Monster Hunter Generations is the latest installment of the popular Monster Hunter franchise. As in past games, players take control of a hunter as they embark into the world to slay powerful monsters. You’re rewarded with crafting items that are then used create more powerful weapons and take on even deadlier monsters. The ultimate goal is to slay the Flagship Monsters, aka four of the toughest enemies in the game. It’s a vicious cycle of fun!
Monster Hunter is beloved for its complex battle system, near infinite replayability, and a deep sense of community. Though if you’re just joining that community, Monster Hunter’s variety of complex systems might be pretty overwhelming. Whether it’s the different types of weapons, hunting styles, and quests there can be a huge amount to learn before you start slaying monsters like a pro. To ease your way into this massive world, here’s Fandom’s Monster Hunter Generations Starter Guide. Let’s break down some of the basic elements of Monster Hunter to help make those first few hours a breeze. Happy Hunting!
Weapon Types
Monster Hunter Generations provides a total of 14 weapon types for players to use — 11 Blademaster Weapons and 3 Gunner Weapons. Blademaster weapons are melee-oriented weapons while Gunner weapons are distance-oriented weapons. Each weapon has a different moveset, with their own unique positives and negatives. Most players will discover they play some styles better than the others. Give each of these weapons a try and discover which one feels the best in your hands.
Great Sword: This is a classic weapon first introduced in the original Monster Hunter, and it’s a weapon capable of dealing massive damage. Though it takes more nuance to use than its size would have you believe.
Long Sword: A recent-ish addition to MH, the Long Sword features moderately high attack power with decent mobility, but you end up losing a lot a guard and defensive ability.
Sword and Shield: If you’re looking for a really balanced weapon, the Sword and Shield is a good choice, though it suffers from a lower damage threshold. However, it is capable of inflicting status ailments.
Dual Blades: Don’t want something unwieldy? Then here’s a good choice. The Dual Blade is a high-speed weapon that features low attack power and very capable of inflicting status ailments.
Hammer: The Hammer is a powerful, two-handed weapon that delivers massive attack damage but at slow speed, as you’d expect from something its size.
Hunting Horn: The Hunting Horn is another two-handed weapon that delivers big damage and can cast different effects, including very useful stuns.
Lance: The Lance is a long weapon that strikes from a considerable distance and provides solid blocking and defense, though it’s not the easiest to lug around the battlefield.
Gunlance: The Gunlance is a long weapon with a mechanism that fires explosive rounds, though it only works in close range.
Switch Axe: This is a powerful melee weapon with transformation capabilities, allowing dynamic changes in attack style, though it takes some time to truly master.
Charge Blade: The Charge Blade is a melee weapon with transformation capabilities akin to the Switch Axe, and it’s also known for a high skill ceiling.
Insect Glaive: Lastly, there’s the Insect Glaive, a double-ended rod is capable of quick, fluid attacks. It also allows the hunter to jump at any time in a pole vaulting fashion.
Hunter Styles
Hunter Styles are a new feature in Monster Hunter Generations. These different techniques alter the hunter’s moveset and gives them access to different Hunter Arts, which are more powerful than your standard attacks. Each hunter style is limited to a certain amount of equable Hunter Arts. The player can freely select which style and arts they want to arm themselves within their Equipment Box. Experiment with each style to determine which one is the best fit for you.
Guild Style: This style is the ‘default’ style that previous players from Monster Hunter will be used to. It provides two Hunter Arts and has a balanced mix of attacks. For users who like to be adaptive to any situation, this style is for you.
Striker Style: For players who love to use Hunter Arts, look no further than the Striker Style. It provides three Hunter Arts and it’s easier to charge the Arts Gauge, letting you use them more often. As a downside, it removes some of the more versatile moves from your weapon’s moveset.
Aerial Style: For flashy players, the Aerial Style is a good fit. The default dodge action is replaced with a front flip, allowing you to jump onto monsters and propel yourself high into the air to attack. The downsides are you’re limited to just one Hunter Art, and you lose some of your versatility on the ground.
Adept Style: Formally known as Bushido Style, this is all about precise dodging and counterattacks. By dodging through a monster’s attack, players can unleash a powered up counter. The style is limited to only one Hunter Art. For veteran players or those who like an added challenge, give this style a try.
Palicos
Along with creating a character, players can also create their own Palico companion. These cat-like creatures can be used as support characters when playing. Once arriving in the village of Bherna, leave your house and take the road to the Palico farm. Once there, talk to the Meowstress to create your unique Palico, even down to specialized equipment. There’s a Palico Board located within your house and in this area that allows you to switch modes for them. Palicos can be computer-controlled while you hunt, or you can take direct control of them using the Prowler Mode. While playing as a Palico in Prowler Mode, it’s best to stick to a support style and play with friends to help do more damage. Players can utilize up to two Palico companions on hunts and it’s recommended to have them come along.
Village Quests
In Monster Hunter Generations, players will travel across four different major villages. These areas are where players can accept quests, cook meals, store items, and much more. Players can find the Blacksmith in town as well, which will help them improve their weapons over time. The first major village is called Bherna. After players complete some introductory tasks, they’ll be able to take village quests. Here is a list of all 1★ village quests in Bherna that players will need to tackle first.
Boot to the Head
(Unlocks after completing all 1★ Village Quests)
* Slay 1 Great Maccao
* Subquest: Slay 5 Maccao
* Monsters: Larinoth, Maccao
* Rewards: 900z, 600z (Subquest Reward)
So there, if you keep all this in mind, you’ll be ready for the world of Monster Hunter Generations, though you’ll soon learn there’s even more to discover as you go.
