Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a turn-based RPG set in the Monster Hunter universe. You play a Rider who doesn't hunt monsters but builds a bond with them. Together with his Monsties, he travels the world, fights battles and tries to solve the mystery of the vanished Rathalos.

Monster Hunter Stories 2 was released for PC and Nintendo Switch in July 2021. The PlayStation 4 version followed on Jun 14, 2024, and the Xbox One version on Nov 14, 2025. On Steam, Jul 8, 2021 is shown for some regions, while Capcom and Nintendo give the global date as Jul 9.

Monster Hunter Stories 2 has been released for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The Xbox One version is also playable on Xbox Series X|S, but has no separate native Series version. On PlayStation 5, the PS4 version can be played via backward compatibility.

You travel through different regions, collect materials, discover monster nests and put together a team of Monsties. Battles play out in turns, with the choice of suitable attack types, weapons and monster abilities being decisive. Unlike the main games of the series, tactical teamwork with tamed monsters takes center stage.

Additional packs add cosmetic outfits for Ena and Navirou, hairstyles and decorations to Monster Hunter Stories 2. The Deluxe Edition mainly includes such cosmetic extras. These change how characters look without being a standalone story expansion.

On Windows 10 (64-bit), the game requires at least an Intel Core i5-3470 or AMD FX-6300, 4 GB RAM and a GeForce GTX 960 or Radeon RX 560 with 2 GB graphics memory. Capcom recommends a Core i5-4460 or FX-8300 and 8 GB RAM. The stated performance targets are 1080p at 30 frames per second.

As a descendant of the legendary Rider Red, your character meets the Wyverian Ena, who protects a Rathalos egg. At the same time, Rathalos are disappearing worldwide. The journey takes you through different regions and links the search for the missing monsters with the legend of the Wings of Ruin.

Monsties accompany you while exploring and in battles. Each monster brings its own strengths, attack types and abilities. Some riding actions help you overcome obstacles in the game world or reach special places.

In monster nests you find eggs that Monsties hatch from. Searching for rare specimens is part of long-term progress. New companions expand not only your battle team but also the range of movement and exploration abilities.

The combat system is based on three attack types: power, speed and technique. They counter each other and decide the outcome of direct duels. With your Rider, your active Monstie and changing weapons, you can target enemies and their body parts.

With the Rite of Transfer you can pass genes, and with them abilities, between Monsties. The position of the genes in the grid and matching combinations determine additional bonuses. This way you can deliberately build your own Monstie teams for different fighting styles.

The Rider can choose from six weapon types: Greatsword, Sword and Shield, Hammer, Hunting Horn, Bow and Gunlance. Different damage types and skills help you exploit monsters' weak points. Weapons and armor are made from materials you loot.

In addition to the single-player story, Monster Hunter Stories 2 offers shared expeditions and online duels. On Nintendo Switch the game also supports local wireless connections. Online matches require the platform's respective network and subscription requirements.

Monster Hunter Stories 2 does not support cross-platform save transfers. If you switch between PC, Switch, PlayStation and Xbox, according to Capcom you cannot carry your existing progress over to the other platform version.

German menus and subtitles are available on PC. Full voice acting is offered on Steam in English and Japanese. Other language options depend on the platform version.

A free demo version is available for Nintendo Switch, in which you can play the start of the adventure. Your progress can be transferred to the full version. This lets you get to know the combat system and the first Monsties before you buy.

The PC version supports mouse and keyboard, HDR and Steam achievements. On Nintendo Switch there are amiibo features and local wireless matches, while the PlayStation 4 version offers trophies. According to Capcom, the core game content stays the same on all platforms.