An info packed Monster Hunter Showcase revealed new features and monsters for the upcoming story-rich, turn-based RPG Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, coming to PlayStation 5 on March 13, 2026. The showcase also heated things up with an explosive blast of new details on Free Title Update 4 for Monster Hunter Wilds, bringing the towering Elder Dragon Gogmazios to the game in an epic hunt unlike any other.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
Endangered Species and Invasive Monsters
In Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, you’ll take on the role of the protagonist, who serves as the captain of the Rangers. The Rangers are dedicated to the discovery and protection of endangered species eggs, with a focus on restoring the ecosystem. With the Crystal Encroachment threatening the land’s natural order, and the increase in Invasive Monsters, you’ll play a vital role in the preservation of the land.
Invasive monsters
Powerful monsters that invade other monsters’ habitats, threaten other monsters, and take over their territory. Within the invasive monster’s den, endangered eggs may lie dormant. The Rangers may enter an Invasive Monsters’ den and find an endangered species’ egg, but recovering it will prove to be a challenge.
Retreat battles
Invasive Monsters are powerful and can’t be beaten using normal battle tactics. Pay close attention during battle and think tactically to force the monster to retreat to its den.
After causing the invasive monster to retreat into its den, it’s time to enter in for yourself. Sneak around the sleeping monster and snag the endangered egg, then make a run for it before you get caught.
Habitat restoration
Through a new process called Habitat Restoration, monsters can put down roots in an area and rebuild their species. After hatching an endangered species egg, the monster can be released back into the wild. Eventually, a monster population will be restored, and their eggs can be found and hatched into Monstie partners. This process can be performed with both endangered species and regular monsters. Also, some special monsters can only be obtained through Habitat Restoration.
When a monstie is sent to the wild, it increases the Ecosystem Rank of the area. Continue to raise the Ecosystem Rank to make it easier to obtain eggs for a specific Monstie. The higher the rank, the more likely it is to hatch a Monstie with special skills or genes.
Dual-element monsters
Raising the Ecosystem Rank and monsters can result in discovering monsters imbued with the specific element native to the area. These dual-element monsters are born with skills of a differing element than their usual one and can even affect their appearance.
Protect monsters, preserve their ecosystems, and live out your duties by roleplaying as a true ranger. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection evolves the series’ monster-raising mechanics with added RPG depth and new layers of strategy.
Arkveld appears
In addition to Chatacabra and Ray Dau, Arkveld from Monster Hunter Wilds also makes its way from the Forbidden Lands. Stay tuned for more information to come.
You can pre-order Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection at PlayStation Store now.
Monster Hunter Wilds Free Title Update 4
The Elder Dragon, Gogmazios, Arrives in the Forbidden Lands.
Coming December 16 in Free Title Update 4, the mysterious and massive Elder Dragon dubbed the Giant Halberd Dragon. Gogmazios is covered in thick black liquid across its entire body, and seems to have a large object resembling a Dragonator lodged in its back.
A monster as imposing as Gogmazios calls for a special type of hunt. Gather a team of eight, consisting of up to four hunters and four support hunters, including Fabius and the returning bowgun wielder Nadia. Challenging Gogmazios will require you to reach Hunter Rank 100 or above, as well as completing the Main Mission: A First Cry.
After defeating Gogmazios in an Extra Mission, a repeatable permanent Event Quest will be available. Defeat Gogmazios repeatedly to earn materials for forging new Hunter armor and Palico gear.
Gogmazios materials can also be used to upgrade your Artian Weapons beyond their current limits. Upgrade your Rarity 8 Artian Weapons to the new Gogma Artian Weapons, with bonuses from the current weapon transferred over.
Gogma Artian Weapons have one Set Bonus Skill and one Group skill, chosen at random.
Use the Gogma Reinforce function to either strengthen your existing bonuses or reroll for new ones. You’ll also be able to re-roll the Set Bonus Skill and Group Skill, allowing for even more set building possibilities.
Transcendence
Hunters at HR 100 or above can further enhance their armor through a process called Transcendence. This will increase the maximum level of your armor, with Rarity 5 and 6 armor sets gaining enhanced decoration slots.
Enhance your armor and face the towering Gogmazios.
Take on Arch Tempered Jin Dahaad.
The fourth Arch-tempered monster, Arch-tempered Jin Dahaad, will appear in a permanent event quest starting on Wednesday, December 24. Defeating it will reward new materials to forge the Dahaad γ Hunter and Palico armor sets. This 9-star quest will require hunters to be at least HR 100 to challenge.
New optional quests
Take on new challenging Optional Quests that put you against a trio of 9-star monsters. Hunters who are confident in their skills can take on these high-difficulty quests and earn special nameplates as rewards.
These rewards are only obtainable if hunters take on the quest from the very beginning and aren’t obtainable if you join midway through the quest.
Also, Hunting Exercises, which pit you against tempered 9-star monsters, will be added with Free Title Update 4. Take on this new array of quests to test and hone your skills.
New Support Hunters
Nadia, a Light Bowgun wielding support hunter, will join you in the hunt against Gogmazios.
In addition, Griffin, a Great Sword wielding hunter from the Ferrum Unit and Nightmist, a Light Bowgun wielding hunter from the Aurora Unit will be available to join as Support Hunters with Free Title Update 4.
More event quests
New Event Quests are on the way and will be released gradually in the weeks ahead, including quests that allow you to craft special equipment and quests that make it easier to obtain Heavy Armor Spheres to upgrade your armor.
Festival of Accord: Lumenhymn
The winter themed seasonal event, the Festival of Accord: Lumenhymn will take place December 19, 2025, to January 14, 2026.
The Grand Hub will feature festive decorations, offering special meals and limited-time rewards including exclusive armor, gestures, and camp decorations.
Additionally, various content such as login bonuses and event quests will be available. Like Fabius, Nadia will join as a support hunter during the event period.
We can’t wait to see you in the dazzlingly decorated Grand Hub.
Update Plans for 2026 and Beyond
While the fourth title update will be the last major update for Monster Hunter Wilds, including new additional monsters, we plan to release a final update in February.
In the February update, Arch-tempered Arkveld will be introduced as the final Arch-tempered monster. We’ll also add the Shatterseal Great Sword and the SOS Meeting Pendant to the game, which were both selected as the winners of the Monster Hunter Wilds Design Contest earlier this year.
We also plan to release collaboration content commemorating the release of Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. Look forward to the Royal Palico Rudy armor for your Palico, as well as a special pendant.
We’ll announce the details of the February update in the future, so stay tuned for more information to come.
We hope you’re looking forward to the release of both Monster Hunter Wilds Free Title Update 4 on December 16, and the launch of Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection on March 13, 2026!
