The latest game in the Monster Hunter Stories franchise brings together everything fans love in an excellent package.
Anyone who is a fan of the Monster Hunter spin-off series Monster Hunter Stories is probably anxiously staring at their screen waiting to see the signal that the game is available to be played, and they are right to do so. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflections is by far the best in the series. We’re going to explore what fans can look forward to when the game releases on March 12, 2026.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflections
Release Date: March 12, 2026
Platforms: PC( via Steam), Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Developer: CAPCOMReviewed on: PC(via Steam)
The game is a narrative-driven turn-based RPG that tells not only the story of the kingdom and the monsters, but also the story of the complex characters. Each character has their own side story that adds to the overall adventure.
To get the question on every new comers mind out of the way, you do not have to have played Monster Hunter Stories 1 or 2 to get into the story of number 3. The story places you as the prince/princess of Azuria, and leader of the rangers. Your kingdom is on the brink of war with the neighboring kingdom, Vermeil, while also in the middle of an environmental crisis that has monsters going extinct and being supercharged by strange crystals.
As head of the rangers and prince/princess of the kingdom, it is your job to try to prevent the war on the horizon, collect eggs, fight feral monsters, raise and level up monsters, and repopulate the different biomes to re-balance the damage done by the crystal encroachment and what it is doing to monsters that get too close.
Combat in this game is very intuitive. There is a real strategy to the combat, as each creature attacks with a different fighting style, and you must counter it with your team and monstie companions using the corresponding styles. The system is similar to rock, paper, scissors in function, with attack types: power, technical, and speed. Knowing which attack your opponent is most likely to use and being able to counter it with the correct attack is the best way to ensure victory.
You can also mount your monsties in battle and double-attack with them. Building your bond as you do. Building bonds with your monsties as you hatch and train them is all a part of your duty.
The game takes a very interesting approach to teaching you how to play. Because of the position your character holds, you learn how to play by teaching others. Your feyline companion is taking a more backseat role in speaking for you, as your character has more depth in this game than in previous ones. There are still plenty of them to be discovered, as they have their own personal sidequests to learn more about their story and that of the others in your adventuring party.
There are so many good things to say about the newest addition to the Monster Hunter Stories series; however, as with anything, there is room for improvement. The characters’ side stories are unlocked and presented all at once at several intervals throughout the game. It can be a little overwhelming and immersion-breaking. I wish they had been more integrated into the story so they did not feel slightly disconnected.
The other thing is the pacing of questing. It can also be a bit immersion-breaking if you are not keeping up on your side quest grind, as you will suddenly be in fights that are far beyond you. So it is highly recommended to stay on top of the side quests, as if you do not, you could be 10 or so levels below the final boss and need to grind until you can get closer to the correct level.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflections will be released on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC(via Steam). There are three tiers of the game: base, deluxe, and premium.
Deluxe Edition will include:
– Base Game
– Deluxe Kit
Additional Side Story: Rudy
Special Outfits Set:
Layered Armor for Eleanor: Royal Flair
Layered Armor for Gaul: Protective Wings
Layered Armor for Kora: Armored Beauty
Layered Armor for Ogden: Eager Explorer
Layered Armor for Thea: Sky Blue Coat
Monster Hair: Arkveld Mane, Lunagaron Fade, Mizutsune Braid
Rudy Outfits: Regal Aspect, Smooth Sailing, Velvety Fur, Aristocratic Air
*Some bonuses require gameplay progression to be used.
*Additional Side Story: Rudy is planned to be released in Autumn 2026.
Premium Edition will include:
– Base Game
– Deluxe Kit
Additional Side Story: Rudy
Special Outfits Set:
Layered Armor for Eleanor: Royal Flair
Layered Armor for Gaul: Protective Wings
Layered Armor for Kora: Armored Beauty
Layered Armor for Ogden: Eager Explorer
Layered Armor for Thea: Sky Blue Coat
Monster Hair: Arkveld Mane, Lunagaron Fade, Mizutsune Braid
Rudy Outfits: Regal Aspect, Smooth Sailing, Velvety Fur, Aristocratic Air
– DLC Pack
Layered Armor for Eleanor: Foreign Dancer
Layered Armor for Gaul: Fur-tive Five Leader
Layered Armor for Kora: Attendant’s Attire
Layered Armor for Ogden: Summertime Ogden
Layered Armor for Thea: Canyne Ward
Monster Hair: Malzeno Bob, Hellfire Tail, Espinas Spikes, Garangolm Nest, Octolocks Princess, Goss Hairagy
Rudy Outfits: Rudy’s Arkbelt, Scintillating Armor, Relaxed-acabra, Shogun Rudy, Rudyzeno
*Some bonuses require gameplay progression to be used.
*Additional Side Story: Rudy is planned to be released in Autumn 2026.
The pre-order bonus includes:
Layered Armor for Eleanor: Skyscale Queen
Set out on your journey with Eleanor in the striking aspect of a Skyscale Rathalos!
*You can use the Change Companion Outfits option to change your companions’ outfits.
*Layered armor is purely cosmetic.
*This bonus requires gameplay progression to be used.
*This bonus may be available by alternative means at a later date.
