What Is Monster Hunter Stories?
The Monster Hunter Stories series deviates sharply from the mainline games. It’s a turn-based RPG where you play as a Rider, a hero capable of forming bonds with monsters — known as “Monsties.” These Monsties become your loyal companions, fighting alongside you in strategic battles. The focus shifts from relentless hunting to nurturing and understanding these creatures.
Key Differences from Mainline Monster Hunter
| Mainline Monster Hunter | Monster Hunter Stories |
|---|---|
| Action-based real-time combat | Turn-based tactical battles |
| Hunt and slay monsters for materials | Befriend and collect monsters as companions |
| Focus on crafting gear from monster parts | Focus on building bonds and customizing Monsties |
| Multiplayer-focused endgame | Story-driven JRPG experience |
This blend of monster-catching gameplay akin to Pokémon, combined with the familiar setting and beloved monsters of the Monster Hunter franchise, creates an experience that is both accessible to newcomers and engaging for veteran hunters.
Story and Setting
Each game in the collection places you in a vibrant world threatened by a mysterious calamity. Team up with your Monstie companions and a colorful cast of human characters to uncover the truth and restore balance to the land. Expect a compelling narrative with plenty of twists and turns as you ride through a vast and beautiful world.
What’s Included
- Monster Hunter Stories: The original game that introduced the Rider concept and turn-based combat to the Monster Hunter universe
- Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin: The sequel with expanded mechanics, improved graphics, and a new story featuring the mysterious Wings of Ruin
Combat System: Active Participation with Your Monsties
Forget passively commanding your creatures from the sidelines. In Monster Hunter Stories, you actively participate in battles alongside your Monsties. The combat system features:
- Iconic Monster Hunter Weapons: Wield familiar weapons like the Greatsword, Hammer, or Hunting Horn
- Traps and Items: Deploy strategic tools to gain advantages in battle
- Monstie Commands: Strategically command your Monsties to unleash devastating special moves
- Rock-Paper-Scissors Combat: Master the three attack types (Power, Speed, Technical) to exploit enemy weaknesses
Turn-Based Strategy
Unlike the action-oriented mainline series, battles unfold in turns. Success depends on understanding monster behavior patterns, exploiting elemental weaknesses, and coordinating attacks between you and your Monstie partners. When you and your Monstie target the same enemy with compatible attack types, you can trigger powerful combination attacks.
Customization: Genes and Gear
Customization is a key element of the Monster Hunter Stories experience:
Rider Customization
Riders can equip various gear to enhance their stats, providing bonuses to attack, defense, elemental resistances, and special abilities. Craft and upgrade equipment using materials gathered during your adventures.
Monstie Gene System
Monsties can be enhanced with genes from other Monsties, unlocking new abilities and creating powerful, personalized allies. The gene-splicing mechanic allows for truly unique and powerful Monstie combinations.
How it works: Each Monstie has a gene grid containing various abilities, attacks, and passive bonuses. Through a process called “Rite of Channeling,” you can transfer genes from one Monstie to another, customizing your team’s abilities to match your playstyle and strategic needs.
Platform Features and Remote Play
The collection is available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, with enhanced performance on the newer hardware. Players can also enjoy the games on Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X via remote play, offering flexibility to play anywhere with an internet connection.
Looking Ahead: Monster Hunter Stories 3
With Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection on the horizon, releasing on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, now is the ideal moment to immerse yourself in the world of Monster Hunter Stories. Familiarize yourself with the series’ mechanics, characters, and lore before the next chapter unfolds.
Who Should Play Monster Hunter Stories?
Ideal For:
- Pokémon Fans: If you enjoy collecting, training, and battling with a team of creatures
- JRPG Enthusiasts: Turn-based combat with strategic depth and character-driven stories
- Monster Hunter Newcomers: Accessible entry point to the franchise without the steep learning curve of action games
- Veteran Hunters: Fresh perspective on familiar monsters with deep customization systems
May Not Be For:
- Players seeking traditional Monster Hunter action combat
- Those who prefer real-time battles over turn-based strategy
- Gamers looking for multiplayer-focused experiences
The combination of strategic turn-based combat, deep customization through the gene system, and the charm of befriending iconic monsters creates an addictive gameplay loop. With data showing strong player engagement and Monster Hunter Stories 3 approaching, the collection represents both a complete experience and preparation for future adventures.
Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with friendship, adventure, and plenty of magnificent monsters. The hunt — or rather, the ride — is on.
