Capcom has conjured up a new method to tear down almost every expectation about what the next entry could be, and the fans cannot help but wonder. Releasing in 2026 or spewing words about what could be an amazing year if seen as one, it promises a voice for the protagonist, a deep and grubby-world narrative, a large world, and enhanced turn-based battles. Did you get it? We are talking about 2026 as if it were an amazing year.
The first topic: voiced protagonist. That alone is a massive change to the series, which traditionally has allowed players to place themselves in silent heroes. Some fans are understandably excited, whereas those who disagree… Well, one player, @RooT_778, laughed while saying, “Voiced protagonist xD,” and @Cootikus hopes this means less of Navi from the prior title. Change is good, I suppose?
Now we talk about morally gray storytelling. @cardabiolurker couldn’t hold back from the meme: “GREY MORALITY? IN MY MONSTER HUNTER?” And honestly, same. What the series has mostly been about until now is hunting monsters and bonding with them (shoutout to @LandonKjb for pleading for more pet mechanics), but now we dive into darker, messier territory. Do choices really matter? Do we have to make decisions later that haunt us? Hopefully.
The system of battle, however, gets a makeover. If you have played Monster Hunter Stories 2, you know these turn-based battles already rocked the boat, but Capcom isn’t letting this sit. More tweaking from Capcom, according to reactions, players are waiting for it. @HollowPeanut05, who called Stories 2 “amazing,” is looking forward to the improvements and really wants Valstrax as a monstie as well.
Of course, we cannot have a Monster Hunter game without Rathalos, and this time, with a brand new redesign, he is back. @Rukia_Shikon called it “SICK,” and it does appear to be a new variant. Though @BrettBreakerZ joked, “Could have at least made our new ‘Rathas’ Silver and Azure to switch it up.” Fair point, Brett. Variety is the spice of life after all.
That said, one huge strange thing to mention is its release date: 2026. That is… a while away. Some, like @ZevZero, are counting down the seconds to Day One, others like @HiPlayerProdigy wait with trepidation, having been burned by Wilds. Then there’s @TensaGotGame literally saying, “Skip don’t care for mor ratha.” Ouch. Harsh but honest.
Physical vs. digital is still another conversation that occurs. @Harvester0X prefers a “complete game card and not a key card” since they have Stories 1 & 2. On the other hand, @HyperComboFinsh simply wants to know if it’s on a cartridge. Valid questions, collector-wise.
Speaking of the platforms, @TheWhiteJackaL inquired about a possible PS5 release, and it isn’t all that insane to ask now that Stories 1 & 2 have come to PlayStation. For the moment, though, Capcom is staying mum.
The hype is very legit; however, the questions equally arise. Is Cheval gonna be there? (@qtx_pv will “tweak” if no.) Are there going to be Frontier monsters? (@eoTacola begs!) And, most importantly, are we finally gonna pet our monsties more? (@LandonKjb, we hear you.)
One thing is for sure: I mean it, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is going to be a ridiculous jump forward for the franchise. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a new player, 2026 cannot get here soon enough. Now, if you don’t mind, we’re gonna be over here replaying the trailer while praying for Valstrax.
