Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is officially out today on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and PC via Steam. Capcom’s creature-collecting RPG series has been quietly building a dedicated following alongside the mainline Monster Hunter games, and based on early reviews, the third entry might be the best one yet. When preorders opened back in October, I mentioned that I was planning to check this one out, and the reception so far is making that decision a lot easier.
Set two centuries after the Rift War, the story follows the prince or princess of Azuria, who also serves as captain of the Ranger Squad. The kingdoms of Azuria and Vermeil stand divided, and when twin Rathalos unexpectedly hatch from a single egg, it sets off a chain of events involving forbidden lands, a mysterious Crystal Encroachment threatening ecosystems across the continent, and the looming threat of war. Players are joined by a cast of companions, including vice-captain Gaul, monster expert Ogden, and Eleanor, princess of Vermeil.
Combat in Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is turn-based and built around a rock-paper-scissors system using Power, Speed, and Technical attack types. The new Synchro Rush mechanic lets the full party coordinate for a massive combined attack, similar to Persona games. Outside of battle, the Habitat Restoration system lets players release monsters into the wild to protect endangered species and influence an area’s ecosystem rank, which in turn affects what eggs are available and what traits monsters can have. Exploration is handled through Riding Actions, with players climbing, gliding, and flying on the backs of their Monsties to reach new areas.
There’s free day one DLC that includes a Gold Circlet accessory and Simon’s Wind Wyvern’s Friend layered armor. Players who tried the demo can also transfer their save data to the full game, and those with Monster Hunter Wilds save data can unlock the Hope Armor layered armor. The Standard Edition is $69.99, the Deluxe Edition runs $89.99 and includes the Deluxe Kit with an additional side story called Rudy’s Tale (coming fall 2026) and a Special Outfit Set, and the Premium Deluxe Edition is $99.99 with extra cosmetic DLC on top.
It’s been a packed few weeks for games, with Resident Evil Requiem, Slay the Spire 2, Pokémon Pokopia, and now Twisted Reflection all competing for attention, and Crimson Desert is right around the corner next week. It’s a good thing Saros delayed its release, because there’s barely enough time to squeeze everything in as it is.
