixes have been made

Monster Hunter Rise launches March 26 for the Nintendo Switch, with a PC version releasing in 2022.

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Source: Capcom