Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection arrives today, and the kingdom of Azuria (and beyond) awaits. True to Monster Hunter form, this land is as mysterious and challenging as it is beautiful, and so, we’ve put together some tips, tricks and light explainers to aid you on your first steps as Captain of the Rangers and your path to becoming a renowned Monstie wrangler. If you’d like to learn more about Stories 3’s setting before jumping in, head over to our preview here.

Onto the tips!

Get Good Eggs Early On

In Azuria, one of the first things you’ll notice while you’re roaming are Monstie dens, which contain eggs. At first, it won’t be immediately apparent which Monsties you’ll find in there, but taking a look at ones roaming in the world in that same area will give you a clue. This is Stories’ main method of discovering new Monsties – and finding more potent version of existing ones. Before cracking on with the main story, I always like to explore the map and duck into as many Dens as possible with the hopes of finding a new, powerful Monstie to switch into my main party, as it’ll make those upcoming fights much easier.

This also gives you headway with Stories 3’s Habitat Restoration system, which’ll grant access to other powerful eggs as you release more of a certain Monster in the area, raising its ecosystem rank. If there’s a Monster you really like, take the time to max its rank out to S to take full advantage of its additional buffs. You can even create a dual-element version by releasing them in an area with a different element – for example, Rathian is a fire Monstie, but releasing it into a habitat with a water element can also add said element to Rathian as well. Two elements on one Monstie means more variation in your party, and more ways to tackle a challenge.

If you’re just starting out, or you’ve just arrived in a new area, do your best to avoid getting into fights with bigger Monsters in the world – they won’t bother you unless you get too close, and you can outrun most with a quick sprint.

Know Your Rites

Stories 3 has made improvements to the series’ Rite of Channelling system, which allows you to transfer moves, skills and buffs (genes) from one Monstie to another. Unlike Stories 1+2, you won’t lose the Monstie after removing a gene, so feel free to mix and match until you find the build you like best. It also allows you to give Monsties different types of attack – Rathian is a speed-type Monster by default, but the Rite of Channelling lets you add Power and Tech moves to bolster its move set. In the game’s crucial rock-paper-scissors head-to-head combat turns, having access to a move that can beat your opponent will come in very handy.

Invasive Species are a Test of Brains, Not Brawn

One thing you’ll discover at night are invasive species – fierce, dangerous mutations of Monsters that have driven an endangered Monster from its own ecosystem. These creatures can’t be defeated using raw strength – making them retreat is a puzzle to test your knowledge of the mechanics, not your level (and you’ll save a lot of time knowing that!).

Before engaging with the Monster, you’ll need to pick up clues dotted around its environment to figure out how to repel it, and pay close attention to what your companions tell you about them, because you’ll only see them once (take notes!). Once you’ve engaged, the Monster will unleash attacks that can wipe you out in a single hit, and you’ll have several turns to figure out which move, action or item will make it back down. They’re a super fun addition that’ll push your knowledge to its limits, and a successful repel will reward you with a cool new Monster egg to hatch!

Don’t Be Afraid to Pick a Fight You Can’t Win

I know this contradicts what I just said about running away from Monsters while you’re on an egg hunt, but for the most part, getting into a brawl with a new Monster rarely results in a total loss. Monster Hunter games are a grind at their core, but they encourage you to learn how to win – and starting a fight can result in some necessary knowledge… as long as you’re prepared to be completely humbled first.

It’ll also help to take notes. Homework? In my video game? No, I’m so serious, there’s a lot of information to remember, especially if this is your first Monster Hunter or MH Stories adventure. It pays to keep a note of a certain Monster’s abilities, their strengths and weaknesses, its attack patterns, any particularly devastating moves they have, and when they’ll use it. What element are they weak to? You might learn that a Monster is vulnerable against fire, or extremely resistant to ice, or you can put it to sleep easily for some free damage. You may find out that it has a brutal tail attack that can wipe out your entire party, or an abnormally strong head – do you have a suitable weapon to deal damage to that part, and a Monstie that deals damage with that element?

In those more difficult battles, knowing those key details and when they happen could make all the difference between surviving or having to restart – having it noted down saved me countless restarts and journeys back to camp to switch up my Monsties.

ABF – Always Be Farming

All Monster Hunter games feature a crafting system that you can use to make all sorts of useful items – healing potions, consumables for elemental resistances, throwables, traps that can paralyze or tranquilize a Monster… a host of incredibly necessary tools to triumph in battle. All of these items need ingredients, and you’ll find most of them by exploring the map or inside Dens. Do yourself a favour and hoover up everything you pass – herbs, mushrooms, fruits, ores, bugs – you’ll probably need it all for crafting somewhere down the line.

Respect the Side Stories

Each area you visit in Stories 3 will also unlock new story missions for the Rangers, who also act as your battle companions throughout the game. Not only is each Ranger’s side story a look into their personalities and interests – they also grant new abilities for them to use in battle, making your team more powerful as you progress and push towards taking down those high-level Monsters. The same goes for optional missions that appear in the world – those can also grant access to super useful crafting recipes or items that’ll aid you in battle.

That about does it for our starting tips – but remember above all, knowledge is your ultimate power in Monster Hunter. Take the time to fully explore its beautiful open areas, discover its secrets during daytime and night-time, and ultimately discover your favourite ways to do battle. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection launches for Xbox Series X|S today – see you in Azuria!

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection

CAPCOM Co., Ltd.

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Pre-order Bonus
Layered Armor for Eleanor: Skyscale Queen
Set out on your journey with Eleanor in the striking aspect of a Skyscale Rathalos!

*You can use the Change Companion Outfits option to change your companions’ outfits.
*Layered armor is purely cosmetic.
*This bonus requires gameplay progression to be used.
*This bonus may be available by alternative means at a later date.

The third entry in the Monster Hunter Stories RPG series is here!
Twin Rathalos, born in a twist of fate.

Monster Hunter Stories is an RPG series set in the Monster Hunter world, where you can become a Rider, raising and bonding with your favorite monsters.

The Story
Azuria and Vermeil: two countries, on a path to destruction.
When all hope seems lost, an egg is found. Inside is a Rathalos, a species thought to be extinct.

But this quavering light of hope is quickly extinguished, giving way to the darkness of despair.

Born from the egg is not a single Rathalos, but twins, bearing the Skyscale marking that hearkens back to the disastrous civil war of 200 years prior.

The natural world teeters on the verge of destruction, with countless monster species facing extinction. In the shadow of these dark times, the flames of war rekindle.

Two countries, and two Rathalos.

A Rider and their trusted Rathalos, buffeted by the winds of fate, set out on a journey for the truth.

*There are other bundles that include this product. Please be careful of duplicate purchases.

Agreement to the End User License Agreement is required to play this title. (https://manual.capcom.com/eula/game/)

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MONSTER HUNTER STORIES is a trademark and/or registered trademark of CAPCOM CO., LTD. and/or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.