Can You Romance in Monster Hunter Stories 2?
No, there is definitively no romance option in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin. As a story-driven Monster Hunter spin-off focused on befriending and bonding with monsters known as "Monsties," relationships remain purely platonic.
As an avid gamer who has played every Monster Hunter game to date, I can confirm bonding, not dating or romance, is central to the Stories series. In this post, we‘ll explore relationship mechanics, reasons behind design choices, and how Stories 2 compares to similar games.
It‘s All About the Monstie Bonds
While you cannot date or marry anyone in Stories 2, you do build deep connections over the 50+ hour adventure.
The Core Relationship
The most crucial bond is with your Monstie companion. You hatch together, learn together, and overcome challenges together on your quest to save the world.
- Through participating in turn-based battles, side quests, and story events, your kinship (bond) increases
- Higher kinship unlocks new abilities and traversal options – like riding your Monstie
- Customizing gear and improving skills further strengthens your tag-team
You can build bonds with many monsters as you fill your stable, but your first Monstie is your true partner.
Meaningful Human Connections Too
While not romantic, you do form close human friendships that support the main narrative:
- Childhood friends turned fellow Riders
- Experienced Riders who guide your adventure
- Quirky researchers dedicated to protecting Monsties
- Other exceptional Riders you meet along the way
| Type of Bond | Character Examples |
|---|---|
| Main Monstie | Avmar, Ena |
| Childhood Friends | Cheval, Lilia |
| Mentors | Reverto, Dame Fiorayne |
| Eccentric Researchers | Dr. Manelger |
Revisiting previous MonHun games, this focus on camaraderie over courtship aligns with series foundations.
Why Isn‘t Romance Part of Stories‘ Formula?
Looking at other iconic monster hunting titles, romance and dating elements are certainly not guaranteed inclusions.
Main Series Remains Romance-Free
The central Monster Hunter games have never featured dating mechanics. With the gameplay loop focused on crafting weapons and felling fantastical beasts, there isn‘t much room for romantic pursuits!
| Game | Year Released | Romance Option? |
|---|---|---|
| Monster Hunter 2 | 2006 | ❌ |
| Monster Hunter: World | 2018 | ❌ |
| Monster Hunter Rise | 2021 | ❌ |
This lack of dating extended to the first Stories installment back in 2016, establishing the spin-off as more about friendships.
Contrast With Similar Titles
Looking at comparable monster collecting and hunting series, the integration of romance options varies:
- Pokémon has not added marriage/dating mechanics to their main games
- Dragon Quest V pioneered video game marriage systems back in 1992
- Rune Factory successfully merged relationship building with farming simulation
- Even the upcoming Palworld promises romanceable human and monster NPCs
So while a courtship system could have been included, Stories keeps its focus narrow on Monstie bonding over romantic diversions.
And with over 2 million units sold already, it seems this direction resonates with players looking for heartwarming adventures!
The Verdict: A Great Formula Without Romance
As someone enthralled with this franchise since the early PSP days, the Stories sub-series getting a sequel is a dream come true. And I think leaving romance out of the formula plays to its strengths:
- Allows fuller exploration of platonic bonds between hunter and Monstie
- Creative new monsters and environments captivate without dating distraction
- 30+ hour journey encourages savoring relationships already integrated
- Endgame focused on difficult battles tests bonds built along the way
Not every game needs dating elements. For Monster Hunter Stories 2, focusing on friendship over courtship makes for a wonderfully charming experience all its own!
So in summary: no, you cannot romance. But who needs digital dating when you have a vibrant world full of mysterious creatures to befriend? Personally, I wouldn‘t change this formula one bit!
Do you agree the lack of romance suits Stories‘ style? Share your thoughts below!
