Monster Hunter Stories for iPhone

Game snapshot

Monster Hunter Stories is a turn-based role-playing spinoff from Capcom’s Monster Hunter lineup. Originally launched in 2016, this remastered edition updates the mobile experience with refreshed visuals, added gameplay features, and full English and Japanese localization. Instead of tracking and slaying monsters, you raise them, form bonds, and send them into JRPG-style, turn-based fights alongside you.

Narrative and progression

You play as a rider — a member of a community that lives alongside monsters rather than hunting them. Riders use a mysterious artifact called Kinship Stones to form and strengthen relationships with the creatures. Your adventure involves exploring forests, caves, and other environments to locate monster dens and collect eggs. Bring those eggs home, hatch them, and raise the monsters in your village; once matured, they’ll fight at your side.

A key progression mechanic is the Transmission Ceremony, where Bond Genes are transferred to reveal and enhance a monster’s abilities. These gene transfers let you shape each companion’s stats and skills to match your preferred playstyle.

Battle system explained

Combat is turn-based and involves coordinated actions between you and your monster companion. Each participant uses one of three attack categories, which interact in a cyclical advantage system:

• Technique — beats Speed
• Power — beats Technique
• Speed — beats Power

You’ll also outfit yourself with traditional Monster Hunter weapon classes, which influence how you fight. Examples include:

• Sword & Shield
• Hunting Horn
• Great Sword
• Hammer

Using Bond Genes and the Transmission Ceremony helps you understand a monster’s capabilities so you can make tactical choices during encounters.

What’s new in the remaster

This edition bundles the original game’s updates and adds several notable features:

• Rajang, Kushala Daora, and Teostra are included among the extra monsters.
• Post-game activities such as the Tower of Illusion and themed costume items have been restored.
• A Museum Mode is available, housing more than 200 previously unreleased concept pieces and assets, along with developer commentaries on select entries.
• The soundtrack library has been expanded so you can listen to both in-game tracks and additional compositions.
• New English and Japanese voice recordings enhance immersion across the full localization.

Final thoughts and alternative

Monster Hunter Stories offers a family-friendly, thoughtful spin on the franchise that emphasizes companionship and strategy rather than hunting. The remaster’s visual upgrades, museum content, and added audio make it appealing to newcomers and series veterans alike.

If you want a different style of Monster Hunter experience on mobile, consider Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (iOS, paid) as an alternate choice.