Monster Hunter Rise introduces faster, more fluid combat than previous Monster Hunter games thanks to the Wirebug system, Silkbind attacks, Wyvern Riding, and Palamute companions. While the controls can seem overwhelming at first, learning the basics will make every hunt significantly easier.
This Monster Hunter Rise controls guide covers the default PlayStation controller layout, explains every important mechanic, and includes additional controls for Wirebugs, Palamutes, Wyvern Riding, camera management, and general hunting. Whether you're completely new to the series or returning after Monster Hunter World, this guide will help you get comfortable with the controls quickly.
Monster Hunter Rise Default Controls (PlayStation)
| Button | Action |
|---|---|
| Left Stick | Move Hunter |
| L3 | Sprint (when applicable) |
| Right Stick | Move Camera |
| R3 | Target Camera / Lock-on Functions |
| ✕ | Confirm, Interact, Gather, Talk, Dodge (weapon drawn) |
| ◯ | Cancel Menu / Various Weapon Actions |
| □ | Use Selected Item / Sheathe Weapon |
| △ | Draw Weapon / Weapon-specific Attack |
| R1 | Dash (weapon sheathed) |
| L1 | Reset Camera |
| L1 (Hold) | Open Radial Menu |
| OPTIONS | Pause Menu |
| Touchpad | Chat / Map (Hold) |
Wirebug Controls
The Wirebug is Monster Hunter Rise's biggest gameplay addition. It allows hunters to climb cliffs, escape danger, recover after being knocked down, perform Silkbind attacks, and ride monsters. Learning these controls early makes exploration and combat much easier.
| Input | Action |
|---|---|
| L2 + △ | Forward-Up Wiredash |
| L2 + ◯ | Forward Wiredash |
| L2 + R2 | Aim and launch Wirebug toward reticle |
| L2 + ✕ (while knocked down) | Wirefall Recovery |
| Wall + Wirebug | Wall Run |
Wirebug movement consumes Wirebug Gauge charges, which automatically regenerate after a short cooldown. Managing these charges is extremely important during difficult hunts.
Silkbind Attack Controls
Every weapon has exclusive Silkbind attacks that consume one or two Wirebug charges. These special moves provide mobility, defensive counters, powerful attacks, or temporary buffs depending on the weapon you're using.
| Input | Action |
|---|---|
| L2 + △ | Silkbind Attack 1 (weapon drawn) |
| L2 + ◯ | Silkbind Attack 2 (weapon drawn) |
| Switch Skills | Replace default Silkbind attacks with alternative moves |
Different weapon types have completely different Silkbind techniques, so don't expect the same inputs to perform identical attacks when switching weapons.
Palamute Controls
Your Palamute companion dramatically speeds up exploration and lets you sharpen weapons or use items while riding.
| Input | Action |
|---|---|
| Approach Palamute + Interact | Ride Palamute |
| Left Stick | Move |
| R1 (Hold) | Dash |
| ✕ | Dismount |
| Use Items While Riding | Heal, Sharpen, Consume Buffs |
Unlike older Monster Hunter games, you no longer need to stop moving to sharpen your weapon. Riding your Palamute while sharpening is one of the safest habits you can develop during hunts.
Wyvern Riding Controls
After dealing enough Silkbind damage or triggering monster interactions, you'll be able to mount large monsters and temporarily control them.
| Input | Action |
|---|---|
| Light Attack | Quick Monster Attack |
| Heavy Attack | Strong Monster Attack |
| Evade | Dodge Incoming Attacks |
| Launch Monster | Crash Monster into Walls |
| Punisher | Massive Finishing Attack |
Always try to slam monsters into walls multiple times before using the Mounted Punisher for maximum damage.
Item & Radial Menu Controls
| Input | Action |
|---|---|
| D-Pad | Cycle Items |
| □ | Use Selected Item |
| L1 (Hold) | Open Radial Menu |
| Right Stick | Select Radial Shortcut |
The Radial Menu lets you instantly use healing items, traps, bombs, crafting recipes, coatings, and gestures without cycling through your inventory. Most experienced hunters rely on it almost exclusively.
Weapon Controls Overview
Monster Hunter Rise features 14 unique weapon types, each with its own moveset, combos, Silkbind attacks, and Switch Skills. While every weapon shares the same movement, camera, Wirebug, and item controls, their combat inputs vary significantly.
| Weapon | Primary Attacks | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|
| Great Sword | Charged Slashes, Tackles, True Charged Slash | Slow but devastating single-hit damage. |
| Long Sword | Spirit Combo, Foresight Slash, Iai Techniques | Fast counter-based weapon with Spirit Gauge management. |
| Sword & Shield | Fast Slashes, Shield Bash, Perfect Rush | Balanced offense with item usage while weapon is drawn. |
| Dual Blades | Demon Mode, Archdemon Mode, Rapid Combos | Extremely mobile with constant pressure. |
| Hammer | Charged Swings, Spinning Bludgeon | Excellent for stunning monsters. |
| Hunting Horn | Musical Attacks, Performances | Supports teammates while dealing solid damage. |
| Lance | Guard, Counter Thrusts, Charge | Exceptional defense with consistent attacks. |
| Gunlance | Shelling, Wyvern Fire, Blast Dash | Heavy weapon combining melee and explosive attacks. |
| Switch Axe | Axe Mode, Sword Mode | Switch between mobility and burst damage. |
| Charge Blade | Phial Management, Guard Points | Complex weapon with enormous burst potential. |
| Insect Glaive | Vault, Kinsect Commands | Highly aerial with exceptional mobility. |
| Light Bowgun | Rapid Fire, Reload, Ammo Types | Mobile ranged weapon. |
| Heavy Bowgun | Power Shots, Special Ammo | High damage ranged weapon. |
| Bow | Charged Shots, Dodgebolt, Arc Shot | Fast ranged weapon focused on stamina management. |
Camera & Target Controls
| Button | Action |
|---|---|
| Right Stick | Move Camera |
| R3 | Target Camera / Lock-on Monster |
| L1 | Center Camera Behind Hunter |
| Target Camera | Snap Camera to Selected Monster |
The Target Camera is recommended for beginners because it instantly faces the selected monster. Experienced players often prefer the Focus Camera for continuous tracking.
Endemic Life Controls
Monster Hunter Rise introduces dozens of helpful endemic creatures that provide temporary buffs or tactical advantages during hunts.
| Interaction | Result |
|---|---|
| Touch Spiribirds | Increase Health, Stamina, Attack or Defense |
| Collect Wirebugs | Gain Temporary Extra Wirebug Charge |
| Use Puppet Spider | Force Wyvern Riding Opportunity |
| Use Marionette Spider | Pull Monster into Obstacles |
| Throw Flashfly | Temporarily Stun Monsters |
Never ignore endemic life. Even small bonuses can dramatically improve difficult hunts.
Multiplayer Controls
Monster Hunter Rise supports up to four hunters cooperating online. Communication and coordination become much easier when using the in-game communication shortcuts.
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Chat Menu | Communicate with teammates |
| Gestures | Quick visual communication |
| Radial Menu | Use preset messages instantly |
| Ping | Highlight important locations |
Useful Hunting Controls to Learn Early
- Always sheathe your weapon before sprinting long distances.
- Use Wirefall immediately after heavy knockdowns to recover safely.
- Sharpen your weapon while riding your Palamute.
- Use the Radial Menu instead of cycling through dozens of items.
- Collect nearby Spiribirds before engaging difficult monsters.
- Learn your weapon's Silkbind attacks—they're among the strongest moves available.
- Practice emergency Superman Dive by sprinting away from a monster before dodging.
- Use environmental traps and endemic life whenever possible.
Can You Customize Controls?
Yes. Monster Hunter Rise allows extensive controller customization.
- Remap controller buttons.
- Adjust camera sensitivity.
- Invert camera axes.
- Change Target Camera behavior.
- Modify Radial Menu settings.
- Customize HUD layout.
- Adjust Wirebug aiming controls.
- Configure Gyro controls (Nintendo Switch).
Players coming from Monster Hunter World can also enable several familiar control layouts through the Options menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use the Wirebug?
Hold L2 and press Triangle or Circle to perform a Wiredash. Different inputs launch you in different directions, while weapon-drawn inputs activate Silkbind attacks.
How do you recover after being knocked down?
Use Wirefall by pressing the Wirebug recovery input before hitting the ground. This lets you recover immediately while repositioning away from danger.
Can you sprint with your weapon drawn?
Most weapons cannot sprint while drawn. Sheathe your weapon to run at full speed unless your weapon has unique movement mechanics.
What is the easiest weapon for beginners?
Sword & Shield, Long Sword, Hammer, and Dual Blades are widely considered beginner-friendly because they offer simple controls while remaining effective throughout the game.
Can controls be remapped?
Yes. Monster Hunter Rise supports customizable button layouts, camera settings, targeting behavior, and multiple control presets.
Monster Hunter Rise's controls may seem intimidating initially, but most hunters become comfortable after only a few quests. Mastering Wirebug movement, learning your preferred weapon's combos, and making full use of the Radial Menu will greatly improve your hunting efficiency.
As you gain experience, you'll naturally incorporate advanced techniques such as Wirefall recovery, Silkbind attack chains, Switch Skills, Wyvern Riding, and endemic life management into every hunt. Once these mechanics become second nature, you'll be prepared to tackle High Rank, Master Rank (Sunbreak), and the game's toughest monsters with confidence.
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