Smash Ultimate community wowed by Monster Hunter crossover in Unreal Engine

Two talented Smash Bros fans have showcased what the game would look like if a Monster Hunter collaboration was greenlit, wowing players with their amazing Hunter reveal video. 

Smash Bros and Monster Hunter fans have wanted Sakurai to add a playable Hunter since Super Smash Bros was released. However, while there have been nods to Capcom’s beast-slaying title via in-game trophies and the addition of Mii Rathalos armor, there has never been an official Hunter release. 

Well, two talented players have faithfully recreated Super Smash Bros Ultimate in Unreal Engine, which allowed them to add The Hunter to the game. For the first time, Monster Hunter fans can now see how The Hunter would both look and function in the popular fighting game series. 

Smash Ultimate player wows community with Monster Hunter crossover 

Posting on X, @TuxedoPato showed off their unofficial showcase of The Hunter in a custom SBBU build, made using Unreal Engine. During the clip, The Hunter can be seen wearing full Rathalos armor and wielding a variety of iconic weapons from across the series. 

For example, the Great Sword has been used as a side smash input, with the Hunter unleashing a devastating True Charge Slash. This sends King K. Rool flying off the screen and looks just as impactful as it does in the mainline MH games. 

“Each Special move (except for Up Special) switches to a different weapon that’s simpler than the default moveset,” explained TuxedoPato. “Neutral is Bow, Side is Lance, and Down is Hammer. Just like Monster Hunter, you cannot dash while the weapon is equipped and it must be sheathed before you can.”

Monster Hunter X Smash Bros!

I recreated SSBU with @TuxedWhale in Unreal Engine and put in the Hunter. I did the programming, design, animation (including copying SSBU animations), and about half the VFX. It was a lot of work, but it was fun! pic.twitter.com/ViAn3wY1R2

— Martin (@TuxedoPato) February 5, 2024

As of writing the video has a whopping 771K views and 16k likes, with many commenters noting just how incredible this unofficial crossover is. “Absolutely crazy, can’t say I’m not devastated that this is not a real mod, but it’s really impressive good job,” said one player. 

While others noted just how professional the trailer was, “the camera movements in the gameplay segment trailer actually feels like it was filmed by Sakurai himself, holy sh*t.”

According to @TuxedoPato, the project began back in April 2023 and has been something they’ve wanted to do for several years.

“While there are many things missing, I did my best to replicate the animation style and mechanics of SSBU, including how inputs are buffered,” explained TuxedoPato. “The Hunter has over 200 animations right now. When my brother and I tested it, it felt like playing SSBU, so I think it was successful.”