Home
/
AAA games
/
AAA game reviews
/

Is monster hunter stories 3 worth playing as a beginner?

Is Monster Hunter Stories 3 the Best Starting Point for Newcomers? | Players Weigh In

By

Tomรกs Ribeiro

Mar 23, 2026, 06:41 PM

Edited By

Liam Chen

Updated

Mar 24, 2026, 12:55 AM

2 minutes of duration

A vibrant scene showcasing characters battling a large monster in Monster Hunter Stories 3, highlighting the game's colorful graphics and action-packed gameplay.
popular

The excitement surrounding Monster Hunter Stories 3 has triggered widespread discussion within the gaming community. Many players argue this title might be the perfect entry point for newcomers. But is prior series knowledge necessary to jump in?

Monster Hunter Stories 3 emphasizes creature collecting instead of the series' typical combat dynamics. Feedback from players highlights a vibrant art style and engaging mechanics, but some raise valid questions about the game's accessibility for those new to the franchise.

Why MHS3 Stands Out for Newbies

Players seem optimistic about starting their journey with this entry. The game incorporates nods to earlier titles, offering familiarity without overwhelming newcomers.

"Itโ€™s very much its own story and not a continuation," a player pointed out, emphasizing that one doesn't need a deep understanding of previous games.

Key Takeaways from the Community

  • Beginner-Friendly Mechanics: Many praise the refined gameplay, with one commenting that visuals are "gorgeous."

  • Creature Collection Focus: The shift to restoring endangered species shifts attention from traditional hunting, providing a fresh perspective.

  • Self-Contained Narrative: Players echo that the storyline stands on its own, making it accessible regardless of prior experience.

A new wave of comments suggests playing the previous games, particularly MHS2, adds depth to the experience. One user urges, "You should definitely play MHS2 too! Itโ€™s pretty good!" Others believe that starting with MHS2 creates a sense of progression, referencing the appeal of the first Ratha character.

Interestingly, many assert that all three games offer self-contained stories, meaning newcomers won't be lost. However, a few have shared that not knowing the lore might limit strategy:

"Youโ€™ll be fine but not knowing the monsters might limit your strategy," one warned.

Voices from the Community

While excitement buzzes, some think playing MHS2 first might enhance the enjoyment due to its quality-of-life improvements. This sentiment suggests the experience may feel less polished without prior gameplay exposure. Players express that MHS3 may have a learning curve for some, but remains accessible:

"Itโ€™s a safe entry to the MH series as a whole," stated another fan, encouraging others to give it a go.

Key Insights

  • ๐ŸŒŸ MHS3 presents a solid entry point into the series for new players.

  • โš–๏ธ Playing in sequence might enhance enjoyment despite the self-contained nature of each title.

  • ๐Ÿ”‘ Strategic knowledge improves with familiarity, but isnโ€™t essential for enjoyment.

MHS3 has gained traction among newcomers, suggesting a successful integration of engaging gameplay with a welcoming atmosphere. Will potential players dive into this monster-riding adventure? Indications show theyโ€™re likely ready to embrace the challenge.

Looking Ahead: Evolving the Franchise

Given the overwhelmingly positive feedback, MHS3 could inspire future entries to embrace a beginner-friendly design. Some speculate around a 70% chance that upcoming expansions will continue focusing on storytelling and creature collection. This shift might foster a broader community, inviting new players into the Monster Hunter realm.

The current situation resembles the casual gaming surge of the early 2000s with titles like Animal Crossing, which, despite initial skepticism from hardcore gamers, found vast appeal. Similarly, MHS3 might attract a diverse audience seeking engaging yet less intense gaming experiences, reinforcing the importance of accessibility in gaming.