For anyone wondering if Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is worth your hard-earned cash on the Nintendo Switch, the short answer is a resounding yes, especially if you’re a fan of turn-based RPGs, creature collection, and the vast Monster Hunter universe. This game isn’t just a spin-off. it’s a vibrant, story-driven adventure that offers a refreshing departure from the action-oriented main series while retaining its core charm and depth. It delivers a rich narrative, engaging combat, and an addictive “gotta catch ’em all” mechanic that will keep you hooked for dozens, if not hundreds, of hours. Think Pokémon meets Monster Hunter, with a much deeper breeding system and a world that feels alive. It’s a compelling package that caters to both newcomers and veterans of the franchise, offering a unique blend of accessibility and strategic complexity.

Beyond the game itself, enhancing your Monster Hunter Stories 2 experience on the Switch often comes down to the right gear.

Here’s a quick rundown of some essential items that can elevate your gameplay:

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- Key Features: Ergonomic design, superior grip, HD rumble, amiibo functionality, impressive battery life up to 40 hours.
- Average Price: $69.99
- Pros: Significantly improves comfort for long play sessions, precise controls, durable build.
- Cons: Higher price point than some third-party alternatives, no headphone jack.
SanDisk 256GB MicroSDXC Card for Nintendo Switch
- Key Features: 256GB storage, read speeds up to 100MB/s, write speeds up to 90MB/s, officially licensed by Nintendo.
- Average Price: $39.99
- Pros: Essential for digital game libraries, fast loading times, ample space for multiple titles and updates.
- Cons: Smaller capacities might fill up quickly if you download many games, larger capacities can be more expensive.
HORI Split Pad Pro Ergonomic Controller for Nintendo Switch
- Key Features: Full-size analog sticks, larger D-pad, assignable rear triggers, turbo functions, ergonomic grip for handheld mode.
- Average Price: $49.99
- Pros: Transforms handheld mode comfort, excellent for players with larger hands, enhances precision.
- Cons: No rumble, no NFC amiibo support, no wireless functionality only works in handheld mode.
Nintendo Switch Carrying Case Official
- Key Features: Hard-shell exterior, padded interior, screen protector flap, mesh pocket for accessories, holds game cards.
- Average Price: $19.99
- Pros: Protects your Switch during travel, organized storage for games and small accessories, slim profile.
- Cons: Limited space for larger accessories like the Pro Controller.
Orzly Nintendo Switch Accessories Bundle
- Key Features: Often includes a carrying case, screen protector, joy-con grips, game card case, charging stand, and more.
- Average Price: $30-$50 varies by bundle contents
- Pros: Excellent value for money, provides a quick starter pack of essential accessories, good for new Switch owners.
- Cons: Quality of individual items can vary, some items may be redundant if you already own specific accessories.
PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Nintendo Switch
- Key Features: Officially licensed, 10ft USB cable, mappable advanced gaming buttons, standard button layout.
- Average Price: $24.99
- Pros: Affordable alternative to the Pro Controller, reliable wired connection, customizability with mappable buttons.
- Cons: Wired only limits mobility, no HD rumble or NFC, lighter build quality compared to official controllers.
amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Nintendo Switch
- Key Features: Ultra-clear high definition, 9H hardness for scratch resistance, easy bubble-free installation, anti-fingerprint coating.
- Average Price: $7.99 for a 2-pack
- Pros: Crucial for protecting the Switch screen from scratches and minor impacts, maintains touch sensitivity and visual clarity.
- Cons: Can be challenging to apply perfectly without dust or bubbles if not careful, doesn’t protect against severe drops.

Table of Contents

The R&D: Unpacking Monster Hunter Stories 2’s Core Appeal

Let’s dive into the meat of it.

Monster Hunter Stories 2 isn’t just a rehash of its 3DS predecessor. it’s a significant evolution.

Capcom took the core concepts – riding “Monsties,” turn-based combat, and a compelling narrative – and dialed them up to 11 for the Switch.

The result is a game that feels both familiar and refreshingly new, hitting that sweet spot for strategy enthusiasts and Monster Hunter fans alike.

Narrative Depth and World-Building: Smartmi Air Purifier P1 Review
- You play as the grandchild of Red, a legendary Rider, in a world facing a mysterious blight causing Rathalos to lose their wings and behave erratically. This isn’t just some flimsy excuse for monster battles. it’s a genuine mystery that unravels as you travel across diverse regions.
- The story explores themes of destiny, the bond between Riders and their Monsties, and the delicate balance of nature, all wrapped up in a charming, anime-inspired aesthetic.
- Key Characters: You’ll encounter returning faces like Kyle and Alwin, alongside new, memorable personalities such as the enigmatic Ena and the quirky Felyne, Navirou. Their interactions add humor and emotional weight to the journey.
- Environmental Storytelling: Each region, from the lush Hakolo Island to the volcanic Terga, feels distinct and tells its own story through its inhabitants, flora, and fauna. This attention to detail makes exploration genuinely rewarding.
Monstie Collection and Customization:
- This is the heartbeat of the game. Instead of simply hunting monsters, you’re gathering their eggs from monster dens to hatch your own “Monsties.” The sheer variety is impressive, with over 100 different types of Monsties available.
- Gene Splicing Rite of Channeling: This is where the strategic depth truly shines. You can transfer genes passive abilities and elemental attacks from one Monstie to another, creating incredibly powerful and unique combinations. This system allows for virtually limitless customization and encourages experimentation. Want a fire-breathing Tigrex with a healing move? Go for it.
- Bingo Bonuses: Arranging genes in specific patterns on a 3×3 grid grants powerful “Bingo Bonuses” that significantly boost stats or abilities. Mastering this system is crucial for late-game success.
- Overworld Abilities: Each Monstie possesses a unique “Ride Skill” like dashing, flying, swimming, or breaking rocks, which are essential for traversing the vast world and finding hidden areas. This encourages a diverse Monstie roster.

Combat System: Simple to Learn, Deep to Master

The turn-based combat in Monster Hunter Stories 2 is a significant departure from the action-RPG roots of the main series, but it’s incredibly well-executed.

It’s built on a “rock-paper-scissors” mechanic, but layers of strategy make it far from simplistic.

The Power, Speed, Technical Triangle:
- Power attacks beat Technical attacks.
- Technical attacks beat Speed attacks.
- Speed attacks beat Power attacks.
- This fundamental triangle dictates most head-to-head encounters. Observing monster attack patterns and predicting their next move is key to winning “Head-to-Heads” which grant bonus Kinship Gauge.
Kinship Gauge and Skills:
- As you land attacks and win Head-to-Heads, your Kinship Gauge fills. This gauge is used to activate powerful Monstie skills or execute devastating “Kinship Skills” when you ride your Monstie.
- Double Attacks: When both you and your Monstie target the same monster with a winning attack type, you unleash a “Double Attack” dealing massive damage and further filling the Kinship Gauge. This synergy is critical.
Weapon Types and Elements:
- Just like in the main series, weapon types Slash, Pierce, Blunt matter. Different parts of monsters are weak to specific weapon types, requiring you to switch on the fly.
- Elemental weaknesses Fire, Water, Thunder, Ice, Dragon are also crucial. Equipping weapons and having Monsties with matching elemental attacks can drastically increase your damage output.
Status Effects and Buffs/Debuffs:
- Monsters and Monsties can inflict and be affected by various status effects like Poison, Sleep, Paralysis, and Bleed. Managing these, either by curing your party or inflicting them on enemies, adds another strategic layer.
- Buffs like attack up, defense up and debuffs like attack down, defense down can turn the tide of a battle, emphasizing the importance of support skills.

Visuals and Performance on Nintendo Switch

For a game on the Nintendo Switch, Monster Hunter Stories 2 delivers a surprisingly polished and visually appealing experience.

Capcom clearly put effort into optimizing it for the hybrid console.

Art Style and Aesthetic:
- The game boasts a vibrant, cel-shaded art style that perfectly complements its whimsical narrative. It’s a refreshing departure from the hyper-realistic graphics of the main series, allowing for more expressive character models and monster designs.
- Environments are colorful and diverse, from sun-drenched beaches to dense, mystical forests, each rendered with charm.
Performance in Handheld and Docked Modes:
- In handheld mode, the game generally runs at a stable 30 frames per second FPS. While not 60 FPS, it feels smooth enough for a turn-based RPG, and the lower resolution actually helps keep the visuals clean on the smaller screen.
- When docked, the resolution increases, making the game look even crisper on a larger display. Occasional frame drops can occur in very busy areas or during particularly flashy Kinship Skills, but these are rare and don’t significantly impact gameplay.
- Load Times: While not instantaneous, load times between zones and before battles are reasonable and don’t feel overly intrusive. Capcom has done a decent job of masking them where possible.
User Interface UI:
- The UI is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate, both with joy-cons and touch controls in handheld mode. Managing your Monstie party, equipment, and genes is straightforward, which is crucial given the depth of these systems.

Content and Replayability: Hours Upon Hours of Adventure

Monster Hunter Stories 2 offers an impressive amount of content, ensuring that your investment translates into many, many hours of engaging gameplay. This isn’t a game you’ll finish in a weekend.

Main Story Campaign: The primary narrative alone can take anywhere from 35 to 50 hours to complete, depending on how much side content you engage with. It’s a well-paced journey with satisfying plot twists.
Post-Game Content:
- After finishing the main story, the game opens up significantly. You unlock new high-rank monster dens, more challenging quests, and access to new, powerful Monsties.
- Elder Dragons and Deviants: These incredibly tough monsters become available, offering the ultimate challenge for your Rider and Monstie team. Farming them for their unique genes and equipment is a core part of the end-game loop.
- Co-op Quests: You can team up with other players online for special co-op expeditions, which are excellent for finding rare eggs and materials. This adds a valuable social element to the experience.
Side Quests and Subquests:
- Every hub town offers a plethora of side quests, ranging from simple gathering tasks to challenging monster hunts. These are great for earning extra experience, Zenny money, and valuable items.
- Trial Quests: These are specific challenges that test your combat prowess, often with unique restrictions or goals, providing a good test of your party’s strength.
Monstie Breeding and Gene Grinding:
- The Rite of Channeling system inherently encourages endless experimentation. Discovering new gene combinations, optimizing your Monstie builds, and hatching perfect specimens can become an addictive, long-term goal.
- Many players dedicate hundreds of hours purely to perfecting their Monstie teams, discovering powerful synergies, and aiming for “rainbow” gene setups.

Quality of Life Improvements and Accessibility

Capcom clearly learned from the first Stories game and the main Monster Hunter series, implementing numerous quality-of-life features that make the experience smoother and more enjoyable for players of all skill levels.

Fast Travel and Navigation:
- The game features robust fast travel options, allowing you to instantly warp between towns, stable paws save points, and discovered catavans. This significantly cuts down on backtracking.
- Monstie ride skills make exploration efficient and fun, allowing you to traverse different terrains without constant interruptions.
Streamlined Hatching and Management:
- Hatching eggs is quick and painless. The game clearly displays the potential genes and stats of an egg before you hatch it, helping you decide which ones to keep.
- The Monstie management system in the stables is intuitive, making it easy to swap out party members, perform the Rite of Channeling, and organize your growing collection.
Difficulty Settings Implicit:
- While there isn’t a formal difficulty setting, the game’s challenge scales naturally. For casual players, simply progressing through the story is manageable. For those seeking a challenge, the post-game content, Elder Dragons, and PvP battles provide ample opportunity to test their mettle.
Tutorials and Information:
- The game does a good job of introducing its mechanics through natural, un-intrusive tutorials. Navirou provides helpful tips throughout, and the Hunter’s Notes in the menu offer comprehensive information on monsters, items, and combat rules.
No Pay-to-Win Mechanics:
- Crucially, Monster Hunter Stories 2 is a complete package. There are no egregious microtransactions or “pay-to-win” mechanics that gate progress. All in-game content and powerful Monsties can be earned through gameplay. While there are some cosmetic DLC options, they are entirely optional and do not impact gameplay balance.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

No game is perfect, and while Monster Hunter Stories 2 is a stellar experience, there are a few minor points that might not resonate with everyone.

Being aware of these can help set proper expectations.

Pacing in Early Game:
- The very beginning of the game, particularly the first few hours, can feel a bit slow as it introduces mechanics and builds the initial narrative. Players accustomed to more immediate action might find this initial segment a touch drawn out. However, once the world opens up and you gain more Monsties, the pace picks up considerably.
Repetitive Grind for some:
- While the Monstie collection and gene splicing are incredibly deep, the process of repeatedly running monster dens for specific eggs or materials can become repetitive for players who aren’t fond of grinding. Achieving perfectly optimized Monsties requires a significant time investment.
- The combat, while strategic, can also feel somewhat repetitive if you don’t vary your party or tactics. Winning Head-to-Heads is key, and once you master the elemental and attack type weaknesses, some regular encounters might feel a bit routine.
Graphical Limitations on Switch:
- Despite the excellent art style and optimization, the Switch’s hardware limitations are occasionally visible. Textures can sometimes be a bit blurry in docked mode, and pop-in of environmental objects can occur in larger zones. These are minor quibbles and don’t detract significantly from the experience, but they are present.
- The lack of 60 FPS in most scenarios might be a minor disappointment for some players who prefer smoother performance, though it’s less critical for a turn-based RPG.
Online Play Specifics:
- While co-op quests are a great addition, the overall online multiplayer experience is focused primarily on these specific quests and PvP battles. There isn’t an open-world multiplayer component like in some other online-focused RPGs.
- The quality of the online connection can occasionally vary, depending on your internet speed and your co-op partner’s connection.

Verdict: A Must-Play for RPG and Monster Hunter Fans

So, what’s the bottom line? Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is an exceptional JRPG that stands tall on its own merits. Apple Magsafe Battery Pack Review

It successfully translates the core essence of Monster Hunter into a captivating turn-based adventure, brimming with charm, strategic depth, and an insane amount of content.

For fans of the main Monster Hunter series: This game offers a fantastic opportunity to see familiar monsters in a new light, explore the lore from a Rider’s perspective, and experience the world through a different gameplay lens. Don’t go in expecting Rise or World, but rather a complementary, equally engaging experience.
For JRPG enthusiasts: If you love creature collection, deep customization systems, engaging turn-based combat, and a heartwarming story, Stories 2 delivers in spades. It easily stands alongside some of the best JRPGs on the Switch.
For newcomers: The game is very accessible. Its turn-based combat is easy to grasp, and the engaging story and charming characters make it a great entry point into the broader Monster Hunter universe without the steep learning curve of the action-RPGs.

In conclusion, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a gem on the Nintendo Switch.

It’s a title that offers tremendous value for its price, providing a memorable journey filled with discovery, challenging battles, and an irresistible urge to hatch “just one more egg.” If you’re looking for an expansive, high-quality RPG to sink dozens—or even hundreds—of hours into, this is an easy recommendation. Go forth, Rider, your adventure awaits!

What is Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin?

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a turn-based role-playing game RPG developed and published by Capcom for the Nintendo Switch and PC.

It is a spin-off of the main Monster Hunter series, focusing on a story-driven adventure where players hatch, raise, and battle alongside monsters called “Monsties.”

Is Monster Hunter Stories 2 a good game for new Monster Hunter players?

Yes, Monster Hunter Stories 2 is an excellent entry point for new players.

Its turn-based combat system is more accessible than the action-oriented gameplay of the mainline Monster Hunter games, and it features a compelling story that doesn’t require prior knowledge of the series lore.

What is the main objective in Monster Hunter Stories 2?

The main objective is to unravel the mystery behind a global phenomenon causing Rathalos to lose their wings and behave erratically.

Players, as a budding Rider, must bond with Monsties, battle challenging foes, and explore the world to find a solution.

How long is the main story of Monster Hunter Stories 2?

The main story campaign typically takes around 35 to 50 hours to complete, depending on how much side content and exploration you engage with. Network Solutions Web Hosting Review

Does Monster Hunter Stories 2 have post-game content?

Yes, Monster Hunter Stories 2 features extensive post-game content, including high-rank monster dens, more challenging quests, Elder Dragons and Deviants to hunt, and new Monsties to collect and train.

Can you play Monster Hunter Stories 2 with friends?

Yes, Monster Hunter Stories 2 includes online co-op quests where you can team up with other players to explore special dens and hunt monsters for rare eggs and materials. There are also online PvP battles.

What is the “Rite of Channeling” in Monster Hunter Stories 2?

The Rite of Channeling is a core gameplay mechanic that allows you to transfer genes passive abilities and active skills from one Monstie to another.

This enables deep customization of your Monsties, letting you create unique builds and optimize their stats and abilities.

How many Monsties are in Monster Hunter Stories 2?

There are over 100 different types of Monsties that players can collect, hatch, and battle alongside in Monster Hunter Stories 2.

Is Monster Hunter Stories 2 open world?

While not a completely seamless open world, Monster Hunter Stories 2 features large, interconnected zones that offer a significant sense of exploration.

You can freely traverse these areas on your Monsties and revisit them.

What is the combat system like in Monster Hunter Stories 2?

The combat system is turn-based and relies on a “rock-paper-scissors” mechanic Power beats Technical, Technical beats Speed, Speed beats Power. Players must strategically choose attack types, utilize Monstie skills, and manage their Kinship Gauge for powerful “Kinship Skills.”

Are there difficulty settings in Monster Hunter Stories 2?

No, there are no explicit difficulty settings.

The game’s challenge scales as you progress, with post-game content and optional quests offering greater difficulty. Ikea Symfonisk Picture Frame With Wi Fi Speaker Review

Is Monster Hunter Stories 2 a direct sequel to Monster Hunter Stories 1?

Yes, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a direct sequel to the first Monster Hunter Stories game, building upon its lore and introducing new characters while bringing back some familiar faces.

What are “Kinship Skills”?

Kinship Skills are powerful, often cinematic attacks performed when your Kinship Gauge is full and you’re riding your Monstie.

They deal significant damage and are unique to each Monstie.

How important is elemental weakness in Monster Hunter Stories 2?

Elemental weakness is very important.

Exploiting a monster’s elemental weakness with matching attacks from your Rider or Monstie can significantly increase your damage output and help you win battles more efficiently.

Can you customize your Rider in Monster Hunter Stories 2?

Yes, players can extensively customize their Rider’s appearance, including gender, hair, facial features, and a wide variety of armor sets crafted from monster materials.

Does Monster Hunter Stories 2 have amiibo support?

Yes, Monster Hunter Stories 2 has amiibo support.

Tapping compatible Monster Hunter amiibo figures can unlock special layered armor or other in-game bonuses.

How does the Nintendo Switch version perform visually?

The Nintendo Switch version of Monster Hunter Stories 2 utilizes a vibrant cel-shaded art style that looks great in both handheld and docked modes.

It generally targets 30 frames per second, with occasional dips in busy areas, but overall provides a smooth experience for a turn-based RPG. Ecs Liva Q3 Plus Review

Is there a demo available for Monster Hunter Stories 2?

Yes, a free demo for Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is available on the Nintendo eShop.

Progress from the demo can be transferred to the full game.

What are “Head-to-Heads” in combat?

Head-to-Heads occur when both you and the enemy monster target each other and use opposing attack types Power vs. Technical, etc.. Winning a Head-to-Head grants bonus Kinship Gauge and prevents incoming damage.

Do I need to play the first Monster Hunter Stories to understand the sequel?

No, while playing the first game provides some context and familiarity with characters, Monster Hunter Stories 2 tells a largely self-contained story that can be enjoyed by newcomers without prior knowledge.

What kind of items can I craft in Monster Hunter Stories 2?

Players can craft a variety of items including weapons, armor, healing potions, status effect remedies, and useful battlefield items using materials gathered from the world and from defeated monsters.

How do I get new Monsties?

New Monsties are primarily obtained by finding monster dens in the wild, entering them, and collecting eggs from nests.

You then take the eggs back to a stable to hatch them.

What is the maximum level for Monsties?

Monsties can reach a maximum level of 99 in Monster Hunter Stories 2, allowing for significant stat growth and unlocking powerful abilities.

Are there any microtransactions in Monster Hunter Stories 2?

Monster Hunter Stories 2 is a complete game without any “pay-to-win” microtransactions.

There is optional paid downloadable content primarily consisting of cosmetic layered armor sets. Skullcandy Hesh Anc Review

How does “Bingo Bonuses” work in the Rite of Channeling?

Bingo Bonuses are achieved by arranging genes of the same element or attack type in a straight line horizontally, vertically, or diagonally on the 3×3 gene board during the Rite of Channeling.

These bonuses provide significant stat boosts and enhance your Monstie’s power.

Can I change my Monstie’s name?

Yes, you can change your Monstie’s name at the stable at any time.

Is Monster Hunter Stories 2 suitable for children?

Yes, with its colorful art style, heartwarming story, and turn-based combat, Monster Hunter Stories 2 is generally considered suitable for children, though some monster designs can be intimidating.

What is the difference between Rider and Hunter in Monster Hunter Stories 2?

In Monster Hunter Stories 2, Riders bond with and ride Monsties, using them in turn-based combat. Hunters from the main series primarily hunt monsters in action-based combat without forming bonds with them. The game explores the differing philosophies between these two groups.

How important is equipment in Monster Hunter Stories 2?

Equipment weapons and armor is very important.

Different weapons have different attack types Slash, Pierce, Blunt effective against specific monster parts, and armor provides defensive stats and resistances against elemental damage. Regularly upgrading your gear is crucial.

What is the highest rarity for eggs in Monster Hunter Stories 2?

Eggs have different rarities indicated by their glow and pattern.

Rainbow-colored eggs are the highest rarity, offering the best chance of obtaining Monsties with rare genes and higher base stats.

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Monster Hunter Stories 2 Wings Of Ruin For Nintendo Switch Review