No. You can start with Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin; the first game is optional background, not a stated prerequisite. Capcom producer Ryozo Tsujimoto said the team wrote a new and different story with players who had not played the original in mind. The sequel introduces a new player character: the grandchild of the legendary Rider Red.
Why you can start with Wings of Ruin
The clearest guidance comes from an interview excerpt attributed to Capcom producer Ryozo Tsujimoto: “We hope that players who didn’t play the first game would play the second, so we wrote a new and different story involving the protagonist Rider and Rathalos for the final script.” The excerpt is hosted on a GameFAQs message board and points to a GamerBraves interview; it is not a Capcom-published page. Read the interview excerpt.
Nintendo’s official synopsis gives the sequel its own starting setup: you are Red’s grandchild, and a Wyverian girl named Ena entrusts you with an egg that may hatch into a legendary Rathalos. That premise provides a new entry point without requiring you to know the first game’s plot. Nintendo’s official Switch listing.
What kind of game you are starting
Stories 2 is a story-driven, turn-based RPG set in the Monster Hunter world. You play as a Rider—not a Hunter—who bonds with monsters called Monsties and takes them along on your adventure and into battle. Capcom describes learning monsters’ behavior, tendencies, and weaknesses as part of the experience. Its combat format differs from the action-based mainline Monster Hunter games: battles here are turn-based. Capcom’s launch explainer.
#1 Best Overall
- Raise Your Team: Build and raise a team of Monsties, forming kinships with iconic Monsters from the Monster Hunter series like Chatacabra and Rey Dau.
- Battle in Turn-Based Combat: Experience the strategic turn-based battles using the popular rock-paper-scissor system of Power, Speed, and Technical.
- Explore an Enhanced World: Enjoy new stylized 3D graphics that bring the Monster Hunter Stories series to life.
- Pre-order Bonus: Layered armor for Eleanor
Which play order makes sense for you?
| Play order | Best fit | What you gain |
|---|---|---|
| Start with Wings of Ruin | You mainly want to play the sequel’s story or get into the series quickly. | A newcomer-oriented story with its own protagonist and opening setup. |
| Play the first Monster Hunter Stories first | You want the earlier adventure and background before moving on. | More context from the original game; it is an optional choice, not a documented requirement. |
The available sources do not establish that the sequel has no returning characters or references, so it is safest not to assume every callback will be explained. They do establish that newcomers were considered when the sequel’s story was written. Play the original if you want that earlier adventure, not because you must finish it to begin Wings of Ruin.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to play
Nintendo’s US listing is for the Nintendo Switch edition and records a release date of July 9, 2021. Capcom’s launch article also identifies a PC version via Steam. Check the relevant platform store for current availability, pricing, and stock.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A new adventure awaits you in this second instalment of the turn-based RPG series set in the world of Monster Hunter! Become a Rider and form bonds with friendly monsters known as Monsties to fight alongside them as you take part in an epic story.
- You play as the grandson of Red, a legendary Rider. The story begins with a fateful encounter with Ena, a Wyverian girl who has been entrusted with an egg with the potential to hatch into a legendary Rathalos which could wreak havoc if awakened to its destructive power.
- Embark on a journey which will test the bonds of friendship in a changing world, and discover the truth behind the legends of old.
Rank #4
- Team up with familiar creatures from the Monster Hunter universe and a charming Crew of companions for an emotional and expansive journey.
- Make use of Assorted monster Hunter weapons to target monsters' Weak points, employ powerful skills to control the flow of battle, and unleash devastating kinship attacks with your monstie.
- Create your own unique character, and use the power of your kinship Stone to live in Harmony with the monsters others fear.
- Collect and hatch Eggs to build a party of monsters with specific abilities and strengths, train them to become unique and powerful companions, and craft new weapons and armor
- Join up with friends for tag-team multiplayer battles and exploration.
Rank #3
- Schlüpfe in diesem unterhaltsamen RPG im Monster Hunter-Universum in die Rolle eines Monster-Riders, der Monster ausbrütet, großzieht und Seite an Seite mit ihnen kämpft
- Begegne faszinierenden Monstern, mit denen du eine Bindung eingehen kannst und die allesamt eigene, individuelle Fähigkeiten besitzen
- Bestreite spannende Kämpfe und wähle deinen Angriff mit Bedacht. Es gibt drei Arten von Angriffen: Kraft, Geschwindigkeit und Technik
- Es gibt zahlreiche unterschiedliche Landschaften in diesem Abenteuer zu erkunden
Rank #2
- Team up with familiar creatures from the Monster Hunter universe and a charming Crew of companions for an emotional and expansive journey.
- Make use of Assorted monster Hunter weapons to target monsters' Weak points, employ powerful skills to control the flow of battle, and unleash devastating kinship attacks with your monstie.
- Create your own unique character, and use the power of your kinship Stone to live in Harmony with the monsters others fear.
- Collect and hatch Eggs to build a party of monsters with specific abilities and strengths, train them to become unique and powerful companions, and craft new weapons and armor
- Join up with friends for tag-team multiplayer battles and exploration.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
