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Despite trading action-RPG stylings for turn-based JRPG combat, the Monster Hunter Stories series is very much like its big brother in one major way: it offers an absolute feast of content, particularly for players who want to invest in a meaty endgame grind. It sounds like Monster Hunter Stories 3 will be no exception, but it seems the devs want the main story to be a little more satisfying for players who put the game down after the credits roll, too.
Game director Kenji Oguro told 4Gamer (translated by Automaton) that the main quest of Monster Hunter Stories 3 would take around 30 hours to complete, but that apparently represents a pretty rushed playthrough. Executive producer Ryozo Tsujimoto explained that some playtesters spent over 50 hours finishing the game, with typical playtimes ranging from 40 to 50 hours.
That's in line with previous series entries, according to HowLongToBeat's data. A rushed playthrough of the original game averages 35 hours, with 50 hours for one incorporating more sidequests. Monster Hunter Stories 2 averages between 41 and 61 hours along those same metrics, though either game's playtime might double – or go even further – if you want to truly see everything.
I've no doubt that Monster Hunter Stories 3 will offer similar ways to stay invested – just look at the grind players have already married themselves to in the demo – but the endgame grind won't be a requirement to enjoy the game. Oguro explained that the team wants to be sure "players feel satisfied once they complete the main story,” in contrast to the more endgame-focused Monster Hunter titles that have come before.
I love a good sidequest, but I also generally find myself pretty much ready to shelve a game as soon as I reach credits – particularly if I've spent a full work week or more getting to that point. Monster Hunter Stories 3 sounds like it's sitting right in my own JRPG sweet spot.
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