The third instalment of the Monster Hunter Stories RPG series is approaching, and this will be the first time that Capcom will release a game from this subseries on all platforms simultaneously. In any case, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is set to surpass its predecessors.
Monster Hunter Stories is an RPG series set in the Monster Hunter universe, in which players can become Riders and form bonds with monsters. However, it took a while for the sub-series to gain popularity. The first instalment was released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2016/17. A mobile version followed. PC and console versions were not available until 2024/2025. Interestingly, the second instalment, Wings of Ruin, was released on Switch and PC in 2021 and subsequently became available on other Microsoft and Sony platforms. The third instalment, on the other hand, will be released simultaneously on all current PCs and consoles.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection © Capcom
Twisted Reflection tells the story of two nations doomed to destruction. Amidst increasing crystallisation, which threatens to wipe out numerous habitats around the world, including the countries of Azuria and Vermeil, the discovery of a mysterious ice offers hope. Two Rathalos hatch from an egg. The twin Rathalos bear the same markings as the Sky Scale Rathalos twins, who were considered harbingers of destruction in a civil war 200 years ago.
In this story, players carry on the legacy of Azuria. Although the story isn't the game's main attraction and side quests deepen the characters, the focus is on collecting and improving monsters, also known as 'monsties', not to mention the engaging battles. Blessed with special abilities that make them the leaders of the Rangers and the kingdom's only Rathalos riders, they must uncover the cause of the crystallisation, complete quests, bond with their fellow Rangers through side stories, protect and fight monsters, and examine egg quartz. Players can ride their monsters in an open world designed like an outdoor adventure course. They can swap between flying and wall-climbing monsters at any time. They can also perform ranged and melee attacks on nearby monsters to gain the upper hand before battle. The turn-based battle system featuring power, speed and technical attacks has been further refined. The rock-paper-scissors baseline remains, but Capcom has added more strategic options, such as double attacks in head-to-head fights, the ability to break parts, a stagger option that leads to a fatigue state and the Synchro Rush. Elemental attacks and the right choice of weapons and abilities add tactical depth.
But that's not all the game has to offer. After beginning as a hunter and progressing to a rider and then a ranger, players can focus on restoring habitats by driving out invasive species and rescuing endangered monsters. The aim is to hatch eggs, release monsters (not just the endangered ones) and thereby increase the ecosystem's rank. This will cause more — and potentially better — creatures to appear. This enables players to find monsters with different or better special abilities and genes, which they can then turn into Monsties. However, the game world itself is also outstanding and highly engaging. Featuring a variety of monster types from new and old parts of the series, the world comes alive, beckoning players to explore every corner.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection © Capcom
In addition to the Standard Edition of Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, Deluxe and Premium Deluxe Editions will also be available. The Deluxe Edition includes the full game and a Deluxe Kit containing the additional side story: Rudy's Story, scheduled for release in autumn 2026. It also includes a special outfit set with decorative armour for companions, additional outfits for Rudy and more options for the playable character. The Premium Deluxe Edition contains all the content of the Deluxe Edition and comes with an additional DLC pack consisting of further decorative armour for companions, further outfits for Rudy and further hair options for the playable character. This content will also be available to purchase separately.
Capcom is set to release Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection on 13 March 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S. The game will be available to download, and a retail boxed edition will also be distributed by partner CentreSoft for each platform.
The RPG spin-off series is growing in size and ambition, and improving all the time. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is the best instalment of the spin-off franchise yet!
