Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection tells the story of two nations on the path to ruin. Amidst the growing crystal encroachment facing the lands of Azuria and Vermeil, the discovery of a mysterious egg gives cause for hope. From the shell hatches a monster long thought to be extinct, a Rathalos. However, this glimmer quickly gives way to despair as a second monster emerges from the egg. The twin Rathalos share the same mark as the twin Skyscale Rathalos, portents of destruction that hearken back to a civil war waged 200 years ago. As the environment deteriorates and monsters face extinction, the flames of war once again begin to stir.

In this tale, players take on the role of the heir to Azuria. Blessed with special abilities leading them to become the leader of the Rangers and sole Rathalos Rider in the kingdom, the protagonist passionately performs their duties, protecting monsters and investigating egg quartz. However, a life-changing event soon drives them to investigate the strange phenomena threatening the world. In their search for the truth, they set out for the forbidden land beyond the northern Meridian.

The hero is joined in their quest by Eleanor, princess of Vermeil. Troubled by the worsening situation, she offers herself as a ‘hostage’ to Azuria in hopes of easing tensions between the two nations. Moved by the efforts of the Rangers, Eleanor and her cherished Monstie Anjanath come along for the ride, seeking to uncover the true intentions of her sister, the Queen of Vermeil. Bound together by the encroaching shadow of calamity, they step into the torrent of fate and venture into forbidden ground.

New Mechanics and Monsters Emerge in Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection

Capcom offered Riders a new glimpse into the journey ahead, as Ryozo Tsujimoto broke down all the new information revealed in the latest trailer for Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. Riders were introduced to the unique duties of the Ranger Corps, a courageous group led by the protagonist tasked with safeguarding the future of the natural ecosystem. In the face of the Crystal Encroachment, their mission is to track, protect, and hatch endangered monster eggs before habitat destruction throws the two kingdoms of Azuria and Vermeil into chaos.

The Road to Recovery – Habitat Restoration and Ecosystem Ranks

As crystallization spreads, invasive monsters take over fragile territories, pushing out native species and disrupting long-standing habitats. With ecosystems on the brink, Rangers step in to repel invasive monsters back into their new-found dens and recover endangered eggs of the displaced species before they are lost.

Once an egg has been rescued, Rangers engage in Habitat Restoration to reintroduce both endangered and other displaced monsters to the wild, helping each region recover and flourish. As these restored monsters begin reclaiming their territory, they can protect eggs capable of being hatched into Monsties that join the protagonist on their journey. Returning these hatched monsters into the wild directly influences the ecosystem and restores the balance of each region. Every successful restoration boosts the Ecosystem Rank of the region, making it easier to find rarer eggs, discover powerful new monsters, and hatch Monsties with special skills or genes.

Power Up Monsties with the Dual-Element System

Continuing to raise a region’s Ecosystem Rank can impact how new monsters are born there. Through the Dual-Element system, a monster can acquire the elemental attributes of the area where it is hatched from, gaining both new element-based skills and visual traits. For example, a Thunder-element monster hatched in a fire-element area may have fire-element skills and take on a fire-element influenced appearance. This system adds depth to how Riders build their teams, allowing them many ways to customize and form a new, exciting relationship with their Monsties while preserving the ecosystems around them.

Arkveld Appears!

In a final flourish for fans, Ryozo Tsujimoto unveiled the arrival of Arkveld, the powerful flagship monster from Monster Hunter Wilds, making a wild debut to the Stories series!

Additional Side Story: Rudy

Riders looking to continue their adventure can experience the “Additional Side Story: Rudy” content when it becomes available in Autumn 2026, which can be acquired individually or as part of the Deluxe and Premium Deluxe Editions of Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. Riders can stay tuned for more information leading up to launch, as the world of Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection unfolds.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam) on March 13, 2026.