In Monster Hunter Stories from Cpacom for the Nintendo 3DS, players become a rider and bond with monsters to raise their potential and unleash powerful combos.

Prepare to embark on an RPG adventure unlike anything the Monster Hunter series has ever known!

In a world where large monsters roam, and people everywhere make a living hunting, there's a remote village of people who follow a different set of customs. They are the Monster Riders, a people who don't hunt but instead form bonds with monsters.

Unlike hunters, they raise and live in harmony with monsters, forming inseparable bonds with them using mysterious artifacts known as Kinship Stones.

The monsters that form kinships with Riders, known as "Monsties," possess incredible powers. By becoming a Rider, you too can befriend countless Monsties, riding them as you explore a vast, exciting world. Join the adventure and "Ride On!"

The story begins in a forest near the village of Riders. Three young friendsthe hero, Lilia, and Chevalstumble upon a shining egg.

The trio perform a playful imitation of the Rite of Kinship, only to be shocked when it actually succeeds!

The egg hatches, revealing a baby Rathalos, a flying wyvern also known as "the King of the Skies." The trio affectionately name him "Ratha," and take him back to the village.

Days later, without warning, the village is beset upon by a monster infected by "the Black Blight." They manage to drive it away, but not before it devastates the townand leaves indelible scars in the hearts of Cheval and Lilia.

A year passes...

The hero receives a Kinship Stone from the Village Chief and officially becomes a Rider. Cheval and Lilia both leave the village, each on their own path. The hero, though separated now from childhood friends, partners up with the cheerful Navirou, and embarks upon a new adventure into the world of hunters.

A story of friendship and triumph await youride on into the world of Monster Hunter Stories!