Capcom has revealed a brand new free update coming Monster Hunter Stories 3 summer 2026, adding a new level of Monster for players to challenge. The spin-off of the popular action RPG series takes the series in a markedly different direction, swapping out the tense action of the main games for a turn-based system. Monster Hunter Stories 3 tasks players with befriending a variety of Monsties, based on some of the most popular creatures from the main series games. Now, the third entry in the spin-off series has already had significant success.
Monster Hunter Stories 3 was officially released on March 13 and the game has already received a positive reception from fans. The third item in Monster Hunter Stories spin-off has seen early praise for the depth of its JRPG progression systems, which has focused on raising and hatching stronger Monsties. Stories 3s combat also borrows several elements from the original series, allowing players to target different body parts in combat to weaken a monster's offensive capabilities. Just a couple of weeks after the game's release, Capcom has now confirmed that a free update is on the way Monster Hunter Stories 3.
Monster Hunter Stories 3 Trophy and Achievement Guide
Showcase your talents as Captain of the Rangers by unlocking all achievements in Monster Hunter Stories 3.
Monster Hunter Stories 3 adds royal monsters
A new developer update video for Monster Hunter Stories 3 officially revealed a free update coming to the game. Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto confirmed it Stories 3 will add a whole new level of monsters to the game within the free update, welcoming the debut of the powerful Royal variants. Royal Monsters will only appear in the overworld for riders who have reached level 90, suggesting that players will need to use their strongest Monsties to defeat the challenging enemies. Tsujimoto did not reveal a specific release date for Monster Hunter Stories 3 update, only stating that it will be released in the summer.
The free update wasn't the only new content teased Monster Hunter Stories 3 in the video. Tsujimoto offered fans an update on the in-development Additional Side Story: Rudy DLC, indicating that production on the paid expansion is progressing well. The producer even suggested that Capcom may consider releasing the DLC before the initially planned release date of fall 2026. The DLC will center around the Palico character Rudy, a member of a family of Azurian Royal Palicoes who have served for generations. Tsujimoto confirmed that Capcom will share more information about the DLC closer to its release.
The combination of Monster Hunter Stories 3s free update and paid DLC will add even more content to an already expansive game. Stories 3 has more than 40 hours of story content for players to experience, with a 100% playthrough likely taking most players more than 100 hours. The game also has plenty of powerful secret bosses for players to take on, including several Calamitous Elder Dragons scattered throughout Monster Hunter Stories 3s four regions. Players can also try to discover the many different monster mutations found through the Habitat restoration system.
Monster Hunter Stories 3 has set himself up for success early and wants to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors. Stories 3 was the second best-selling game in Japan during its launch week, trailing only the hugely successful Pokemon Pokopia. Its predecessor, Monster Hunter Stories 2needed just two weeks to sell more than a million copies after its 2021 debut, and later received re-releases on PlayStation 4 in June 2024 and Xbox One in November 2025. Monster Hunter Stories 3 looks to be an excellent return to the RPG spin-off, with a lot to offer fans of the series.
- Released
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March 13, 2026
- ESRB
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Teen/Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, In-Game Purchases
