Monster hunter stories is a spin-off series, and that unfolds in many ways. the world of monster hunter There, the lore is intact, but it transforms the real-time, loot-based action gameplay of the mainline series into a story-driven, turn-based experience reminiscent of traditional JRPGs. but, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection Now has finally built another bridge between the spin-off and the mainline series by adding its most iconic features.
Cooking has long been a truly treasured part of life monster hunter series through its early games Monster Hunter Wild. In fact, it's such a beloved element of the franchise, that many players look forward to it when new monster hunter The game is declared or continued. In many games in the series, players visit a canteen, select food, and then watch stylized, character-driven animation as their hunters and companions sit down to eat before heading out on the hunt. That whole experience has been a highlight for many players and helped define it monster hunter Pre-hunting ritual. Now, for the first time in a spin-off series, Monster Hunter Stories 3 It features its own fully animated cooking scene, and it's beautiful.
Monster Hunter Stories 3 finally features a fully animated cooking scene
Players unlock cooking abilities Monster Hunter Stories 3 Shortly after Eleanor joins the party, as she is apparently the master chef in the group. Then, while at camp or in town, players can select foods to cook for Eleanor that provide benefits such as increased stamina or health. After choosing one, a fully animated scene shows Eleanor cutting the meat and mixing the ingredients to cook, while the prince (the player character) and the other friends look on in amazement. And, of course, palikos also play their part in cooking.
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Demon Hunter's cooking scenes have always been a beloved feature
What makes such a scene such a big deal is that, for many players, the appeal of these cooking sequences goes beyond the stat improvements they provide. monster hunter's cooking animations have always brought a personality and charm to the series that few others can, especially as Palico and the chefs become iconic and beloved symbols of the franchise's identity. Some long-time players have even complained a time or two when modern entries streamline or eliminate these scenes, largely because they lose that quirky, character-driven moment that brings the fun of the world right before the hunt.
In other words, it's the way these scenes feel that really matters most monster hunter fans, and that in itself is as rewarding as the temporary buffs that come with consuming food. Visuals for animations let players know if they're hungry or even really smile when one plays. In community forums and threads, players often compare these scenes to some monster hunterThe most memorable moments. A Reddit post from 8 years ago, for example, invited other players to share their love of cooking cutscenes, with many of them commenting “it looks so delicious” and “it feels wrong to skip those cutscenes.”
Previous Monster Hunter Stories games did not feature cooking scenes
And that's exactly why Monster Hunter Stories 3The new cooking scene means a lot, as previous games in the spin-off series didn't feature them. Opposite the main line monster hunter Games, where cooking and cooking scenes have a long-standing tradition of fully animated scenes and characters flourishing, the first two Monster hunter stories The title didn't include one.
original Monster hunter stories There was a simple way to prepare cooked meat by going to a Grillmeister NPC and turning raw meat into a steak, but it was handled through menu interactions and a small timing mechanic rather than a cinematic moment with full character animation. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Destruction Similarly lacking was a dedicated animated meal sequence, with cooked meat items primarily obtained through quests rather than as triggers for eventful cutscenes. Because of that, Monster Hunter Stories 3For the first time a fully animated cooking scene looks even more so as the spin-off series embraces one of the most recognizable traditions from the mainline games.
Players have already praised the cooking scene of Monster Hunter Stories 3 If Monster Hunter Stories 3The demo is any indication, the cooking scene is already becoming one of those small touch players that are exclusively associated with this entry.
And there's no better indication of how beloved this tradition is than the latest cooking animation Stories The game is already being received by the community. only Monster Hunter Stories 3While the demo is out now, the full launch isn't happening until March 13, and yet players are already talking about how great its cooking scene is. A Reddit post by MizutsuneMH called the animation “great”, prompting other players to confirm the sentiment with comments such as “sorry, how good everything looks” and “Honestly, if I was distracted”. monster hunter Looking to use this style in future major games I won't be disappointed.”
That kind of early enthusiasm speaks volumes. Cooking scenes have never been more imperative to success monster hunterBut they've become part of the series' emotional DNA, a little ritual that makes the world feel warmer and more alive before players step into danger. for the Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted ReflectionAdding that moment more than mirrors the mainline games. Instead, it reinforces that this spin-off belongs to the same family, even if its combat and structure are different. A turn-based format may separate it mechanically, but this kind of shared tradition closes that gap emotionally. If Monster Hunter Stories 3If the demo is any indication, the cooking scene is already becoming one of those small touch players are particularly associated with this entry, and when a small detail can communicate so much, it shows how powerful a well-cooked tradition can be.
- issued
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March 13, 2026
- ESRB
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Juvenile/fantasy violence, mild suggestive themes, in-game purchases
