The Monster Hunter: Stories feature from this week’s Famitsu. Lots of new info here.

You play as a Monster Rider, different from hunters in that they live far away from civilization, co-existing with the creatures. You play as a brand new Rider in Monster Hunter: Stories.

You have two close friends:

Lillia: A bright, active young girl who is often found dragging the protagonist around. She’s the quickest to move into action.



Shuval (bad at romanizing things): He’s the serious type, but he has a kind heart. He’s also aiming to be a Rider like the protagonist.



The story starts small, with the three kids just pretending to go monster egg hunting. Things take a crazy turn however when a wyvern emerges from an egg. This bizarre meeting goes on to change their fates in unpredictable ways.

Hakuma Village: A small village far removed from the world of hunters. The protagonist, and the rest of the Riders, live there. Both human and Otomon alike live there, surrounded by vast greenery and running water. It’s located far above the ground. The village is so disconnected from the world of hunters that it survives entirely on its own.

After leaving the village and venturing into the outside world for the first time, the protagonist comes to meet many different individuals who go on to have a huge impact on his/her life.

Ayuria: A beautiful sleeping girl protected by a Barioth. In the screenshot, there appears to be a shining blue stone on her chest… what could it be?



Rivelt (bad at romanizing things): A man who lives his life as a Monster Hunter. He takes an interest in the protagonist.



Famitsu also introduces Girudekaran, a huge city on the coast. Amidst the many stores in the shopping area is the Hunter’s Guild. Just how our protagonist, a Rider, responds to this city built atop the Hunter’s Guild, is a big party of the narrative. Can the hunters truly ever see eye to eye with those who wish to live alongside the Otomon?

The city has a bunch of useful features

Weapon shops



Item shops



Quest Board



My-house



Humans aren’t the only inhabitants of Girudekaran: Airu live there as well. Like their human counterparts, they also work various jobs and live their normal lives. Famitsu then introduces a handful of specific Airu. A cat who will take you to various different locations, a mail cat, a mysterious little guy with a green hat, and a strange cat carrying an egg around.

Famitsu then introduces six different monsters who will be making an appearance in Monster Hunter Stories:

Rathian



Tigrex



Lagombi



Diablos



Arzuros



Khezu (ew)



Kizuna Moves are the key to beating foes in battle. In battle, if you get your Kizuna Gauge to fill up to the top, you can ride your Otomon. By riding your pal, you unlock Kizuna Moves. These vary depending on the otomon, but they’re universally super strong. Famitsu introduces two specific moves.

Rathian: Sky High Fall. Rathian flies high into the air, blowing fire down towards the enemy as it crashes down on it. It does damage to a wide area.

Diablos: Blos Cyclone. Diablos digs underneath the enemy and attacks from beneath, tossing them high into the sky.