Capcom has announced that Monster Hunter Stories will launch on June 14, 2024. A remaster of the original Nintendo 3DS Monster Hunter series spin-off, it will be released on Nintendo Switch, PS4 and PC via Steam.
Monster Hunter Stories changes up quite a few things from the traditional Monster Hunter series, most notably the combat which goes from an action-RPG to a turn-based RPG. Instead of playing as a Hunter, players take on the role of a Rider. And instead of simply hunting monsters, they befriend them by stealing eggs and hatching them. These monsters will battle alongside the player, executing special kinship techniques. Players are also able to customize their monsters' appearance and abilities.
The upcoming remaster includes full Japanese and English voiceovers, seven new subtitle languages, a new Museum Mode that spans over 200 pieces of concept art, background music, and developer sketches, and title updates that were previously only available in Japan. Additionally, as the game is now playable on more powerful hardware, players will notice more impressive visuals that have been enhanced with refined modeling, textures, and lighting in high definition.
It was also announced that Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin will be launching for PlayStation 4 on the same day. Wings of Ruin is the second entry in the turn-based RPG series.
Set in the expansive and dynamic world of Monster Hunter, players follow the footsteps of their grandfather Red, a legendary Rider, and ride Monsties with Ena, a Wyverian girl who has been entrusted with an egg with the potential to hatch into a Rathalos. This legendary monster holds immense power capable of wreaking havoc if its destructive abilities are unleashed. It’s up to players to test the bonds of friendship with Monsties and discover the hidden truths behind ancient legends.
Wings of Ruin was released for PC and Nintendo Switch in 2021. While a port to PlayStation isn't terribly unexpected, it's a bit odd that it's only coming to PS4.
Players will still be able to play it on PS5, but it will be through the system's backwards compatibility, and won't natively take advantage of the PS5's improved hardware.
Pre-orders for Monster Hunter Stories will get you special Navirou’s King and Queen outfits. Ena’s Kamura Maiden outfit will be given for pre-ordering Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin with additional bonuses given for connecting it to a Monster Hunter Rise save.