Monster Hunter Stories — Review (2026): Is It Worth Playing?
Monster Hunter Stories is a JRPG from Capcom, released in October 2016 on Nintendo 3DS, later in 2024 on modern platforms. A spin-off of the Monster Hunter series, where the player doesn't hunt monsters but tames them and battles in turn-based combat. The game combines Pokémon elements with the Monster Hunter world.
What is the game about
You are a Rider who raises monsters from eggs instead of killing them. Journey through the world, collect eggs, raise monsters, and battle with them in turn-based combat. Explore locations from the main series, meet familiar monsters, and uncover the mystery of the Black Dragon.
Gameplay
- Turn-based combat: choose attack, defense, or ability—a rock-paper-scissors system.
- Egg gathering: find monster nests and take eggs for raising.
- Monster customization: change genes and abilities of your pets.
- Co-op: battle other players in PvP.
Should you play it in 2026
Yes. Monster Hunter Stories is an excellent JRPG for series fans: cute, addictive, and doesn't require knowledge of the main games. If you loved Pokémon or JRPGs—try it.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cute style | Graphics inferior to other JRPGs |
| Addictive | Turn-based combat is simple |
| No series knowledge needed | Little content after the finale |
FAQ
Do I need to play main Monster Hunter games? No, Stories is standalone.
How many hours? 30–40 hours main story.
On modern platforms? Yes, a remaster came in 2024.