How to download Monster Hunter Rise demo on Switch

Monster Hunter Rise Felynes
Monster Hunter Rise Felynes (Image credit: Capcom (Screenshot))

For many people, Monster Hunter Rise is the most anticipated game of 2021. Considering all of the cool new monsters and abilities that have been revealed so far, we can't help but be totally excited as well. If you can't wait for the release date, there's good news: Capcom states that a Monster Hunter Rise Demo is available from Jan. 7 until Feb. 1 at 3 a.m. EST. Here's how to download it and get playing.

How to download the Monster Hunter Rise demo on Switch

Monster Hunter Rise monster (Image credit: Capcom (screenshot))
  1. Go to the Monster Hunter Rise page on Nintendo's website.
  2. Select Download demo.
  3. Login to your Nintendo Account if you aren't logged in already.

As long as you are logged into your Nintendo Account, the demo will automatically start downloading on your Switch. Once it's done, you'll be able to start wandering around and experiencing everything the trial has to offer. You will need 1.66GB of free space on your Switch or microSD card to make room for the demo.

Note: Just remember that you only have until Feb. 1 at 3 a.m. EST to play the demo and then it goes away.

What can you do in the Monster Hunter Rise demo?

Monster Hunter Rise Demo Quests

Monster Hunter Rise Demo Quests (Image credit: Capcom (screenshot))

The demo gives players the ability to experience a single player and local multiplayer mode. If players also have a Nintendo Switch Online membership they will be able to experience online multiplayer as well. You'll have access to all 14 weapon types and can choose from any of the four quests available. There's a Beginner Quest that lets you Slay a Great Izuchi and an Intermediate Quest that allows you to Slay a Mizutsune. The other two quests are the Basic Training Quest and the Wyvern Riding Training Quest.

Monster Hunter Rise Demo Limited Quests (Image credit: iMore)

To prevent players from simply playing the demo indefinitely, you're only allowed to undertake a total of 30 quests. Additionally, online play will be disabled once the trial period is over, but local play will still be available.

I don't know about you, but the idea of being able to bind and control a monster while riding its back sounds super cool. I can't wait to see what cool abilities this opens up while taking down various monsters.

Rebecca Spear
Gaming Editor

Gaming aficionado Rebecca Spear is iMore's dedicated gaming editor with a focus on Nintendo Switch and iOS gaming. You’ll never catch her without her Switch or her iPad Air handy. If you’ve got a question about Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, or just about any other Nintendo series check out her guides to help you out. Rebecca has written thousands of articles in the last six years including hundreds of extensive gaming guides, previews, and reviews for both Switch and Apple Arcade. She also loves checking out new gaming accessories like iPhone controllers and has her ear to the ground when it comes to covering the next big trend.