Two Massive JRPGs Are Now Free on PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium
If you’re browsing PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium, there’s no shortage of great titles to binge, but two standout RPGs are quietly waiting to dominate your library—and your free time. Enter Monster Hunter Stories and Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, a pair of turn-based RPGs that blend monster collecting with the classic world of Monster Hunter, offering a combination of character development and tactical combat unlike anything else on the platform right now.
Monster-Taming Meets Deep Strategy
The Monster Hunter Stories series brings a fresh twist to the famed franchise: instead of simply hunting monsters, you’ll capture and raise them—known as Monsties—to fight by your side. Think of it as Pokémon evolving alongside the brutal and fascinating creatures of Monster Hunter. The gameplay’s core revolves around a rock-paper-scissors battle system that’s easy for newcomers but rewards players who dive deeper into Monstie types, weapon strengths, and synergy strategies. Layered environments and quests mean exploration never gets dull.
Performance and Visual Upgrades on PlayStation
While the original Monster Hunter Stories began its journey on Nintendo 3DS, its arrival on PlayStation brings it to a broader audience—though it does show its roots with lower graphic fidelity compared to modern standards. That said, the gameplay relies on charm, quirky writing, and innovative monster mechanics. Its sequel, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, initially launched on Switch, translates beautifully to PlayStation hardware. Expect richer visuals, smoother performance, and minimal loading times on the PS5—a bonus for collectors and story enthusiasts alike.
Why Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin Is the Best Place to Start
If you’re new to the series, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is the clear entry point. Its story is deeper and pacing more refined, giving you more variety in Monstie companions, monster parts, and customization options. With a strong Metacritic score (81 from critics, 8.1 from users), the sequel received critical acclaim at release, highlighting the improved combat and expansive narrative that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
How Many Hours Will You Get?
Buckle in: completing the main stories of both games will push past 75 hours. For those who love to see and do everything (and nab every Trophy), completionist runs for both titles can exceed 230 hours, especially with the extensive post-game content in Wings of Ruin. This is perfect for PlayStation trophy hunters and anyone who loves getting the most out of their subscription.
The Monster Hunter Stories Effect: A Rising JRPG Star
The Monster Hunter Stories franchise is fast becoming a fan favorite for those who crave monster-taming adventures but desire a meatier RPG experience than most creature collect-a-thons provide. The series’ turn-based combat, layered with tactical nuance and variety in both story and character progression, sit it comfortably alongside heavyweight JRPG franchises. For anyone missing titles like Dragon Quest Monsters or yearning for a fresh spin on the traditional turn-based RPG, these games are a must-play on PlayStation Plus.
Whether you’re chasing every Monstie, optimizing your party for the perfect challenge, or just eager for a sweeping adventure with hundreds of hours of content, Monster Hunter Stories and its sequel more than deliver. Both are available now for Extra and Premium members via the PlayStation Store.
