Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection director Kenji Oguro revealed in a GameSpark interview that early in development, the team was torn about whether to continue with turn-based combat or switch to action RPG mechanics because action games are popular and well-received these days. The developers ultimately decided to stick with the command-based JRPG format that defines the Stories series, concluding that trying to add action mechanics would only make the game pale in comparison to the mainline Monster Hunter titles. Oguro stated that people would just go, well in that case, aren’t the mainline games better, emphasizing that expressing Monster Hunter-like battles without adding action mechanics might be what defines the core identity of Stories. The game launches March 13, 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam.
Why Turn-Based Matters
The Stories series was launched to be a new pillar of the Monster Hunter franchise, distinct from the mainline action-focused games. A major reason for adopting a turn-based command RPG format was that Capcom wanted people who aren’t good at action games or who simply prefer RPGs to be able to enjoy Monster Hunter. This accessibility philosophy created a separate audience that overlaps with but doesn’t replace the mainline fanbase. The strengths of the Stories series lie in narrative storytelling and collecting and raising monsters, aspects the developers doubled down on for the latest entry rather than trying to compete with Monster Hunter Wilds on action mechanics.
Additionally, given how far the mainline Monster Hunter series has evolved with its action systems, Oguro thinks attempting to add similar mechanics to Stories would be a losing battle. Capcom’s action combat expertise is unmatched, and the main games have been perfecting those systems for over two decades. Creating a watered-down action version of Monster Hunter for Stories would satisfy neither RPG fans who want strategic combat nor action fans who prefer the depth and responsiveness of titles like Wilds. The turn-based format allows Stories to carve its own identity instead of becoming a lesser imitation.
What Defines Monster Hunter Combat Without Action
The battle system in Monster Hunter Stories 3 centers on a dynamic based on power, speed, and technique, leveraging monster characteristics that action game players already recognize. Oguro explains that victory comes from reading a monster’s quirks, a feature central to mainline Monster Hunter where learning attack patterns determines success. In Stories 3, the team established a battle vision centered on the fun of strategizing your approach, and the resulting chain of satisfying moments when successfully executing your plan.
Previous entries experimented with probabilistic variations in enemy behavior through rock-paper-scissors style mechanics and Head-to-Head encounters, but the satisfaction from winning those battles was lacking according to the developers. Monster Hunter Stories 2 revised the system to focus solely on reading monster behaviors, which received more favorable responses from players. Stories 3 continues refining this approach, creating turn-based battles that feel strategically similar to action combat without requiring reflexes or precise timing.
Field Gameplay Gets Action Influence
That’s not to say Monster Hunter Stories 3 won’t leverage Capcom’s prowess in action gameplay at all. Oguro made use of Capcom’s action expertise to execute a dramatic change to field gameplay, specifically making environments more interactive and adding mechanics that make simply traversing the field fun. The game features larger worlds to explore than previous Stories entries with increased verticality and more riding action. Players journey through monster-filled landscapes with smoother mount mechanics and environmental interactions designed to feel dynamic even without combat happening.
This hybrid approach makes sense: keep combat turn-based for accessibility and strategic depth while making exploration feel fluid and engaging like action games. Players who want reflexes-based gameplay can enjoy discovering the world and riding monsters, while those preferring thoughtful strategy get satisfying turn-based battles. The separation allows each aspect to excel at what it does best rather than creating mediocre hybrids that disappoint both audiences.
The RPG-First Philosophy
Monster Hunter series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto explained that a conscious decision was made to focus more on the RPG aspect for Stories 3. The previous two entries were developed with a mindset of making Monster Hunter into an RPG, whereas this time the team started by asking, what kind of RPG do we want to make. This resulted in the more RPG approach that prioritizes narrative, character development, and monster collection over trying to replicate mainline mechanics in turn-based format.
The story takes place more than 200 years after Monster Hunter Stories 2, meaning series mascot Navirou and other familiar characters won’t appear. This timeline jump allowed the role of riders to take a significant place in the Monster Hunter universe, letting the game delve deeper into rider society and lore. The narrative follows the sole Rathalos rider in the kingdom as they team up with Eleanor, princess of Vermeil who offered herself as hostage to Azuria to improve diplomatic relations amid threats from something called the Encroachment.
Why This Decision Matters
Capcom’s commitment to keeping Monster Hunter Stories turn-based despite industry trends toward action demonstrates confidence in their design philosophy and respect for their audience. Many publishers chase trends without understanding why specific gameplay styles resonate with particular communities. The Stories fanbase appreciates strategic, methodical combat where they can build teams of monsters and execute carefully planned strategies. Converting that to action would alienate existing fans while failing to attract mainline Monster Hunter players who already have superior action games to play.
The decision also preserves diversity in the Monster Hunter franchise. Having both action and turn-based entries allows Capcom to serve multiple audiences without forcing everyone into the same gameplay style. Players who love action hunting can enjoy Wilds, while those preferring narrative-driven JRPG experiences can choose Stories 3. This segmentation creates a healthier franchise ecosystem than trying to make one game that satisfies everyone and ultimately pleases no one.
FAQs
Is Monster Hunter Stories 3 turn-based or action?
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is turn-based. Director Kenji Oguro confirmed the team considered switching to action RPG mechanics early in development but decided to stick with command-based combat that defines the Stories series identity.
When does Monster Hunter Stories 3 release?
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection launches March 13, 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam.
Why didn’t Capcom make Stories 3 an action game?
Director Oguro explained that trying to add action to Stories would make it pale in comparison to mainline Monster Hunter games. He stated people would just ask why not play the main games instead, and that expressing Monster Hunter battles without action mechanics defines the core identity of Stories.
Will Navirou be in Monster Hunter Stories 3?
No. The game takes place more than 200 years after Monster Hunter Stories 2, so series mascot Navirou and other characters from previous entries won’t appear. The timeline jump allows deeper exploration of rider society in the Monster Hunter universe.
Is Monster Hunter Stories 3 connected to previous games?
Loosely. The game is set centuries after Stories 2, so it’s largely disconnected from previous entries’ events. You don’t need to play earlier games to understand Stories 3, though some references to past lore may appear.
What platforms is Monster Hunter Stories 3 on?
Monster Hunter Stories 3 launches on Nintendo Switch 2 (the only Switch version), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam. No PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or original Switch versions are planned.
What’s different about Stories 3 field gameplay?
Field exploration features more interactive environments, increased verticality, improved riding mechanics, and systems designed to make traversal fun. Director Oguro used Capcom’s action game expertise to make exploration feel dynamic even though combat remains turn-based.
Conclusion
Capcom’s decision to keep Monster Hunter Stories 3 turn-based despite early debates about switching to action RPG mechanics shows mature understanding of franchise identity and audience expectations. The developers correctly recognized that trying to compete with mainline Monster Hunter on action would create an inferior product that satisfies nobody. By doubling down on strategic turn-based combat, narrative depth, and monster collecting, Stories 3 can excel at what makes the subseries special rather than becoming a watered-down version of something else. The RPG-first philosophy and field gameplay improvements suggest Capcom found the right balance between respecting the Stories formula and introducing fresh elements. Whether this approach translates to commercial success when the game launches March 2026 remains to be seen, but creatively it’s the right choice. Not every game needs to be an action title just because that’s what’s trendy right now.