Capcom has shared new details about Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection through a trailer showcased during the December 2025 Monster Hunter Showcase. The presentation focused on the game’s endangered species system, invasive monsters, and monster raising features.

In Monster Hunter Stories 3, players take on the role of a Rangers captain. One of the Rangers’ main responsibilities is finding and protecting endangered species’ eggs to help restore the natural environment. The Crystal Encroachment is damaging the ecosystem, and invasive monsters are causing problems across different territories. Rathalos is among the species facing endangerment.

Invasive monsters are powerful creatures that can push other monsters out of their territories. Dens located in areas controlled by invasive monsters may contain eggs from endangered species.

Raising Monsters and Habitat Restoration

The game introduces a gameplay cycle centered on protecting monsters and maintaining their ecosystems. After hatching a monster, players can release it back into the wild through a process called Habitat Restoration. This allows the species to rebuild its population in that area.

Once a monster population has been restored through this method, eggs from that species become available to hatch as Monstie partners. Habitat Restoration works with both endangered species and other monsters.

Hatching and releasing monsters affects an area’s Ecosystem Rank. When the Ecosystem Rank increases in a region, eggs become easier to find. Monsties hatched in areas with higher Ecosystem Ranks can be born with special skills or genes. Some monsters can only be obtained by raising the Ecosystem Rank through Habitat Restoration.

Areas with high Ecosystem Ranks may produce Dual-Element monsters. These creatures gain elemental properties from the area where their egg is found. For example, a monster that is normally thunder element could be influenced by a fire-element area, resulting in a Monstie with fire skills and fire-themed appearance changes. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection launches March 13, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC via Steam.