The announcement trailer teases a more serious tone this time around, with political tension, ancient prophecy, and twin Rathalos at the heart of the story. Fans of the Stories series will notice familiar elements like Monstie bonds and hatching eggs, while newcomers can expect a standalone narrative set in a brand-new region.
We’ve got a full breakdown of Capcom’s newest Monster Hunter RPG, including story beats, new characters, and platform details.
Monster Hunter Stories 3 Gameplay and Features Bring Back Riding and Hatching
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection continues the series’ signature turn-based RPG formula, with a strong focus on monster hatching, team-building, and exploration. You’ll once again take on the role of a Monster Rider, forming bonds with Monsties and battling alongside them across various regions.
The game introduces new environments tied to the crystal encroachment spreading across the twin nations of Azuria and Vermeil. Egg quartz plays a key role in uncovering the world’s mysteries, with your character tasked with investigating these strange objects and the monsters they influence.
Riding mechanics return, letting you use your Monsties for both traversal and combat. Special Rider abilities also come into play, as your character becomes the kingdom’s only Rathalos Rider and leads a group known as the Rangers.
Combat appears to retain the tactical edge seen in past entries, where matching monster types and attacks plays a key role in battles. The reveal trailer didn’t show much of the gameplay loop, but longtime fans should feel right at home with its blend of turn-based systems and monster customization.
Twin Nations Against a Shared Threat
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection follows a new protagonist from the kingdom of Azuria, heir to the throne and the last known Rathalos Rider. They serve as the leader of the Rangers, a group dedicated to protecting monsters and investigating the spreading crystal threat. After a major event shakes their world, they set out for the forbidden land beyond the northern Meridian.
The story centers around two nations, Azuria and Vermeil, both facing collapse from the growing crystal encroachment. The discovery of a strange egg offers hope, but when it hatches, it reveals twin Rathalos. One represents salvation, the other destruction. This event echoes an ancient civil war fought 200 years earlier.
Joining the main character is Eleanor, a princess from Vermeil. Hoping to ease rising tensions, she offers herself as a diplomatic ‘hostage’ and travels to Azuria. Alongside her Monstie Anjanath, Eleanor works with the Rangers to investigate her homeland’s queen, her sister, and unravel the truth behind the catastrophe.
The setting blends political drama, ancient prophecy, and environmental decay, adding weight to the game’s personal and global stakes.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection Launches in 2026
Capcom has confirmed that Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection will launch in 2026. The game is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. This marks the first time the Stories series will be available across all major current-gen platforms at launch.
While no exact release date has been shared yet, the announcement trailer sets the tone for what’s coming. A mix of returning mechanics and new story elements suggest Capcom is aiming to grow the series for both returning fans and newcomers.
Are you excited to raise your own Rathalos in Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection? Let us know which Monstie you hope returns in the comments below!
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