The sun had apparently set on the world of Monster Hunter Stories 3 when Capcom dropped this news: This would only reach consumers in 2026. The very least that can be said is that the announcement brought a lot of cheer to gamers worldwide. The announcement tweet with a fantastic cinematic trailer has teased the players with a very good offer—the chance to walk into an expansive world with their dear monsties; I mean, who wouldn’t want to go riding a Rathalos into battle like some sort of fantasy cowboy?
The tweet itself is pretty plainly-stated but did so much for the hype: “It’s a big world out there, explore it with your monsties by your side in 2026.” This sentiment just fills you to the brim with hype. But the real deal-breaker was the tsunami of responses. The gamers poured in ideas: from wishlists to memes, and they really spoke about the deep affection felt toward this spin-off series.
Sky expressed much hope on apex monsters Rey Dau and Valstrax, saying that Valstrax was “robbed” in the first game’s console/PC port, while ZartanLucifer demanded a mini Fatalis and White Fatalis as monsties in an epic caps-lock plea. You really can’t blame them: Who wouldn’t want to ride around on a miniature elder dragon?
Then came the platform wars: “Xbox people like meyerpark were quick to ask—no, to beg—for the entire Stories trilogy on Xbox, calling the current Monster Hunter experience on the platform ‘incomplete.'” Others just wanted some straight-up confirmation: “On PC on release as well?” Fair question, with all the staggered launches these days.
And these were the creatives taking the show: TrueKrillos wanted exclusives for Stories-original monsties, suggesting even a playable incarnation of Versa Pietru, the terribly sad final boss from the first game. And we can’t forget JimothyEX basically declaring eternal love for Legiana with a heart emoji. Mood.
Of course, with hype comes humor. Neaok11 started suggesting “How to Train Your Rathalos,” which is… pretty accurate. Meanwhile, Dudeoro went chaotic-energy mode and screamed “BOOOOOO RATHALOS!” right before conceding that the game indeed looks pretty cool. Classic gamer moment.
Now the deep-cut requests! HiPlayerProdigy questioned if devs had addressed the need for “HM Slaves” (monsters of utility just meant to clear obstacles), whereas jujifruits flat out begged, “PLEASE let Espinas be in it.” That passion, though.
In those two years of hype maintenance, the speculations are bound to reach bigger levels. Are more elder dragons coming to strut and be ridden? Will Capcom come through for Xbox and bless it with a proper Stories experience? And, perhaps most importantly, will the game have a demo at TGS? Time will be the bigger test, but 2026 eagerly awaits.
So yeah, Monster Hunter Stories 3 is truly happening and the fandom is already vibrating at maximum hype levels. Whether you’re here for the monsters, the story, or just the sheer joy of naming your monstie something ridiculous (looking at you, Sir Velvet), this is one ride you won’t wanna miss. Now if you’ll excuse me, I gotta go replay Stories 2 to cope with the wait.
