Monster Hunter Stories is a turn-based RPG set in the Monster Hunter universe. Players take on the role of a Rider who forms bonds with monsters known as Monsties and travels alongside them through a world filled with exploration and strategic encounters. The game emphasizes monster collection, customization, and coordinated combat rather than the action-focused hunting of the main series. On Nintendo Switch, the remastered version brings improved visuals, full voice acting, and additional content from prior releases.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around exploring environments, gathering eggs to hatch new Monsties, and engaging in turn-based battles. Combat uses a rock-paper-scissors system with three attack types: Power, Speed, and Technical. Choosing the right type in head-to-head matchups determines outcomes and helps build a Kinship gauge. This gauge enables powerful combined attacks when riding a Monstie. Riders also contribute directly with their own skills and items during fights. The system rewards planning around enemy patterns and monster strengths. Customization comes through the Rite of Channeling, which transfers genes and abilities between Monsties to create stronger companions. Fast-forward options help manage the pace of repeated encounters.
Game Modes
The primary experience is a single-player story campaign focused on progression through regions and story events. Battles occur as random encounters or scripted fights during exploration. The remaster supports local and online player-versus-player battles where Riders can test their Monstie teams against others. These modes emphasize strategy over real-time action and allow for competitive matches separate from the main narrative.
Exploration and Progression
Travel involves visiting different habitats to find eggs, complete side quests, and uncover story elements. Monstie collection encourages revisiting areas as new abilities unlock paths or improve ecosystem interactions. The remaster adds quality-of-life features such as stable frame rates on Switch hardware and expanded language support. Progression ties directly to strengthening bonds with Monsties and refining combat tactics through repeated use of the attack triangle and gauge mechanics.
Is It Worth Playing?
Monster Hunter Stories suits players who enjoy turn-based monster collection games with strategic depth. The combat system offers meaningful choices through the attack types and Kinship mechanics, while the story provides a lighter entry point into the Monster Hunter setting. Reception highlights the charm of the presentation and the satisfying loop of building and customizing teams. The Nintendo Switch version delivers a complete package with modern enhancements, making it accessible for both newcomers to the series and fans seeking a different pace from action-oriented Monster Hunter titles. Those preferring fast-paced real-time combat may find the turn-based structure less engaging, but the game delivers a focused RPG experience centered on monster partnerships.