Capcom has announcedMonster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflectionduring the latest Nintendo Direct. The newMonster Huntergame is targeting a 2026 release.
A spin-off series set in Capcom’s iconic universe,Monster Hunter Storieswears itsPokemoninspirations on its sleeve, being focused on turn-based combat rather than the action-oriented gameplay that the mainline titles are known for. The first series entry debuted as a Nintendo 3DS exclusive in 2016 (2017 in the West) before making its way to mobile devices the following year. It was also ported to the Switch, PS4, and PC in 2024. Its sequel,Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, launched for the Switch and PC in 2021, then made its way to the PS4 in 2024.
The franchise is now set to continue withMonster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, announced during thelatest Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase. The July 31 event saw Capcom premiere a two-minute trailer for the game, offering a first look at its setting, plot, and main character cast.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection Features a High-Stakes Story
The high-stakes narrative of the upcomingMonster Huntergamecenters on two war-weary nations, Azuria and Vermeil, as they look to navigate an environmental crisis while some ominous ancient omens threaten to reignite their old conflicts. Players are put in the shoes of Azuria’s heir and sole Rathalos Rider, who seeks Vermeil’s princess Eleanor with the goal of uncovering the truth behind a mystery that is a twin-hatched Rathalos egg, which an old prophecy links to a civil war from 200 years prior. Meanwhile, unexplained crystal corruption creeps across the land, threatening monsters and entire ecosystems.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection Platforms
Gameplay-wise, the upcoming title promises the same blend of turn-based RPG combat and monster-bonding mechanics that its predecessors were widely praised for. Capcom has committed to a 2026 launch window forMonster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. Looking at their Western release dates, both of the first two series entries debuted during summer, with their threequel possibly being planned to continue this pattern. One tradition thatTwisted Reflectionis likely to break is that of staggered releases, with Capcom suggesting that the upcoming title will be the firstMonster Hunter Storiesgamewith a same-day international launch instead of prioritizing Japan.
While announced during a Nintendo Direct,Monster Hunter 3: Twisted Reflectionhas also been confirmed for non-Nintendo platforms, namely the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. More details about the newly revealed turn-based RPG should emerge as the game nears release.
