Capcom had its highly awaited digital event for Monster Hunter Rise today, where it was revealed that the game will be introducing a brand-new feature that many fans will surely utilize upon release. With the new Wyvern Riding mechanic, players will be able to mount and control all kinds of monsters—they can even perform different actions while riding.
This feature was initially showcased during the event where footage was shown of the player character mounting a Tigrex using the new wirebugs mechanic. Given how it’s named Wyvern Riding, we can’t blame you if you thought that this feature could only be used on wyvern-type monsters. You’re not alone, we thought so too.
However, it appears that this is not the case, as there’s also footage of Azruros and Great Izuchi being ridden on. Shortly after Capcom’s initial announcement, the developer was quick to release another video with more details about the new mechanic.
There are a couple of things that the video explains, the first of which is about how to mount monsters to begin with. The footage makes it seem fairly easy—you need to make sure that the monster of choice is in a certain down state that can be achieved via either of the following: silkbind moves, damage caused by other monsters, jumping attacks using the wirebug, and specific forms of endemic life.
Based on this information, it appears that standard aerial attacks similar to those done by insect glaive won’t provide the required damage needed in order to down a monster for mounting.
Once you manage to mount the monster though, you have a couple of options to choose from. The monster will simply move if you hold down the R button while moving the left analog stick. On the other hand, you can control the monster to evade by pressing B. One thing you have to take note of, however, is that evading in order to dodge an oncoming attack will use up a wirebug. If you manage to dodge the attack perfectly though, the on-screen gauge will slightly fill up.
When you’re utilizing the wyvern riding mechanic, there’s a gauge that you need to keep an eye on. This gauge fills up every time you attack other monsters while mounted, as well as perfectly timed evades as mentioned.
If you get to fill the wyvern riding gauge, you can perform a move or ability called mounted punisher. This is a kind of special super move that completely depends on the kind of monster you’re riding, similar to the light or heavy standard attacks.
The silkbind attacks as well as the mounted punisher are basically substitutes for Monster Hunter Generations’ hunting arts. There’s one other button you can press while mounting a monster and that’s the Y button. This actions performed by pressing this button are reminiscent of Monster Hunter World: Iceborne mechanics.
For instance, pressing the Y button will send the monster forward just like the clutch claw flinch shot attack in Iceborne. Similarly, colliding with either a wall or monster will dismount you from the monster. If you somehow manage to evade collision, though, you will stay mounted on the monster.
Monster Hunter Rise is set to launch on March 26, 2021 for the Nintendo Switch, so you only have to wait a few more months before you can finally experience this new mechanic for yourself.