During today’s Nintendo Direct, Capcom surprised fans with the announcement of Monster Hunter Stories™ 3: Twisted Reflection, the next entry in the story-driven Monster Hunter spin-off series. Scheduled for release in 2026, the game will launch on Nintendo Switch™ 2, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Set in a beautifully devastated world, Twisted Reflection unfolds a gripping tale of two nations—Azuria and Vermeil—on the brink of collapse. Their lands are being consumed by a mysterious crystal encroachment, threatening ecosystems and monster life alike. Amid the chaos, hope emerges in the form of a long-lost monster. From a single mysterious egg, not one, but two Rathalos hatch—an omen tied to a 200-year-old civil war that nearly destroyed both kingdoms.
In the game, players step into the role of Azuria’s heir, a character gifted with a rare bond to monsters and destined to lead the elite Ranger unit. As the last known Rathalos Rider, the protagonist is tasked with protecting monsters, studying strange egg phenomena called “egg quartz,” and confronting an environmental collapse with unknown origins. When a catastrophic event shakes the kingdom, the hero embarks on a journey to the forbidden lands beyond the northern Meridian.
Joining the protagonist is Eleanor, the princess of Vermeil, who bravely offers herself as a political hostage to ease tensions between the two warring realms. Accompanied by her loyal Monstie, Anjanath, Eleanor becomes a vital ally. As the two heroes travel together, they uncover hidden truths about the Queen of Vermeil and the legacy of destruction tied to the twin Rathalos.
With war brewing and extinction looming, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection promises a rich narrative, vibrant new regions, and deeply emotional stakes. This latest installment builds upon the beloved mechanics of its predecessors while pushing the series into darker, more mature storytelling territory.
Adventure, mystery, and destiny collide in 2026—Monster Hunter Stories 3 is ready to ride into legend.
