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Ratha: the controversial dragon partner returns again

Ratha Returns Again | Gamers Split on Dragon's Evolution

By

Diego Ramirez

Feb 17, 2026, 12:28 PM

Updated

Feb 18, 2026, 10:02 PM

2 minutes of duration

Ratha, the dragon partner, showcases his new skyscale appearance while interacting with players in a vibrant game setting
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The debate over Rathaโ€™s upcoming return in Monster Hunter Stories continues to heat up as gamers voice mixed feelings. Some are excited, while others are frustrated about seeing another version of the dragon, raising critical questions about character design and gameplay functionality.

Unpacking the Ongoing Controversy

Concerns have escalated with a recent community forum discussion. While some players remain excited about Ratha, many express fatigue over his repeated appearances. Comments reveal a split between enthusiasm and disappointment, particularly regarding Ratha's gameplay features and design variations.

Players Share Their Frustrations

User critiques focus on several key areas:

  • Lack of Distinctiveness: Many feel the dragonโ€™s iterations do not offer enough uniqueness. A prominent comment states, "There was no need for it to be a Rathalos to make it a real character with a role in the story."

  • Gameplay Constraints: Some players believe Ratha as a default partner limits strategic options. "It limits team building," noted one player, capturing a common sentiment among fans.

  • Customization Hopes: Enthusiasm for potential customization is building. One comment highlighted this desire: "Just having the option to customize would be great!" People want a deeper connection with Ratha beyond mere narrative elements.

Community Hopes for the Future

Despite dissatisfaction, several fans are optimistic about Ratha's new iteration, particularly the skyscale version. Comments like โ€œHe better have something special to stand out!โ€ hint at anticipation for unique gameplay mechanics that would justify his ongoing presence. One worried player expressed, "If itโ€™s just another Ratha without unique features, I might join the Ratha hating crew."

"The twin concept could lead to interesting storylines if implemented well," another user stated, suggesting potential for new narrative depth in the game.

Key Insights

  • โš”๏ธ โ€œDo it like Fossil Fighters Champions and let us choose a monster for each element!โ€ - Advocating for diverse gameplay options.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ โ€œIโ€™m a sucker for dragons, but even Iโ€™m tired of this.โ€ - Mixed feelings among die-hard fans.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ โ€œThey better give us a reason to keep him post story.โ€ - Concern over Ratha's future relevance in gameplay.

As Monster Hunter Stories nears launch, the question remains: Can developers address fan concerns while keeping gameplay fresh, or will Ratha's return feel too formulaic?

Learning from Community Feedback

Interestingly, the current situation reflects past challenges in gaming franchises, where player expectations often clash with the direction taken by developers. Fans are calling for innovation while balancing reverence for the seriesโ€™ legacy.

While earlier series like Final Fantasy faced similar issues, the Monster Hunter community is united in its resolve. They want something new, not just rehashed content. How many more iterations can fans take before they lose interest?