Monster Hunter is a beloved franchise where players embark on thrilling quests filled with monstrous creatures and epic battles. Among the many gameplay mechanics, mounting a monster is one of the most exhilarating features, allowing hunters to gain an upper hand in battle and showcase their skills. If you’re playing Monster Hunter on the Nintendo Switch and want to learn how to effectively mount a monster, then this guide is for you.
Understanding Monster Mounting
Before delving into the details of how to mount a monster, it’s essential to understand the importance and mechanics behind this action. Mounting is a unique method of engaging monsters that allows hunters to inflict damage while avoiding their powerful attacks. By leaping onto a monster’s back, you have the opportunity to perform multiple strikes, eventually leading to a state known as mounting damage.
Why Mounting Is Essential
Mounting comes with significant advantages. Here’s why you should make mounting a part of your hunting strategy:
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Damage Infliction: While mounted, your damage output increases significantly. You can perform a series of attacks that contribute to the overall damage tally against the monster.
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Disruption: Successfully mounting a monster can disrupt its attacks and behavior, giving your teammates a chance to heal or reposition themselves.
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Environmental Interactions: When mounted, you can also interact with the environment, potentially leading the monster into crashes with terrain or other obstacles.
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Rideable Monsters: Some monsters can be ridden after a successful mount, allowing you to control their movement and guide them into other monsters, which can lead to exciting battles.
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Team Coordination: Mounting can create opportunities for coordinated group attacks, allowing your team to strategize effectively against particularly challenging monsters.
Preparing for the Hunt
Before you can successfully mount a monster in Monster Hunter on the Nintendo Switch, you need to adequately prepare for the hunt. Here are some steps to ensure you are ready:
Choose the Right Weapon
Some weapons are better suited for mounting than others. Weapons that excel in mounting include:
- Great Sword
- Long Sword
- Dual Blades
- Charge Blade
Understanding the weapon you choose is critical because it affects your mounting capabilities and overall battle strategy.
Gather Necessary Items
Before heading out, make sure to stock up on crucial items:
- Health Potions
- Mega Potions
- Gnawing Wirebugs
These items will aid you throughout the hunt, especially when attempting to mount a monster.
How to Mount a Monster
Now that you’re prepared, let’s break down the steps of actually mounting a monster in Monster Hunter on the Nintendo Switch.
1. Identify Mountable Monsters
Not all monsters can be mounted. Generally, larger monsters like great jagras, barroth, and pukei-pukei are easier to mount. Pay attention to their behavior; when a monster becomes staggered or weakened, it presents a perfect opportunity for mounting.
2. Build Up Your Attack Momentum
To successfully mount, you first need to build up sufficient mounting damage. Engage the monster using normal attacks, aiming for head and legs. Remember, the more attacks you successfully land, the better your chances for mounting.
Tips for Increasing Mounting Damage
- Focus on weak areas of the monster.
- Use Wyvern Riding mechanics to launch yourself onto the monster.
- Utilize Aerial Attacks if your weapon supports them.
3. Use Wirebugs to Assist Your Mounting
Wirebugs are a fantastic addition to the Monster Hunter gameplay experience, allowing greater mobility. You can utilize them to launch yourself onto a monster.
- Press ZR to use a Wirebug and initiate a jump onto the monster.
- Time your jump correctly when you see the monster stagger to increase your chances of successfully mounting.
4. Execute the Mounting Action
Once you’re close, press the A button when prompted to mount the monster. Timing is crucial! Hitting the button too early or too late may cause you to miss the mount opportunity.
Combat While Mounted
Upon successfully mounting the monster, you will enter the mounting combat phase. During this time, you can attack it to increase your mounting damage.
1. Utilize Your Attack Options
While mounted, you can perform various attacks. The basic button combos will depend on the weapon you’ve chosen. Familiarize yourself with the mounted attack combo to maximize damage.
2. Watch for the Monster’s Movements
Once mounted, the monster will try to shake you off. Pay attention to its movements, as it may perform actions such as charging or bucking.
Tips for Staying Mounted
- Keep your input responsive. The better your timing, the more likely you will stay mounted.
- Leverage the environment to your advantage; get the monster to slam into walls or other monsters.
Ending the Mount: The Mounting State
After successfully inflicting enough mounting damage, the monster will enter a state of overwhelming fatigue, allowing you to dismount at will or potentially transition into a Wyvern Ride.
How to Transition to Wyvern Riding
If you have sufficiently built up the mounting state, the game may provide a prompt to transition into Wyvern Riding. Here are the steps:
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Control the Monster: Once you’ve transitioned into a Wyvern Ride, you gain control. Utilize this ability to cause damage to other monsters or lead the monster into environmental hazards.
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Unleash Special Attacks: While riding, you can execute special attacks that can deal considerable damage to other monsters or create openings for your teammates.
Post-Mount Strategies
After transitioning from the mounting phase, it is essential to adjust your strategy based on the situation:
1. Regroup with Your Team
Once you dismount, check on your team’s conditions. Coordinating efforts post-mount can lead to successful takedowns.
2. Analyze the Monster’s Behavior
Observe any changes in the monster’s behavior. After a mount, it may become enraged or more erratic. Stay aware and adjust your tactics accordingly.
3. Continue the Assault
After a successful mount and potential Wyvern Ride, keep targeting the monster’s weak points. The damage inflicted can lead to potential breaks or status effects, making the hunt easier for the whole team.
Practice Makes Perfect
Successfully mounting monsters takes practice. Don’t be discouraged by early failures. The more you engage with different monsters and refine your technique, the more confident you will become in your mounting abilities.
In conclusion, mastering the art of monster mounting in Monster Hunter on the Nintendo Switch not only enhances your gaming experience but also significantly impacts the outcome of your hunts. With the right preparation, understanding of mechanics, and coordinated team efforts, you can become a true monster hunter. Get out there, practice your mounting skills, and bring down those colossal beasts like a pro!
What is Monster Mounting in Monster Hunter on Nintendo Switch?
Monster Mounting is a gameplay mechanic that allows players to climb and ride large monsters during battles. This technique grants hunters an opportunity to deal damage from a unique position and also momentarily control the monster’s movements. It adds a strategic layer to combat, enabling players to dodge attacks while engaging directly with their foes.
To successfully mount a monster, players must inflict enough damage to trigger the mounting mechanism. Once mounted, players can perform various actions, including dealing damage and executing certain attacks. The ultimate goal is often to weaken the monster enough to make it fall, allowing players to secure additional rewards and bonuses from the encounter.
How do I initiate the mounting process?
To initiate the mounting process, you must first engage a large monster and deal consistent damage. You can gain momentum by using specific weapon types that are more effective for mounting, like Great Swords or Switch Axes. Look for opportunities to attack while avoiding monster movements, as timing and position are critical to triggering the mountable state.
Once the mounting state is achieved, you’ll see a notification on-screen informing you of the successful mount. Use the control stick to maintain your balance while attacking. Be aware that a percentage of damage dealt during the mounting phase can help weaken the monster, thus increasing your chances of successfully bringing it down and transitioning to your next attack.
Which monsters are best for mounting?
Some monsters are more suited for mounting activities due to their size and movements. Larger creatures like the Tigrex and Great Jagras tend to be easier to mount because they typically have predictable attack patterns and provide ample opportunities to climb onto their backs. These monsters are often susceptible to mounting damage, making them ideal candidates for hunters looking to master this mechanic.
However, not all large monsters are easy to ride. Some may have quick attacks or erratic movements that can throw a hunter off balance. It can be helpful to familiarize yourself with each monster’s behavior and choose the right moment to mount, as well as ensure you have the right gear and skills to support a successful mount.
What weapons are best suited for mounting monsters?
Weapons that provide a good balance of mobility and attack power are best suited for mounting. The Great Sword, Hunting Horn, and Switch Axe are particularly effective as they allow for strong, consistent hits while maintaining the agility necessary to stay mounted. Their unique movesets offer various options for dealing damage while perched on a monster, increasing your chances of a successful mount.
In addition, the Insect Glaive is a notable choice for mounting due to its inherent ability to jump and create distance. Players wielding this weapon can swiftly evade monster attacks while building momentum for a mount. Ultimately, the choice of weapon may depend on your preferred playstyle, so experimenting with different weapon types can help you find what works best for mastering monster mounting.
What benefits do I gain from successfully mounting a monster?
Successfully mounting a monster offers several benefits, such as increased control over the fight and opportunities for significant damage. While mounted, players can deal powerful attacks that may lead to the monster being toppled. This not only yields direct damage but also allows your teammates to capitalize on the moment, making it easier to land critical hits or set up coordinated attacks.
Additionally, mounting bonuses often include rewards like increased material drops and enhanced hunting experience points. Bringing a monster down with a mount could also lead to staggered phases where you and your team can inflict more damage without being retaliated against. Overall, mastering mounting amplifies your efficiency and effectiveness as a hunter, making battles more rewarding and strategic.
Can I team up with other players when mounting a monster?
Yes, you can team up with other players when mounting a monster in Monster Hunter on Nintendo Switch. This cooperative feature encourages teamwork, allowing multiple hunters to coordinate strategies for mounting and attacking the same monster. When playing in multiplayer mode, proper communication is key to ensuring everyone contributes effectively during the mounting phase.
When multiple players are involved, it’s essential to share responsibilities, such as keeping the monster distracted while others mount. Additionally, discussing the right timing for attacks and mounts can lead to a more streamlined and effective hunt. Team playing can enhance the mounting experience, providing the opportunity to tackle tougher monsters collaboratively and increase the chances of success.