After additional 170ish hours ive decided to change my Initial review which was posted during an update that made the game unlaunchable for most users, including myself.

There are a few bugs which I believe are mostly tied to lag in multiplayer, however, one I still cant figure out is why the stamina bar continues to shrink over time in hoarfrost even when taking hot drinks.

Overall the game is enjoyable, and if your like me and don't mind a good grind, you can skip the Defender/Guardian gear. However, I wish that it was noted in-game that it was meant for an Iceborne rush. At the time I didn't own Iceborne and the in-game guide suggested to get it regardless. Which ruined the learning curve for me. It wasnt until I reached the next area did I realise my mistake.

The game IS fun. And i'm sure the other reviews have a much better time pointing out the positives, with that being said...

Learning curves. the game misses out on many in-game tips about the available mechanics.
- The absolute Importance of the Canteen
- Firing Torch pods at the ground clears Effluvial damage around you
- How the damn Clawshot works, Yes there is a mission to guide you through this, but I wasn't even aware
until my friend pointed it out to me.
- Stacking decorations with armor to boost skills
- how to capture monsters (this one it does technically tell you, but assumes you do every side quest or just
so happen to pick the right ones)
- Grimalkyne Tribes that unlock palico gear and tailriders
- and likely more that I am yet to find out.

It could be because I'm using a keyboard, but the controls for ranged weapons are absolute garbage.
I feel that the two handed weapons are under-powered. There is no point using a weapon that does an extra 10-15 damage if you can pick a much lighter weapon that doesnt lock you in an animation.

And when it comes to animations. Stuns and Paralysis lasts way too damn long. By the time your character even starts to stand up again the monster has already eaten you, your palico, and your ugly handler.
Honestly there is so much wrong with this game that I don't know how to keep it in order.

6/10
would be a 7/10 but minus 1 point for dodge not working half the time.

After additional 170ish hours ive decided to change my Initial review which was posted during an update that made the game unlaunchable for most users, including myself. There are a few bugs which I believe are mostly tied to lag in multiplayer, however, one I still cant figure out is why the stamina bar continues to shrink over time in hoarfrost even when taking hot drinks. Overall the game is enjoyable, and if your like me and don't mind a good grind, you can skip the Defender/Guardian gear. However, I wish that it was noted in-game that it was meant for an Iceborne rush. At the time I didn't own Iceborne and the in-game guide suggested to get it regardless. Which ruined the learning curve for me. It wasnt until I reached the next area did I realise my mistake. The game IS fun. And i'm sure the other reviews have a much better time pointing out the positives, with that being said... Learning curves. the game misses out on many in-game tips about the available mechanics. - The absolute Importance of the Canteen - Firing Torch pods at the ground clears Effluvial damage around you - How the damn Clawshot works, Yes there is a mission to guide you through this, but I wasn't even aware until my friend pointed it out to me. - Stacking decorations with armor to boost skills - how to capture monsters (this one it does technically tell you, but assumes you do every side quest or just so happen to pick the right ones) - Grimalkyne Tribes that unlock palico gear and tailriders - and likely more that I am yet to find out. It could be because I'm using a keyboard, but the controls for ranged weapons are absolute garbage. I feel that the two handed weapons are under-powered. There is no point using a weapon that does an extra 10-15 damage if you can pick a much lighter weapon that doesnt lock you in an animation. And when it comes to animations. Stuns and Paralysis lasts way too damn long. By the time your character even starts to stand up again the monster has already eaten you, your palico, and your ugly handler. Honestly there is so much wrong with this game that I don't know how to keep it in order. 6/10 would be a 7/10 but minus 1 point for dodge not working half the time.