Monster Hunter Rise finally arrives on the Nintendo Switch this week and marks the franchise's first new entry on the console (the previous game was a 3DS port).
Offering more verticality and a lot of the quality-of-life improvements added in Monster Hunter: World, it's likely to be a great starting point for newcomers, as well as something for veterans to sink their weapon into.
If you've already gone ahead and pre-ordered the game via the Nintendo eShop, you may be wondering when you can start charging your Switch-Axe or swinging your long sword. Luckily, we've got the answer.
What Time Does Monster Hunter Rise Unlock?
As with most titles, you can download the game via pre-loading, and you'll see it on your Home menu - but you won't be able to jump in.
Instead, you'll have to wait until midnight ET (that's 4 AM GMT for UK players) to be able to jump in.
It's a shame, but hey, at least it'll be ready for you first thing in the morning.
Here's what Nintendo has to say:
What happens when a game is pre-loaded?
A non-playable version of the game will be pre-loaded to your system at the time of your order. You'll see an icon for the game on your HOME menu, but you will not be able to launch the game until it is officially released. You'll be able to start playing it after downloading a small update, beginning at 12:00 AM ET on the game's release date. (Please note that some third-party titles are not available until 12:00 PM PT on the game’s release date.)
That means there's always a chance the game will unlock a tad later, but rest assured you'll still be one of the first to play.