Today’s Monster Hunter Digital Event revealed new trailers, gameplay, and information for Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin and Monster Hunter Rise. The latest trailer for Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin offered tantalizing plot details ahead of the game’s July 9, 2021 release on Nintendo Switch and PC: a first look at two returning characters from Monster Hunter Stories, a brief overview of the strategic overhaul to the turn-based combat system, and more. Additionally, the Digital Event revealed that the first free title update for Monster Hunter Rise will arrive later today, and will include a host of new monsters for hunters to battle, new gear to craft, the ability to forge layered armor, and an unlocked hunter rank cap.

In the latest trailer for Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, fans were treated to more high-quality visuals of the incredible Monstie companions, competing factions, and epic story in the game. After assuming the role of a young Monster Rider who can use a Kinship Stone to form strong bonds with monsters, players will encounter Lilia and Reverto, who will return from the original Monster Hunter Stories. The duo are on a mission to capture your companion Razewing Ratha before it can awaken its destructive power foretold in the prophecy of the Wings of Ruin. Hot on their heels are a group of Hunters and Riders who seek to capture Razewing Ratha for their own nefarious purposes. More details on how these returning characters interact with the previously revealed cast, and the player’s journey to either save their friend or save the world will be revealed soon.

Following the new Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin trailer, the Monster Hunter Digital Event provided the first details on the strategic elements underpinning the turn-based combat in the game. While the three attack types of Power, Speed and Technical return from Monster Hunter Stories, aspiring Monster Riders must also master using the correct weapon type, element, and skills to overcome increasingly imposing threats. By learning the fighting style of individual monsters, players can counter incoming attacks by selecting the correct attack type. Additionally, they can stop enemy monsters in their tracks by targeting and breaking specific body parts, as well as team up with their Monstie to perform powerful Double Attacks. Riders can also join forces with their Monsties and other Battle Buddy characters to unleash devastating Kinship Attacks that can change the flow of battle.

During the event, Monster Hunter Rise players also received their first look at the variety of monsters included in the first free title update for the game, which will be available to all players later today. In addition to the tempestuous arrival of the Elder Dragons Kushala Daora, Teostra, and the previously announced Chameleos, players will also be able to duke it out with Apex Diablos and Apex Rathalos. As part of the update, previously released Apex monsters can be challenged outside of Rampage quests, Magnamalo will join the Rampage quest rotation, players will be able to forge layered armor, and the max hunter rank will be unlocked when certain conditions are met. New event quests will also be released following the title update, and can be played offline at any time once downloaded. Fashion hunters will also be able to purchase new cosmetic DLC that includes new voice options, sticker sets, gestures, layered armor for your buddies and more!

Preorders are now open for Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin on both Nintendo Switch and PC, and include access to the Kamura maiden outfit for Ena. As part of the crossover content for both titles, players who link their save data from Monster Hunter Rise will receive the Rider layered armor for their hunter in that game, while Monstie Riders will be able to access the Kamura Garb layered armor in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin. Finally, today’s Monster Hunter Digital Event provided the first details of what Monster Hunter Rise players can expect in the second free title update, which will release in late May. This next update will include more monsters, a new story ending following the current conclusion of the game, and more. Please stay tuned for more information on future title updates, including upcoming event quests.