Is Monster Hunter Rise Cross‑Platform?

Is Monster Hunter Rise cross-platform? That’s the question I hear most often from friends and fellow hunters. Monster Hunter Rise first launched on Nintendo Switch in early 2021 before expanding to PC and later to Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4. But can players on different systems join the same hunts? 

As someone who regularly plays with a mixed group – some on console, others on PC – I’ve spent plenty of time chasing the definitive answer. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about cross-platform play, cross-save, and cross-progression in Monster Hunter Rise, combining official Capcom details with personal experience so you’ll know exactly which systems work together and how to keep your progress when switching platforms.

Platform Availability

Capcom released Monster Hunter Rise on multiple platforms over several years. Understanding where the game is available helps frame the cross‑platform conversation:

• Nintendo Switch: The game debuted here in March 2021. It remains a staple on Nintendo’s hybrid console.
  
• PC (Steam): A Windows version arrived in January 2022. The PC port includes high‑resolution textures, unlocked frame rates, and UltraWide support, but it doesn’t communicate with the Switch version.
  
• Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One: In January 2023, Rise launched on Microsoft’s consoles. It’s also included in Xbox Game Pass, which extends the game to Windows PCs via the Xbox app. The Xbox ecosystem runs the same codebase across console and PC.
  
• PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4: The PlayStation editions debuted alongside the Xbox launch. Capcom offers dual‑entitlement – if you own the PS4 version, you can download the PS5 version at no extra cost.
  
• Sunbreak Expansion: The Sunbreak expansion released on Switch and PC in 2022. Xbox and PlayStation versions arrived in April 2023, bringing all platforms to feature parity.

Having the game on so many devices naturally prompts the question: can they connect? Let’s break down cross‑platform play.

Cross‑Platform Play (Crossplay)

Cross‑platform play, commonly called crossplay, lets players on different hardware join the same session. Many modern games use crossplay to build larger communities and keep matchmaking healthy. Unfortunately, Monster Hunter Rise does not support full crossplay across all platforms. 

Capcom’s official Steam page explicitly states that the game “does not support cross‑platform play or cross‑saves with the Nintendo Switch version”. Capcom also tweeted in 2021 that after investigating crossplay and cross‑save for Rise and Sunbreak, they were “unable to implement it”.

Despite this, some limited crossplay exists within platform families. Microsoft’s ecosystem connects Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Windows PCs via the Xbox app, while Sony allows PS4 and PS5 owners to hunt together. The Switch version remains isolated, and PC players on Steam cannot join Xbox or PlayStation lobbies. Understanding these nuances is crucial if you’re planning hunts with friends on different machines.

Crossplay Support by Platform

Nintendo Switch

The Switch version of Monster Hunter Rise is a self‑contained experience. There is no crossplay with any other platform. Switch players can only match with other Switch owners. If most of your friends play on PC or Xbox, you won’t be able to join them from a Switch.

PC (Steam)

PC players who purchase Rise on Steam can only play with other Steam users. There is no crossplay between Steam and Xbox consoles, and Steam users cannot connect to Windows players using the Xbox app. If you and a friend both play on PC but use different storefronts, you’ll be stuck in separate matchmaking pools.

Xbox Consoles and Xbox App on Windows

The one area where crossplay functions smoothly is within the Xbox ecosystem. Capcom and Microsoft confirmed that the Xbox versions support crossplay and cross‑platform progression between Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Windows PCs via the Xbox app. I tested this with a friend who uses Game Pass on PC while I played on an Xbox Series X. Once we added each other through the Xbox network, we were able to join each other’s hunts seamlessly. This crossplay is restricted to the Microsoft environment – Steam users remain separate.

PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5

PlayStation users have crossplay within their own family. PS4 and PS5 players can join each other’s lobbies. When I upgraded from a PS4 to a PS5, I still teamed up with friends who hadn’t made the jump yet. However, PlayStation players cannot connect to Xbox, Switch, or PC users.

Mixed Platforms

There is no crossplay between PlayStation and Xbox, PlayStation and PC, or PlayStation and Switch. Similarly, Switch players cannot play with Xbox or PC users. If your hunting party spans multiple ecosystems, you’ll need to settle on a single platform to play together.

Platform‑Specific Limitations and Partial Compatibility

Several limitations affect how crossplay and multiplayer function in Monster Hunter Rise:

1. Cross‑Gen Only within Families: Crossplay is limited to cross‑gen within each console family. PS4 and PS5 players can hunt together; Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S players can cooperate; Windows PC players using the Xbox app can join Xbox consoles. There is no bridging across console families.
   
2. Steam Isolation: Steam users are completely isolated. Even though both Steam and the Xbox app run on Windows, they use separate matchmaking services. If you bought Rise through Steam, you cannot join your friend playing via Game Pass.
   
3. Switch Isolation: The Switch version has no cross‑platform features at all. You can only hunt with other Switch owners.
   
4. Lack of Universal Account: Unlike some games that use a universal account (e.g., Epic Games) to unify progress, Rise has no account‑linking system. Each platform handles matchmaking and saves independently.
   
5. Sunbreak Parity but No Crossplay: The Sunbreak expansion brought all platforms up to content parity, but it didn’t introduce crossplay or cross‑save. Capcom’s official support notes emphasise that cross‑platform features remain unavailable.

Cross‑Save and Cross‑Progression

Cross‑save allows you to move a save file between different platforms, while cross‑progression synchronises your progress automatically across devices. These features are essential for players who switch hardware or want to take their characters on the go.

In my coaching group for teenage hunters, we encountered frustration when a few players upgraded consoles mid‑campaign only to discover they couldn’t carry over their progress. Understanding the limitations ahead of time can save you from disappointment.

Cross‑Save Support

Monster Hunter Rise does not support universal cross‑save. There are a few exceptions and workarounds:

• Xbox Ecosystem: Saves are stored in the cloud, so progress is shared automatically across Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Windows PCs via the Xbox app. I’ve switched between my Xbox Series X and a laptop running Game Pass, and my hunter’s gear and quest progress synced instantly.
  
• PlayStation Transfer: Capcom provides a way to transfer your PS4 save to PS5. You need to copy the PS4 save data to your PS5, then launch the PS5 version and confirm the transfer. Note that this is a one‑time migration; if you want to transfer again later, you must delete the PS5 save data and repeat the process. This isn’t true cross‑save because it doesn’t sync progress automatically – it’s a manual migration between generations.
  
• Other Platforms: There are no cross‑save options between Switch and PC, Switch and Xbox, or Steam and Xbox. Capcom’s official announcement emphasised that the Steam version doesn’t support cross‑saves with the Switch version, and Digital Trends confirmed that PS4/PS5 cross‑save wasn’t planned.

Cross‑Progression Support

Cross‑progression, where your progress follows you automatically across platforms, is limited to the Xbox ecosystem. Because Xbox and the Xbox app use the same save system, you can start a hunt on console and continue on a Windows PC without losing progress. I’ve used this feature extensively when traveling – progress from an evening session on the couch carried over to my laptop the next day.

No other platforms have cross‑progression. PlayStation users must manually transfer saves between PS4 and PS5, and there’s no way to sync progress across PlayStation and PC or Switch. Steam users cannot import progress to Xbox or vice versa. If you’re planning to switch platforms, be prepared to start over.

Account Linking

Because Monster Hunter Rise lacks a universal account system, there’s no single login that synchronises your data across all platforms. Here’s how accounts work:

• Xbox & Windows PC: Your progress is tied to your Microsoft account. As long as you sign in with the same gamertag on console and PC via the Xbox app, your saves and progress will sync automatically.
  
• PlayStation: Progress is tied to your PSN account. Migration from PS4 to PS5 happens one time when you transfer the save file.
  
• Nintendo Switch: Saves are stored locally on the console or via Nintendo’s cloud backup (if you subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online), but there’s no way to link to PC or other consoles.
  
• Steam: Your progress is tied to your Steam account. There’s no integration with Xbox Live or PSN, so your friends list and saves stay within Steam.
  
• Capcom ID: While Capcom has introduced a Capcom ID for some newer titles, Rise doesn’t use it for crossplay or cross‑save. A Capcom ID isn’t needed unless you’re accessing certain web features or events.

In short, each platform operates in its own silo, and you’ll need to stick to a single ecosystem to play with friends or preserve your progress.

Developer/Publisher Comments and Future Plans

Capcom has addressed player requests for cross‑platform features on multiple occasions. In October 2021, the official Monster Hunter account acknowledged community feedback about cross‑save and cross‑play, but stated that after evaluating the feature during development, they were unable to implement it. When the PC version was announced, Capcom reiterated that there would be no cross‑platform support with the Switch version.

In December 2022, Capcom told Digital Trends that cross‑saves and cross‑progression are only available across Xbox and Windows platforms. The same article noted that cross‑saves between PS4 and PS5 were not planned and that players would need to restart their progress on the new platform.

Capcom has not announced plans to add crossplay or cross‑save to Monster Hunter Rise. However, the company’s upcoming title Monster Hunter Wilds has been confirmed to include full crossplay across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This suggests Capcom is moving toward cross‑platform features in future games, but there is no indication that these updates will retroactively apply to Rise. If playing with friends across systems is a priority, you might consider alternative games from our list of best cross‑platform games.

Summary

Monster Hunter Rise is available on Switch, PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Despite this wide availability, the game lacks universal crossplay. Switch players are isolated. Steam users can only play with other Steam users. Xbox consoles and the Xbox app on Windows support crossplay and cross‑progression within their own ecosystem. PlayStation owners enjoy crossplay between PS4 and PS5, but must manually transfer saves.

Cross‑save is largely absent. Only Xbox offers seamless cross‑progression, while other platforms force you to start over or perform manual transfers. Capcom has acknowledged fans’ requests but claims development constraints prevented cross‑platform features. Looking forward, the next entry in the series promises full crossplay, but Rise remains limited.

If you’re choosing where to buy Monster Hunter Rise, pick the platform your friends use or where you’ll stick long term. Regardless of these limitations, Rise remains a fantastic action RPG with rich content and satisfying hunts. Our best cross‑platform games article covers titles that do support full crossplay, so check it out if you want to team up across systems.

As for getting into Rise, we offer a range of Monster Hunter Rise keys in our store. No matter if you play on Steam, Xbox, or Switch, buying through our marketplace guarantees instant delivery and often lower prices. If you decide to dive in, consider grabbing a Monster Hunter Rise Steam key from our catalog. It’s a great way to support the hunt while saving a bit of gold.

FAQs

Is Monster Hunter Rise cross‑platform?

Monster Hunter Rise isn’t cross‑platform. You can’t join hunts across Switch, PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Only limited crossplay exists within certain console families.

Does Monster Hunter Rise support crossplay between PC and Xbox?

Yes, but only for PC users playing through the Xbox app. Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PC via Game Pass can hunt together. Steam players remain separate.

Can PS4 and PS5 players play together in Monster Hunter Rise?

Yes, crossplay is available between PS4 and PS5. Players on either console can join the same lobby, although they can’t match with Xbox, PC, or Switch users.

Does Monster Hunter Rise have cross‑save?

Cross‑save is only supported within the Xbox ecosystem. Progress syncs across Xbox consoles and the Xbox app on Windows. Other platforms require separate saves.

Is Monster Hunter Rise on Game Pass cross‑platform?

Game Pass versions support crossplay and cross‑progression with Xbox consoles and the Windows PC app. They do not connect with Steam, PlayStation, or Switch.

Why isn’t Monster Hunter Rise fully cross‑platform?

Capcom explained that technical and development constraints prevented cross‑platform play and cross‑save. They looked into implementing it, but were unable to do so during development.

Will future Monster Hunter games have crossplay?

Capcom’s next mainline entry, Monster Hunter Wilds, has been announced with full crossplay across modern consoles and PC. This suggests future titles will prioritise cross‑platform features.