[3] Multiple base camps unlock as the player progresses, creating the largest cast of NPCs of any Monster Hunter game to date.

Guild Quests feature different missions for each player, and will generate random equipment with slightly altered stats.

The Hunter helps to enlist the aid of a cook and a merchant as to be able to make for their next port of call, the volcanic village of Harth, the home to the Troverians, a dwarf-like race of blacksmiths.

Though the beast is driven away with the help of the Ace Hunters, the Caravan's ship is damaged and arrives at Cheeko Sands to effect repairs.

The Hunter, in aiding the Cathar residents, learns that the disease that the Gore Magala had carried has started to spread to other monsters, driving them into a frenzy-like state before dying out a few days later.

With the threat seemingly ended, the Caravan is surprised to learn that the Guild needs their help in the capital city of Dundorma, where another powerful monster, Kushala Daora, a metallic skinned Elder Dragon, has been spotted.

While the Hunter searches for materials to build a weapon against the Elder Dragon, numerous rare golden Wyverns known as the Seregios have suddenly made frequent appearances all over the world.

Further investigations reveal these two events are caused by a Seregios that has gone Apex, a frenzied monster that had overcome the virus' fatal afflictions while possessing even greater power.

He further spent time to understand how business decisions are made in Japan as to be able to better communicate his team's suggestions to the lead developers.

They also wanted to trim the length of some of the dialog segments, and provide a means for players to skip over the introductory tutorial or allow helpful messages to be turned on or off.

[6] Alfonzo's team also crafted a social media campaign prior to the game's Western release that helped to introduce potential players to gameplay concepts.

[6] As Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate sold well in excess of one million copies, and that the game's improved learning curve was well received by reviewers, Alfonzo believed that his team did the best job to create a "smart localization" given that they did not have direct control on the game's ultimate development, but found ways to evoke change on the "tangibles" in the process.

[6] On December 19, 2012, Capcom posted a notice on the official page, changing the release date to Summer 2013 and stating that "further quality enhancements are needed in order to meet the expectations and wishes of users.

[9] A limited edition Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate themed version of the New Nintendo 3DS XL launched on February 13, 2015, in North America.

[10] Following the launch of Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, Capcom released a free downloadable starter pack via Nintendo eShop.

[20] In April 2015, Capcom announced that Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate was the first title in the series to surpass one million units shipped in Europe and North America.

[22][23] Upon release, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate received positive reviews, with numerous critics calling it the best title in the series so far.

[25] GameSpot praised the game by stating "Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate manages to expand upon the things that people love about the series, while simultaneously making concessions to those getting involved for the first time.

Sure, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate isn't without some of the series' time-honoured idiosyncrasies, but it's the most streamlined and accessible game yet, and one that's hard not to truly obsess over.

"[30] Gamesradar agrees their statement by saying "Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate doesn’t offer much new beyond its predecessors, but it perfects so much of what they tried that it's undoubtedly the series' best, and among the best games on 3DS.

"[31] USgamer gave a score of 4.5 out of 5 and stated "Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is simply the most approachable and playable version of Capcom's action-RPG to date—but be warned, it still requires a hefty investment.