Riders, rejoice- Monster Hunter Tales and Monster Hunter Tales 2: Wings of Damage – the primary two entries within the turn-based, story-rich Monster Hunter Tales sequence, can be found November 14 on Xbox Sequence X|S!
When you’ve traditionally discovered mainline Monster Hunter video games just a little intimidating (as I’ve) however have all the time been interested in its vibrant, whimsical world, the Tales video games function a unbelievable entry level to the sequence. When you’re a seasoned hunter, you’ll nonetheless discover a lot to like in these two expansive RPG adventures. As a substitute of a Hunter, you’re a Monster Rider, capable of befriend, bond and combat alongside monster companions referred to as Monsties.
The Tales video games forgo Monster Hunter’s conventional fast-paced, high-skill fight for a extra forgiving turn-based battle system, which rewards strategic considering and cautious preparation. This method was well-received inside the Monster Hunter group, and its influence has helped form a 3rd instalment, additionally heading to Xbox subsequent 12 months.
Exterior of fight, an unlimited world awaits, brimming with monsters to battle, secrets and techniques to uncover, and – most significantly – monster eggs that you simply’ll have the ability to hatch and lift your self. It’s a very fantastic spin on the Monster Hunter setting that reveals off your whole favourite monsters in a delightfully totally different means, whereas retaining the allure, intrigue and motion of mainline entries like Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Wilds.
To study extra about how the Monster Hunter Tales got here to be, and the way its historical past is influencing its future, I had the chance to talk with members of the Capcom growth staff in regards to the sequence. We additionally thought it’d be an excellent catch-up for followers forward of the launch of Monster Hunter Tales 3: Twisted Reflection, coming to Xbox Sequence X|S on March 13, 2026.
A Monster Hunter for Everybody
As the unique Monster Hunter Tales approaches its tenth anniversary, the staff displays on how the 2 video games (quickly to turn into three) have helped form different entries, and the franchise as an entire. One of many biggest discoveries was how approachable Tales made the world of Monster Hunter, typically thought-about robust to get began with, and even harder to grasp.
“The Monster Hunter Tales sequence is accessible even for individuals who aren’t good at motion video games, and due to this, it may be loved by a variety of ages, so some gamers begin with the Tales sequence as an introduction earlier than shifting on to the action-focused Monster Hunter sequence,” Government Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto tells us.
The Monster Hunter sequence is famend for its high-skill, real-time fight, and it’s a system that many generations of hunters have come to contemplate the very coronary heart of the video games. The choice to offer Tales a turn-based system felt like a giant change, however one which was essential to enchantment to a special set of gamers, and one that offers Monster Hunter lovers another approach to interact with the world they love.
“[Monster Hunter] Tales is a sequence we purpose to domesticate as a brand new pillar, distinct from the action-focused Monster Hunter video games,” says Kenji Oguro, Director of the Monster Hunter Tales sequence. “We wish gamers who aren’t snug with motion video games or who get pleasure from RPGs to play it.
“Some Monster Hunter gamers benefit from the world and monsters, even when they aren’t nice at motion gameplay. When beginning the primary [Stories] recreation, I used to be amazed at how well-known and memorable the monster names had been amongst followers. In increasing the Monster Hunter model, we decided RPGs had been the optimum format to construct on the world, story, and monsters.
“The mainline sequence will proceed to refine its action-focused gameplay, however Tales is positioned to emphasise the enjoyment of storytelling and assortment, so we adopted the turn-based command battle system acquainted to JRPGs.”
Whereas creating that first Monster Hunter Tales title, launched in 2016, the staff understood the recognition and enchantment of motion RPGs on the time, but it surely remained essential that even essentially the most alluring genres may seize what Oguro calls “the essence of Monster Hunter”.
“We aimed to specific the core motion component of ‘studying monster actions and positioning your self’ by way of a rock-paper-scissors dynamic,” Oguro provides. “By giving every monster distinct quirks, gamers can learn and memorize them to realize a bonus in battle. This flavorful method expresses the Monster Hunter essence.”
However the bigger problem remained – how do you make this turn-based fight type compelling to gamers which can be used to the sequence’ trademark high-action fight?
“The battle system facilities on a dynamic primarily based on energy, pace, and method, leveraging monster traits,” Oguro explains. “We imagine Monster Hunter motion recreation gamers additionally acknowledge the function the place victory comes from studying a monster’s quirks. In [Monster Hunter Stories 3], we established a battle imaginative and prescient centered on the enjoyable of strategizing your method, and the ensuing ‘chain’ of satisfying moments when efficiently executing your plan.”
A concrete instance of this: executing a plan to interrupt a Monster’s physique half and purpose for a knockdown makes it simpler to set off Monster Hunter Tales 3’s new Synchro Rush system—a simultaneous assault—after securing the knockdown. This could result in a Journey On, adopted by a Kinship Assault to ship the ending blow, culminating in highly effective, dramatic strikes throughout the battle’s climax.
“Thus, on this installment, the enjoyable lies in considering, ‘I understand how to win. Now, how do I win successfully?’ and the place the exhilaration and sense of accomplishment when all of it comes collectively are amplified.” Oguro provides.
What To Count on in Monster Hunter Tales 3
Whereas Monster Hunter Tales 3 is constructing upon the design selections made within the earlier entries, it’s just a little totally different in a number of areas too. One of the noticeable evolutions is in its artwork type – nonetheless animated, however with a extra mature edge. It was a aware evolution for the staff. At first of growth, Tsujimoto-san’s preliminary idea was to make Monster Hunter Tales 3 extra like an RPG, whereas the earlier two titles had been merely incorporating Monster Hunter components into an RPG framework.
“This title goals to face by itself as an RPG,” Oguro provides. “We envisioned the RPG we wished to create and expressed it inside the Monster Hunter world. The graphics and story really feel extra mature, together with the battle system enhanced with larger strategic depth, and each had been born from this guideline.”
Considered one of my private favourite issues about Monster Hunter Tales is the quirky, typically dry humorousness within the dialogue. With a extra severe edge, I used to be curious to seek out out if Monster Hunter Tales 3 will proceed its streak of weirdness, and delighted to find that whereas the dialogue has matured alongside the sport’s narrative and visuals, it’ll retain a delicate humor (as all Monster Hunter video games do).
“In comparison with the earlier two titles, the general tone has positively turn into extra severe,” Oguro says. “Nevertheless, if it had been severe all through, it will really feel heavy and exhausting, so having little breaks and getting that stability good is extremely essential.
“In earlier entries, Navirou, your Palico companion, dealt with that comedic dialogue. Beginning this installment, contemplating the protagonist now speaks, Royal Felyne Rudy is a brand new character that serves because the protagonist’s Palico companion, shifting the tone from outright gags to delicate humor. Moreover, every Ranger companion has a definite character, so it is best to discover the conversations with them entertaining too.”
When you’re less than pace on the narrative of Monster Hunter Tales 1+2, otherwise you’re too excited to leap into Monster Hunter Tales 3 when it launches, then you definitely’re in luck. You don’t want any prior information of the primary two video games with a purpose to benefit from the subsequent installment.
Monster Hunter Tales 3 takes place roughly 200 years after the earlier recreation’s timeline, that includes a very new story and forged of characters, so you can begin taking part in instantly (however we do deeply advocate that you simply do decide the primary two video games up, as they’re completely fantastic, and there can be small nods to these video games in Tales 3).
Xbox gamers can seize the primary two Monster Hunter Tales video games within the sequence at a bundled low cost with the Monster Hunter Tales Assortment, or buy every recreation individually. These adventures function the proper heat up forward of the launch of the latest entry within the sequence, Monster Hunter Tales 3: Twisted Reflection, coming to Xbox Sequence X|S on March 13, 2026 – accessible now for preorder.
Monster Hunter Tales Assortment
CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Restricted Bonus
Monster Hunter Tales
– Buy early to get Navirou’s “King” and “Queen” Outfits.
Monster Hunter Tales 2: Wings of Damage
– Buy early to get Ena’s “Kamura Maiden Outfit.”
*Bonus content material is accessible to prospects who pre-order the sport by 23:59 on 11.13.2025.
*This content material could also be made accessible individually at a later date.
*Outfits for Ena and Navirou are purely beauty and solely change the characters’ look.
Each Monster Hunter Tales video games included in a single assortment!
Monster Hunter Tales is an RPG sequence that takes the world of Monster Hunter and expands upon it in new and thrilling methods! Not are you looking monsters, however elevating them! That includes heroes generally known as Monster Riders, you’ll reside alongside monsters and kind lifelong bonds with them.
Contents:
– Monster Hunter Tales
– Monster Hunter Tales 2: Wings of Damage (Commonplace Version)
Recreation Introduction:
The primary recreation tells the story of a Rider who confronts a calamity generally known as the Black Blight that has overtaken the world, all whereas studying to reside along with Hunters. The second recreation is ready 4 years later, when a brand new hero unravels the epic story surrounding a legendary Rathalos, one foretold to deliver break to the world.
Recreation Options:
■ A turn-based RPG set on the earth of Monster Hunter! Monster Hunter Tales includes a strategic battle system which is straightforward to get the hold of, even for individuals who battle with motion video games. Use Energy, Pace, and Technical assaults to guess and overcome your opponent’s assault patterns to inflict heavy injury and win head-to-head battles! Construct up your Kinship Gauge to make use of expertise or strive your Monsties’ distinctive Kinship Abilities!
■ Flip fashionable monsters from the sequence into your Monsties! Discover the sector utilizing Monstie skills, hatch eggs that you simply discover alongside the way in which, and switch numerous monsters into Monsties! This recreation options many fashionable monsters from the Monster Hunter sequence, together with Zinogre, Nargacuga, and Lagiacrus. Additionally featured is the Ceremony of Channeling, a ritual that awakens dormant skills in your Monsties, permitting you to lift unique Monsties and tackle highly effective enemies!
■ On-line options that help you create a robust celebration with the Monsties you will have raised and revel in battles with different gamers!
*The gadgets on this set may be bought individually. Please watch out to not buy the identical merchandise twice.
Monster Hunter Tales 3: Twisted Reflection
CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
The third entry within the Monster Hunter Tales RPG sequence is right here!
Twin Rathalos, born in a coincidence.
Monster Hunter Tales is an RPG sequence set within the Monster Hunter world, the place you may turn into a Rider, elevating and bonding along with your favourite monsters.
The Story
Azuria and Vermeil: two international locations, on a path to destruction.
When all hope appears misplaced, an egg is discovered. Inside is a Rathalos, a species considered extinct.
However this quavering gentle of hope is rapidly extinguished, giving approach to the darkness of despair.
Born from the egg will not be a single Rathalos, however twins, bearing the Skyscale marking that hearkens again to the disastrous civil conflict of 200 years prior.
The pure world teeters on the verge of destruction, with numerous monster species going through extinction. Within the shadow of those darkish occasions, the flames of conflict rekindle.
Two international locations, and two Rathalos.
A Rider and their trusted Rathalos, buffeted by the winds of destiny, set out on a journey for the reality.
*There are different bundles that embody this product. Please watch out of duplicate purchases.
Settlement to the Finish Person License Settlement is required to play this title. (https://guide.capcom.com/eula/recreation/)
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MONSTER HUNTER STORIES is a trademark and/or registered trademark of CAPCOM CO., LTD. and/or its subsidiaries within the U.S. and/or different international locations.
