Monster Hunter Portable 3rd

Game Overview

In Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, players assume the role of a hunter arriving in Yukumo Village, a scenic mountain settlement known for its hot springs. The village is threatened by the powerful Fanged Wyvern Zinogre, whose appearance is linked to greater dangers involving the Elder Dragon Amatsu. Hunters take on Village Quests and Guild Quests that involve tracking, fighting, and carving materials from large monsters to craft improved equipment.

The game combines the hunting loop of previous entries with content inspired by Monster Hunter Tri while removing underwater combat. It introduces new locales such as the Mountain Stream, returns classic monsters with subspecies, and expands the Felyne companion system so players can bring two fully customizable Palicoes (Felynes) on solo quests. Twelve weapon classes are available, including the Switch Axe, Dual Blades, Hunting Horn, Gunlance, and Bow, each with updated movesets.

Progression centers on gathering materials, upgrading armor and weapons, improving the village hot spring for better starting buffs, and tackling higher-rank challenges. Local ad-hoc multiplayer supports up to four players. The game offers extensive content with dozens of large monsters, hundreds of weapons and armor pieces, and high replay value through difficulty tiers and post-game content. It remains a Japan-only release, though fan English patches are widely used by international players.

Quick Specifications

• Title: Monster Hunter Portable 3rd

• Platform: PlayStation Portable (PSP); HD remaster for PlayStation 3 (Japan only)

• Developer: Capcom

• Publisher: Capcom

• Release Date: December 1, 2010 (Japan, PSP); August 25, 2011 (Japan, PS3 HD version)

• Genre: Action role-playing, Hunting action

• Modes: Single-player, local multiplayer (up to 4 players ad-hoc)

• Rating: CERO C (Japan)

• Series: Monster Hunter (third Portable/Freedom entry; third-generation title)

• Flagship Monster: Zinogre

Key Features

• New hub village of Yukumo with a customizable hot spring that provides health and stamina bonuses.

• Expanded Felyne/Palico system: bring up to two companions on solo quests; fully customize their weapons and armor.

• 12 weapon types with updated movesets, including Switch Axe, Dual Blades, Hunting Horn, Gunlance, and Bow.

• New and returning monsters, including flagship Zinogre, Arzuros (Aoashira), and Elder Dragon Amatsu, plus many subspecies.

• New locale: Mountain Stream, alongside reworked maps from Monster Hunter Tri (no underwater sections).

• Village Quests and Guild Quests with Low Rank and High Rank content.

• Deep crafting system for hundreds of weapons and armor pieces using monster materials.

• Local ad-hoc multiplayer for up to four hunters.

• PS3 HD remaster with enhanced graphics, 3D support, and save sharing with the PSP version.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Was Monster Hunter Portable 3rd released outside Japan?

No. It remained a Japan-exclusive title for both the PSP and the later PS3 HD remaster. International players commonly use fan-made English translation patches.

How does it relate to Monster Hunter Tri and previous Portable games?

It is an original Portable entry that adapts many systems and monsters from Monster Hunter Tri into a new story and setting while expanding on the Freedom series formula. It is not a direct port or simple update of either game.

What is the main story about?

A new hunter arrives in Yukumo Village, which is threatened by the Fanged Wyvern Zinogre. Completing quests leads to confronting the true source of the storms—the Elder Dragon Amatsu.

How many weapon types are available?

There are 12 weapon types: Great Sword, Long Sword, Sword & Shield, Dual Blades, Hammer, Hunting Horn, Lance, Gunlance, Switch Axe, Light Bowgun, Heavy Bowgun, and Bow.

Can I play with friends?

Yes. The game supports local ad-hoc multiplayer for up to four players. The PS3 HD version added online multiplayer capabilities.

Is the game beginner-friendly?

It has a learning curve typical of the series, but the improved Felyne companions, clear quest structure, and village facilities make it more approachable than earlier Portable titles while still offering high challenge for veterans.