Experience the Bond of a Lifetime in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin

Step into the shoes of a young Rider in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, an enchanting adventure RPG that expands upon the beloved foundation of its predecessor. Unlike the intense, action-oriented gameplay of the mainline series, this title offers a strategic, turn-based experience where the goal isn't just to hunt monsters, but to hatch, raise, and live alongside them. Set in a vibrant world brimming with wonder, players embark on a journey to uncover ancient mysteries and forge unbreakable connections with creatures known as Monsties.

A Tale of Prophecy and Connection

The story begins during a festival on Hakolo Island, where an ominous event triggers the sudden disappearance of Rathalos across the globe. As the grandchild of the legendary Rider Red, you find yourself thrust into a pivotal role when you meet Ena, a Wyverian girl entrusted with a mysterious egg by the revered Guardian Ratha. This egg contains a flightless Rathalos prophesied to bring about the "Wings of Ruin"—a force capable of destroying the world.

As you travel through diverse landscapes, you must navigate the lingering tensions between Hunters and Riders while investigating strange environmental abnormalities, such as mysterious red pits of light that cause monsters to act erratically. While the narrative carries a more mature and somber tone than the original game—grappling with themes of loss and the balance of the ecosystem—it remains balanced by moments of whimsy and the comedic presence of Navirou, the bombastic Felyne companion.

Gameplay Mechanics: Hatching and Battling

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin features deep, methodical gameplay centered around collection and strategy. The core loop involves exploring massive, open zones to find Monster Dens, where you can discover eggs to hatch into your personal party of Monsties.

  • Monstie Collection: Explore the world to find a diverse range of monsters, including fan favorites like Brachydios, Nargacuga, Tigrex, and Zinogre.
  • Strategic Turn-Based Combat: Utilize methodic battle systems that reward careful planning and understanding of monster types and abilities.
  • The Royal Monster System: Face off against incredibly powerful "Royal Monsters" that prowl the fields. These elite enemies require significant preparation, as a direct assault without a plan can lead to an immediate defeat.
  • Egg Hunting: Scour the environment for rare dens that offer elusive eggs and hard-to-find genes to strengthen your team.

Who is This Game For?

This title is a perfect match for players who enjoy character-driven storytelling and the "collection" aspect of RPGs. If you prefer the strategic depth of turn-based combat over high-reflex action, or if you find joy in the "power of friendship" tropes found in classic adventure tales, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin offers a deeply engaging and emotionally resonant experience. It is an ideal entry point for those new to the Monster Hunter universe who want a more accessible, whimsical, and heartfelt way to explore this legendary world.

Game Overview

  • Genre: Adventure, RPG
  • Developer: Capcom
  • Release Date: July 8, 2021
  • Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
  • Metacritic Score: 82.00