Monster Hunter Stories 3 Draws Inspiration from Clair Obscur Expedition 33 and Metaphor ReFantazio for Engaging Turn-Based Combat

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The team behind Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection has drawn inspiration from other modern turn-based RPGs, specifically highlighting the influence of Metaphor: ReFantazio and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on their upcoming title.

Capcom is once again transforming its iconic monster-hunting franchise into a JRPG with Monster Hunter Stories 3, but the landscape has shifted significantly since the last installment nearly a decade ago. Lead designer Daisuke Wakahara shared with Automaton that the team analyzed recent “high-profile” turn-based RPGs that feature innovative mechanics, such as those found in Metaphor: ReFantazio and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

You can spot some of this inspiration in the new demo for Monster Hunter Stories 3, where players can defeat low-level enemies in the field without being pulled into a turn-based encounter, reminiscent of Metaphor: ReFantazio. The combined influence of these titles has also shaped broader aspects of Capcom’s game design.

“We recognize a strong preference for games that allow players to progress smoothly and quickly, avoiding the grind of leveling up. The concept of rewarding players for specific actions has evolved significantly in the industry, and we made sure to integrate that philosophy into our game,” he explained, while emphasizing that the team remains committed to ensuring battles are both satisfying and challenging.

The Monster Hunter Stories team understands that convenience and ease are not the same, so they won’t be simplifying combat just to quicken the pace. In fact, game director Kenji Oguro noted that “the most thrilling moments in a game occur when you barely win,” and those are the experiences the developers are striving to create.

We’ll find out how it all comes together when Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection launches for PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X|S on March 13, 2026.

In a surprising twist, players in the Monster Hunter Stories 3 demo are managing to defeat superbosses even with a level cap of 10.