Update 10/11/2021 12:40 pm PT:
Despite fan requests, Capcom isn't adding cross-play or cross-saves to Monster Hunter Rise on PC.
In a Tweet, the developer said, "after looking into it throughout the development process, we found we are unable to implement it this time."
We’ve heard your requests for Cross-Save / Cross-Play for #MHRise & #Sunbreak, but unfortunately, after looking into it throughout the development process, we found we are unable to implement it this time. As always, we appreciate your continued feedback and support.
— Monster Hunter (@monsterhunter) October 11, 2021
The game previously launched as a Nintendo Switch exclusive earlier this year, and given the nature of Monster Hunter's grindy gameplay loop, players were hoping cross-saves would allow them to bring the gear acquired through hundreds of hours of gameplay to the new version. Unfortunately, this is now looking unlikely.
Monster Hunter Rise comes to Steam on January 12, 2022. A demo is coming this week, on October 13.
Original story follows...
A survey is giving Monster Hunter Rise players hope for eventual cross-play between Nintendo Switch and PC.
Capcom released a new survey as part of TGS 2021 about Monster Hunter Rise and the newly announced expansion, Sunbreak. Part of the survey asks players what features would make the PC version of the game more enticing.
While Capcom has not mentioned any cross-play/save functionality for Monster Hunter Rise PC, a new survey mentions both features under a question asking what would help to make the PC version more interestinghttps://t.co/OcFjDfBx76
— Nibel (@Nibellion) September 30, 2021
(you know what to do, hunters) pic.twitter.com/ddKgNSUvUV
Possible choices on the survey include cross-play between PC and Nintendo Switch versions, and cross-save or cross-progression with the Switch version. This is by no means confirmation that Capcom is working on these features, just that the company is evaluating the possibility. In an official statement, Capcom simply said, "no announcements have been made."
Monster Hunter World, the last major Monster Hunter title before Rise, never received cross-play support, despite releasing on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Monster Hunter Rise fans got plenty of new details at this week's Monster Hunter TGS showcase event, including confirmation of Master Rank in the Sunbreak expansion, a January 12, 2022 release date for Monster Hunter Rise on Steam, and the promise of a 30th anniversary Sonic the Hedgehog collaboration.
In our review for Monster Hunter Rise on Switch, we said, "Monster Hunter Rise mixes classic Monster Hunter ideas with some of World’s best improvements and a whole bunch of clever new mechanics of its own."
For more on Monster Hunter and other upcoming titles, check out IGN's full TGS coverage.
Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN. You can find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.