Capcom deployed a new update for Monster Hunter Rise that was supposed to only remove certain limited-time content from the game. However, this update added a new DRM that seemingly broke compatibility for Steam Deck users, leaving them unable to enjoy the game on the portable gaming console.
New DRM?
According to the patch notes, Update v16.0.2 only removed the following content from the game:
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Event Quest: Gotta Hoard Fast!
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Event Quest: Super Shady Look-alike
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Event Quest: USJ - Shrine Showdown!
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Event Quest: USJ - Arzuros Onslaught!
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Downloadable Palico: MEOW LIMIT!
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Downloadable Palico: Yasu
However, it seems that the changes do not stop there. As user DakaRFT pointed out on X/Twitter, the update also added the Enigma DRM (aka Enigma Protector) to Monster Hunter Rise.
The Enigma Protector is a digital rights management solution first released in 2004 that was specifically made for licensing Windows software. For those who do not know, Steam Deck's operating system is based on Arch Linux, which explains why Monster Hunter Rise is no longer compatible with Valve's portable handheld gaming device.
Company Responds
Fortunately, it did not take long for Capcom to respond to the reports. According to the company, the Monster Hunter Rise development team is currently investigating the issue and will provide further information as soon as it is available.
In the meantime, those who previously relied on the Steam Deck to play the game may have to go back to their PCs until the matter is resolved.
Even though the company has already acknowledged the problem, this did not stop players from voicing their frustrations.
Over on Reddit, Derinahon said that the game would no longer launch after updating to the latest version. They got so mad that they left a negative review on the game's Steam Page.
Another Redditor offered some insight as to why the company implemented the Enigma DRM in the latest patch. Apparently, there was an issue where someone had accidentally enabled the "nude mod" in a Street Fighter tournament. Enigma is likely Capcom's way of preventing situations like this from happening ever again.
At the time of writing, Monster Hunter Rise is still a Steam Deck-verified title. It remains to be seen whether this will be updated soon to reflect the current state of the game or not.
Do you play Monster Hunter Rise on Steam Deck? If so, have you encountered a similar issue? Let us know in the comments!
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