Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin - Switch Capcom

In this review of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, the bottom line is simple: role playing fans and Monster Hunter newcomers who enjoy character-driven stories and strategic turn-based combat will find a rewarding experience. The game pairs an emotional narrative about vanished Rathalos and a prophecy with a deep monster-collection loop, and the single biggest reason to buy is the way kinship mechanics let you form meaningful bonds with monsters while still offering satisfying tactical battles.

Key Features

• Emotional story: The narrative follows a young monster rider and companions on a sweeping journey that drives the game forward with character development and mystery.
• Kinship combat: Turn-based battles emphasize timing, exploiting monster Weak points, and unleashing powerful kinship attacks for dramatic payoff.
• Monster collection: Players can collect, hatch, and train Eggs to build a party of monsties with distinct abilities and roles.
• Crafting and progression: Craft new weapons and armor from gathered materials to tailor your rider and party for tougher challenges.
• Custom characters: Create your own rider and use a kinship Stone to live in Harmony with monsters others fear, which shapes both story and gameplay.
• Multiplayer tag-team: Tag-team multiplayer lets friends join exploration and battles for cooperative fun.

Who It's For

Monster Hunter Stories 2 is ideal for players who enjoy narrative-driven RPGs and monster collecting, and for fans of the Monster Hunter universe who want a more accessible, turn-based alternative to the mainline titles. The game is welcoming to newcomers while still offering depth for series veterans through monster breeding, weapon crafting, and tactical combat.

Players seeking fast-paced action combat or a purely competitive multiplayer experience may prefer a different Monster Hunter entry, but those who appreciate relationship-building with companions and an expansive single-player campaign will find a lot to love here.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Engaging story and strong character development that gives weight to progression.
• Turn-based combat with kinship attacks and clear tactical systems that grow on players over time.
• Rich monster-collection and hatching mechanics that allow for party customization and long-term goals.
• Improved visuals and content variety on Switch compared with earlier handheld entries.

Cons

• Some players may find pacing slow during early story beats as the world and systems are introduced.
• Multiplayer features are cooperative rather than competitive, limiting replay for those seeking PvP.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a thoughtful, well-crafted RPG that blends emotional storytelling with a deep monster-collection loop and tactical turn-based combat. It is good value for players who want a story-first Monster Hunter experience with meaningful companion mechanics and extensive progression options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you play solo or only with friends?
The game is primarily a single-player campaign but includes tag-team multiplayer options for cooperative play.

Does the combat differ from mainline Monster Hunter titles?
Yes, combat is turn-based and focuses on kinship attacks and exploiting Weak points rather than real-time action.

Can monsters be customized and trained?
Yes, players hatch Eggs, train monsties with specific abilities, and craft gear to shape their party.