Monster Hunter Rise is the latest installment of the popular franchise and there's a lot of new features for players to utilize such as upgrading Kinsect. The Monster Hunter series doesn't solely focus on trapping and slaying monsters but forging friendships, as well. There's an enhanced companion system in Monster Hunter Rise that entails fully customizing and upgrading companion weapons to help the hunter while exploring the wilderness. At first, finding a way to upgrade allies be a little jarring, but with time this feature can become much more accessible and rewarding.
The Insect Glaive is a species that players will encounter while playing Monster Hunter Rise that can be used to team up with. They are one of many companion types that players will find in Monster Hunter Rise. They offer buffs and with the right upgrades with their Kinsect, they can become really useful. They each come with their own attacks and perks such as enhanced; speed, power, and healing abilities. With the right combination, an Insect Glaive with a fully upgraded Kinsect set can really give a hunter a major edge. In order to upgrade a Kinsect, players will need to go see a Smithy and look into the "Kinsect Menu."
Players will find that there will be only two Kinsects available for purchase; the Culldrone and the Mauldrone. While still at the Smithy select the "Forge/Upgrade Weapon" selection. Chose the desired Insect Glaive and this will open up a weapon tree that branches off showing Kinsect levels that go up to Level 2 and beyond. If a player wants to unlock the different Kinsect levels, then the rarity levels of the Insect Glaive need to be increased. This, in turn, will open up new Kinsect selections that can be further upgraded which will ultimately help increase the hunter rank.
As the story progresses, and the player kills higher Tier monsters, then the rarity level of the Insect Glaive will go up. This will create a ripple effect that will also unlock more powerful Kinsects for purchase and open up new upgrading options. Although there are only two Kinsects available at the beginning of the game, playing the "Rampage Quests" will expand this selection. Kinsects have a variety of perks that are dependant on their level. For example, the Culldrone gives special severing damage while the Mauldone gives blunt damage while attacking monsters.
When it comes to Monster Hunter Rise, upgrading Kinsects have been simplified and has become more streamlined. They no longer need special "nurturing" like the previous installments have required. So, at the beginning of the game, players will be able to use two basic Kinsect weapon types. As the story progresses by playing the "Village Quests" the Smithy will unlock newer and more powerful Kinsects for purchase and upgrades. Lastly, depending on which Insect Glaive is being used, the Kinsect will level up just like other types of equipment being used.
Monster Hunter Rise is now available on Nintendo Switch and will be available for PC in 2022.