Jason Hidalgo

Reno Gazette-Journal

Technobubble covers games, gadgets, technology and all things geek. Follow Technobubble poobah Jason Hidalgo’s shenanigans on Twitter @jasonhidalgo or his Tabiasobi Youtube channel.

UPDATES: The guide now has a complete list of all Monsties, including the locations for the actual monsters as well as where to get their Monstie eggs. The list also includes retreat probability rates for Paintballs for each Monstie as well as extra actions you can take to increase the chances of them running back to their Monster Den (e.g. status effects, elemental attacks, etc.) You can find the list under the section “Acquiring Monsties.”

Also started working on a separate Monster Hunter Stories Armor and Weapon Guide. I was originally thinking of just adding the information to this article but this one has apparently gotten so long that I’m getting a ton of lag when I’m editing it through our content management system. Technology, man. Anyway, I plan on updating both guides with new info so feel free to check back regularly! I was originally thinking of just adding the information to this article but this one has apparently gotten so long that I’m getting a ton of lag when I’m editing it through our content management system. Technology, man. Anyway, I plan on updating both guides with new info so feel free to check back regularly!

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

As someone who has always pined for a Monster Hunter role-playing game for years, I was quite intrigued when Monster Hunter Stories was announced.

Granted, not every Monster Hunter fan feels the same way (for traditionalists, make sure to check out our Monster Hunter Generations and XX Guide). As they say, however, variety is the spice of life. (For more about my thoughts on this game, check out my Monster Hunter Stories review.)

Speaking of variety, there are a lot of things for even veteran Monster Hunter players to pick up in Monster Hunter Stories. Yes, there are a lot of familiar touches for sure but this is a totally different game that’s founded on JRPG mechanics with a dash of monster collecting.

First, let’s go over some of the basics.

The campaign

You start out as an aspiring apprentice Rider from the remote village of Hakum with your friends Lillia and Cheval. As you train to prepare for your trials and initiation, however, an ancient evil returns in the form of the Black Blight, which slowly corrupts the land and its creatures.

Solving the mystery behind the dark Blight serves as the foundation of the campaign, which takes you from the sleepy village of Hakum to other towns and destinations around the world.

Game flow

Hakum Village serves as the central hub at the beginning of the game. From here, you can branch out to do one of three activities.

Story Quests: This one’s a pretty straightforward journey as well as all you need to do is follow the main Story quest markers to fill them. To give you an idea, I’ve included the Story Quests for the initial portions of the campaign that you can scroll down to in this guide. To give you an idea, I’ve included the Story Quests for the initial portions of the campaign that you can scroll down to in this guide.

Subquests: These are optional missions that help you earn extra experience, money and items. Subquests can be accepted through the Mission Board in town as well as NPCs and range from finding items to slaying monsters.

Free exploration: Monster Hunter Stories features several areas and locales that you can explore with your Monsties and buddy Navirou to your heart’s content. These areas feature gathering, mining and fishing points for collecting materials used in item combining as well as weapon and armor crafting. They also serve as home for a wide range of monsters that you can fight and defeat for experience and materials. Of special interest are Monster Dens, which contain Egg Nests that you can raid to find Monsties that you can hatch and call your own. Areas also include initially inaccessible portions that you can get to later on once you have a Monstie with the requisite skill or Riding Actions such as Jump or the ability to climb vines. To help travel more easily later on, you can also find umbrella stations that serve as hailing points for the Catavan, allowing to quick travel to places you’ve already been to.

Later on, you will also unlock the ability to do Local or Online Battles against other players using your Monstie allies, giving you another activity to do.

Battling

Combat is a big part of Monster Hunter Stories, which uses turn-based battling that features its own unique twist on the classic JRPG system. With the exception of boss or story battles, you have the option of initiating combat by touching the enemy. You’ll want to approach and tag them from the butt, er, behind, if possible, in order to trigger an ambush with free hits. Conversely, you’ll want to avoid enemy contact on your behind as you can be ambushed as well.

Your party typically consists of your main character and Monstie of choice. You can also switch Monsties anytime without penalty if you want to take advantage of attack typing or swap out a monster with low health. Knowing your Monsties attack preference, as well as the tendencies of enemy monsters, is important as this allows you to take advantage of the battle system’s rock-paper-scissors typing mechanic. This is especially important as you can not directly control your Monsties attacks (with the exception of certain skills or abilities) so you’ll want to be aware of what attack types they normally like to use to increase the chances of an advantageous matchup.

Attack types: Attacks in Monster Hunter Stories come in three basic forms: Power, Speed and Technical. Each has a type advantage and disadvantage with another attack, which you’ll want to remember. Essentially, Speed beats Power, Power beats Technical and Technical beats Speed.

Velocipreys always attack with Speed so you’ll want to counter them with a Technical attack to inflict more damage while taking less damage yourself. More advanced monsters will eventually mix up their attacks, adding a risk-reward element to fights. Yian Kut-Ku, for example, typically uses Technical attacks but likes to throw in Speed once in a while. This means that you can go for the safe play, which is to use Technical because it earns a draw with Technical and beats Speed so you’re never at a disadvantage. Otherwise, you can go for the riskier play, which is throw in Power once in a while because Yian Kut-Ku tends to use Technical more often. In fact, I’ve noticed such monsters typically have a pattern to their move swapping as well. Yian Kut-Ku, for example, seems to use a “2-1” pattern of Technical-Technical-Speed. I’ve also seen some monster alternate between doing “3-2” patterns like Power-Power-Power-Tech-Tech.

Note that if your partner uses an attack with a type advantage and you use the same attack when the enemy uses an attack with a disadvantage (e.g. Power+Power vs. Technical), it will trigger a Double Attack, which does more damage and raises your Kinship Level more significantly. If you hit a foe with advantageous attacks three times, they will be Downed, leaving them helpless for a turn. A downed monster will also drop an item when hit. Keep in mind that you can be downed the same way as well.

Special Situation: Once in a while, a special situation will arise in the midst of battle that requires you to input some QTE actions. The first you’ll likely see is a Power Clash, which requires you tap the A button rapidly to win the clash. The next is an Air Showdown, which requires you to alternately tap the L and R buttons to win. Last is the Breath Blast, which requires you to rotate the Circle Pad quickly. Win any of these and you will deal extra damage and gain Kinship meter.

Weapon Combos: Each weapon has its own unique combo that triggers based on a sequence of attacks you pick for consecutive turns. Picking Power one turn, Power again next turn and Technical after that triggers a combo attack when using the Great Sword. Here is a list of combos per weapon.

Great Sword: Power-Power-Technical, Technical-Technical-Speed or Speed-Speed-Power.

Sword & Shield: Speed-Speed-Speed, Speed-Technical-Power or Speed-Power-Technical.

Hammer: Power-Power-Power, Power-Speed-Technical or Power-Technical-Speed.

Hunting Horn: Changes depending on weapon Melodies, which you can check in the Rider menu during battle.

Ride: When you fill you Kinship Gauge during battle, you will get the option to mount your Monstie. You lose access to several moves and commands like skills and item use. But your attack and defense gets buffed in exchange. Successful attacks fill out your Kinship Gauge further, with Double Attacks and Special Situation Attacks boosting the fill rate even faster. You can then trigger your Monstie’s special attack, with the effect increasing the higher the Level of your Kinship Gauge. Using this special ends your mount and separates your Rider and Monstie once again. A ride also can be ended if your life bar is depleted but the Rider will regain his or her original life bar prior to the mount.

Retreat: Once in a while, enemies you fight will retreat after you beat them. This will cause their den to appear nearby, allowing you to steal their egg. Using a Paintball on a weakened monster will increase the chance for a retreat as well as certain actions (e.g. inflicting status) depending on the monster. I discuss this more in the Monstie section below.

Battle Pouch: The Battle Pouch is where you put items that you want to use in battle such as Herbs, Potions and Flash Bombs. Just because you have those items in your general inventory doesn’t mean you can use the in battle so make sure to put the items you want to use in your Battle Pouch.

Synergy Effects: Using skills is great and all but the drain on your Kinship gauge can make you wonder if it’s worth it sometimes. By using gear that matches your Monstie, however, you trigger a Synergy Effect, which lowers the cost to your Kinship Gauge when you give your Monstie an order.

Gear

You can acquire weapons and gear by buying them from the Smithy. In addition to buying gear, you also have the option of upgrading the gear you own if you want to squeeze more use out of them. Upgrading requires materials from the field, with each additional level upgrade requiring rarer materials. This is why it’s important to do Subquests with material rewards, hunt monsters in the field and also gather from the spots you see in the field as you never know when the mats might come in handy. Once you reach the Hunter city of Gildegaran, for example, you can also start doing Forge Quests in order to make new weapon or armor sets using the mats you get. These include full sets of weapons and armor that improve your synergy when fighting with the same Monstie that your set is based on (e.g. using Zamtrios gear while fighting alongside a Zamtrios).

Acquiring Monsties

In order to acquire a certain type of Monstie, you will need to find its egg and hatch it. There are 11 types of eggs such as Herbivore, Fanged Beast, Bird Wyvern and Neotperon Eggs. Each egg type sports the same pattern for that type. All Bird Wyvern Eggs, for example, feature the same speckle marks while all Herbivore Eggs feature long stripe with rounded edges. Despite the pattern similarities, however, the colors can change depending on the kind of monster inside the egg. In addition to the colors, the name can have variations as well. A Humble Brd Wyv Egg, for example, has the same pattern but different colors than a Burning Brd Wyv Egg. Depending on where you find the egg, the Humble version can contain a Velocidrome while the Burning egg can contain a Yian Kut-Ku. You can also have two similarly named eggs that contain a different variant based on color. A Burning Brd Wyv Egg with a Purple or Yellow shell with Blue speckles, for instance, could hatch a normal Yian Kut-Ku. A Burning Brd Wyv Egg with a green shell and yellow or blue spots, however, might contain a Blue Yian Kut-Ku variant.

Monstie Eggs can be found at Egg Nests located inside Monster Dens that randomly pop up in the field. Note that you can swap the egg you find a few times before you run out in case you don’t get the shell pattern, weight or smell you want at first (pay attention to Navirou's comments about weight and smell as heavier and nicer smelling eggs will have more Bingo slots and better genes respectively). In addition to regular Monster Dens, you will run into Rare Monster Dens, which are denoted by a Golden Cave. These give you a chance to acquire higher-quality Monsties with better genes. Monster Den locations also reset when you enter a town or dungeon. Some monsters retreat to their dens after you beat them, allowing you nab their egg. Later on, you'll also get the recipe for making Paintballs. The item can be used to make low-health hatchable monsters retreat if thrown three times before they faint, allowing you to find their dens. This strategy is great when combined with a Qurupeco, which allows you to call a monster in the field to battle. You can start hatching a Qurupeco once you reach Monsonne Plains near Gildegaran.

Initially, you can only command Rarity 1 Monsties like Aptonoth and Velocidrome. As you progress through the campaign and increase your Rider rank, however, you can command higher level Monsties.

Below is a list of all the Monsties you can acquire on the game. I’ve included not just the location of their eggs but where you can normally find them monster themselves in case you want to fight them for a chance to make them retreat to their den. For the latter, I include paintball probabilities as well as other things you can do to raise your chances to trigger a retreat for a particular monster. Note that higher rarity monsters won’t show up in certain areas until High Rank and/or after you finish certain subquests. I added methods to make some of them pop up but not all. When in doubt, just clear your Quest Board and NPC requests as they come and all of these Monsties should show up as you get farther into the story (or, in the case of some monsters, clear it).

Apceros

Monster Habitat: Monsonne Plains

Egg Nest Location: Perennial Pass, Trese Desert

Retreat Probability: Paintball (High). Defeat with Throwing Knife (High).

Aptonoth

Monster Habitat: Pondry Hill

Egg Nest Location: Pondry Hill, Perennial Pass

Retreat Probability: Paintball (High). Defeat with Throwing Knife (High).

Arzuros

Monster Habitat: Pondry Hills (near Whistill Forest, etc.)

Egg Nest Location: Pondry Hills

Retreat Probability: Paintball (High). Paralysis (Slight).

Barioth

Monster Habitat: Ruins

Egg Nest Location: Darj Snowfields, Mount Celion

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat with a Fire attack (Slight).

Barioth (Sand)

Monster Habitat: Trese Desert

Egg Nest Location: Trese Desert

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat with an Ice attack (Slight).

Note: Starts appearing in the eastern and northwestern areas of Trese desert after you complete the Paupau beach Yian Garuga hunt via the quest board.barro

Barroth

Monster Habitat: Trese Desert

Egg Nest Location: Trese Desert

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Moderate). Defeat while trapped (Slight).

Note: Starts appearing on eastern and northwestern side of Trese Desert after clearing the Monsonne Plains Rathian hunt subquest via the Quest Board.

Barroth (Subspecies)

Monster Habitat: Ruins

Egg Nest Location: Mount Celion

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while trapped (Slight).

Basarios

Monster Habitat: Dovan Volcano

Egg Nest Location: Dovan Volcano

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while enraged (Slight).

Basarios (Subspecies)

Monster Habitat: Mt. Pondry Caves

Egg Nest Location: Pondry Hills

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while enraged (Slight).

Bulldrome

Monster Habitat: Darj Snowfields

Egg Nest Location: Darj Snowfields

Retreat Probability: Paintball (High). Defeat while blinded (Slight)

Brachydios

Monster Habitat: Ruins

Egg Nest Location: Mount Celion

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while trapped (Slight).

Cephadrome

Monster Habitat: Trese Desert

Egg Nest Location: Trese Desert

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Moderate). Defeat while downed (Slight).

Note: Starts appearing on northwestern side of Trese Desert after clearing the Monsonne Plains Rathian hunt subquest via the Quest Board.

Congalala

Monster Habitat: Babda Rainforest (Rare Habitat)

Egg Nest Location: Perennial Pass

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Moderate). Defeat while inflicted with status effect (Slight).

Congalala (Emerald)

Monster Habitat: Babda Rainforest (Rare Habitat)

Egg Nest Location: Perennial Pass

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while inflicted with status effect (Slight).

Deviljho

Monster Habitat: Mount Celion

Egg Nest Location: Mount Celion

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat within 5 turns (Moderate). Defeat with 10 turns (Slight).

Diablos

Monster Habitat: Trese Desert

Egg Nest Location: Trese Desert

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Moderate). Defeat while downed (Slight). Defeat while blinded (Slight).

Diablos (Black)

Monster Habitat: Trese Desert

Egg Nest Location: Trese Desert

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while downed (Slight). Defeat while blinded (Slight).

Gendrome

Monster Habitat: Monsonne Plains

Egg Nest Location: Trese Desert

Retreat Probability: Paintball (High). Defeat while blinded (Slight).

Gravios

Monster Habitat: Dovan Volcano

Egg Nest Location: Dovan Volcano

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while poisoned (Slight).

Gravios (Black)

Monster Habitat: Babda Rainforest (Rare Habitat)

Egg Nest Location: Perennial Pass, Dovan Volcano

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while poisoned (Slight).

Great Baggi

Monster Habitat: Ruins

Egg Nest Location: Mount Celion

Retreat Probability: Paintball (High). Defeat while blinded (Slight).

Great Jaggi

Monster Habitat: Paupau Beach

Egg Nest Location: Naubaka Island

Retreat Probability: Paintball (High). Defeat while blinded (Slight).

Great Poogie

Acquired by finding ALL Lost Poogies.

Gypceros

Monster Habitat: Babda Rainforest

Egg Nest Location: Perennial Pass

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Moderate). Defeat with a Fire attack (Slight).

Gypceros (Subspecies)

Monster Habitat: Babda Rainforest

Egg Nest Location: Perennial Pass

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat with a Fire Attack (Slight).

Iodrome

Monster Habitat: Dovan Volcano

Egg Nest Location: Dovan Volcano

Retreat Probability: Paintball (High). Defeat while blinded (Slight).

Kechawacha

Monster Habitat: Paupau Beach

Egg Nest Location: Naubaka Island

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Moderate). Defeat with a Fire attack (Slight).

Kechawacha (Ash)

Monster Habitat: Paupau Beach

Egg Nest Location: Naubaka Island

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat with a Water attack (Slight).

Khezu

Monster Habitat: Wintertide Tunnel

Egg Nest Location: Darj Snowfields

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Moderate). Defeat while poisoned (Slight).

Khezu (Red)

Monster Habitat: Darj Snowfields

Egg Nest Location: Darj Snowfields

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Moderate). Defeat while poisoned (Slight).

Kirin

Monster Habitat: Babda Rainforest (Great Tree area)

Egg Nest Location: Perennial Pass

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while suffering Sleep status (Slight).

Lagiacrus

Monster Habitat: Paupau Beach

Egg Nest Location: Nabauka Island

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat with a Silver or Azure Rathalos (Slight).

Lagiacrus (White)

Monster Habitat: Paupau Beach

Egg Nest Location: Nabauka Island

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat with a Silver or Azure Rathalos (Slight).

Lagombi

Monster Habitat: Darj Snowfield

Egg Nest Location: Darj Snowfield

Retreat Chance: Paintball (High). Defeat while downed (Slight).

Monoblos

Monster Habitat: Trese Desert

Egg Nest Location: Trese Desert

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while downed (Slight).

Note: To make this monster show up on the western side of Trese Desert, you will need to finish the Albarax village chief’s subquest that requires you to hunt a Monoblos. The mission shows up after you’ve talked to your allies at the ruins and finished a previous subquest from the Albarax chief to hunt a Diablos. The Diablos subquest should show up once you clear the third Felyne quiz, which is given by a cat in Albarax.

Nargacuga

Monster Habitat: Mt. Pondry Caves

Egg Nest Location: Pondry Hills

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while trapped (Slight).

Nargacuga (Subspecies)

Monster Habitat: Babda Rainforest (Rare Habitat)

Egg Nest Location: Pondry Hills

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while trapped (Slight).

Nerscylla

Monster Habitat: Babda Rainforest

Egg Nest Location: Perennial Pass

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Moderate). Defeat while paralyzed (Slight).

Nerscylla (Shrouded)

Monster Habitat: Trese Desert (e.g. near entrance to Dovan)

Egg Nest Location: Trese Desert

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Moderate). Defeat while paralyzed (Slight).

Note: Starts appearing on western and northwestern side of Trese Desert after clearing the Monsonne Plains Rathian hunt subquest via the Quest Board.

Popo

Monster Habitat: Darj Snowfields

Egg Nest Location: Darj Snowfields

Retreat Probability: Paintball (High). Defeat with a Throwing Knife (High).

Qurupeco

Monster Habitat: Monsonne Plains (near Monsonne Hinterlands Catavan stop)

Egg Nest Location: Perennial Pass

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Moderate). Defeat while downed (Slight).

Qurupeco (Subspecies)

Monster Habitat: Babda Rainforest (Great Tree area)

Egg Nest Location: Perennial Pass

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while downed (Slight).

Note: Starts appearing after you clear the Quest Board request to hunt a Gravios in Dovan Volcano.

Rathalos

Monster Habitat: Pondry Hills

Egg Nest Location: Pondry Hills

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat with a Lagiacrus or White Lagiacrus (Slight). Defeat while blinded (Slight).

Rathalos (Azure)

Monster Habitat: Pondry Hills

Egg Nest Location: Pondry Hills

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat with a Lagiacrus or White Lagiacrus (Slight). Defeat while blinded (Slight).

Rathalos (Silver)

Acquired from Tower of Illusions treasure box at Floor 29.

Rathian

Monster Habitat: Monsonne Plains (near Monsonne Hinterlands Catavan stop)

Egg Nest Location: Trese Desert

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Moderate). Defeat while trapped (Slight). Bring out a Rathalos (regular, Azure or Silver) during the battle (Slight).

Rathian (Gold)

Acquired from Tower of Illusions treasure box at Floor 19.

Rathian (Pink)

Monster Habitat: Perennial Pass

Egg Nest Location: Perennial Pass

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while trapped (Slight). Bring out a Rathalos (regular, Azure or Silver) during the battle (Slight).

Royal Ludroth

Monster Habitat: Monsonne Plains

Egg Nest Location: Perennial Pass

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Moderate). Defeat while paralyzed (Slight).

Royal Ludroth (Poison)

Monster Habitat: Paupau Beach

Egg Nest Location: Naubaka Island

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while paralyzed (Slight).

Seregios

Monster Habitat: Pondry Hills

Egg Nest Location: Pondry Hills

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while trapped (Slight). Defeat while blinded (Slight).

Note: To make this monster show up in Pondry Hills, you will need to clear Dan’s new training subquest (No. 4) at Hakum Village, which requires you to hunt a Seregios. This subquest appears after you’ve had a conversation with your allies at the ruins and after clearing previous subquests from Dan. The Dan subquest chain includes:

No. 1: Hunt a Rathalos. This shows up after the events of Mount Celios and after doing Chief Omna’s Azure Rathalos subquest (Chief Omna’s subquest requires clearing some earlier board subquests).

No. 2 (High-Rank): Hunt a Yian Kut-Ku

No. 3 (High Rank): Hunt an Azure Rathalos

No. 4 (High Rank): Hunt a Seregios

Tigrex

Monster Habitat: Darj Snowfield

Egg Nest Location: Darj Snowfield

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Moderate). Defeat while enraged (Slight).

Tigrex (Black)

Monster Habitat: Dovan Volcano

Egg Nest Location: Dovan Volcano

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while enraged (Slight).

Uragaan

Monster Habitat: Dovan Volcano

Egg Nest Location: Dovan Volcano

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat with Hammer attack (Slight).

Velocidrome

Monster Habitat: Pondry Hills

Egg Nest Location: Pondry Hills

Retreat Probability: Paintball (High). Defeat while blinded (Slight).

Yian Garuga

Monster Habitat: Paupau Beach

Egg Nest Location: Naubaka Island

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while enraged (Slight).

Yian Kut-Ku

Monster Habitat: Pondry Hills

Egg Nest Location: Pondry Hills

Retreat Probability: Paintball (High). Defeat while downed (Slight).

Yian Kut-Ku, Blue

Monster Habitat: Pondry Hills

Egg Nest Location: Pondry Hills

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Moderate). Defeat while downed (Slight).

Zamtrios

Monster Habitat: Darj Snowfields

Egg Nest Location: Darj Snowfields

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Moderate). Defeat while poisoned (Slight).

Zinogre

Monster Habitat: Babda Rainforest (Great Tree area)

Egg Nest Location: Perennial Pass

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while blinded (Slight).

Note: Starts appearing after you clear the quest from a hunter at Geo-Fulkright requiring you to deliver 1 Dragonfell Berry (which you should find in Dovan Volcano).

Zinogre (Stygian)

Monster Habitat: Ruins

Egg Nest Location: Mount Celion

Retreat Probability: Paintball (Slight). Defeat while blinded (Slight).

Rite of Channeling

Once you reach Darj Snowfield, you will eventually learn how to do the Rite of Channeling. This allows you to transfer genes from one Monstie to another, at the cost of releasing the monster that served as the gene source back into the wild. Gene transfers allow you to unlock hidden skills and also teach Monsties moves that they normally don’t learn. By channeling the genes of a Yian Kut-Ku, for example, you can make a Lagombi learn the Fireball skill.

Filling a straight line of slots with skills of the same color or pattern will also awaken secret skills. Here’s a sampling of “Bingo” bonuses you can unlock depending on what straight-line combinations you fill the slots with.

Fire Bingo: Fire Damage Up with straight line of Fire genes.

Fire Damage Up with straight line of Fire genes. Water Bingo: Water Damage Up with straight line of Water genes.

Water Damage Up with straight line of Water genes. Thunder Bingo: Thunder Damage Up with straight line of Thunder genes.

Thunder Damage Up with straight line of Thunder genes. Ice Bingo: Ice Damage Up with straight line of Ice genes.

Ice Damage Up with straight line of Ice genes. Dragon Bingo: Dragon Damage Up with straight line of Dragon genes.

Dragon Damage Up with straight line of Dragon genes. Power Bingo: Power Attack Damage Up with straight line of Power genes.

Power Attack Damage Up with straight line of Power genes. Speed Bingo: Speed Attack Damage Up with straight line of Speed genes.

Speed Attack Damage Up with straight line of Speed genes. Technical Bingo: Technical Attack Damage Up with straight line of Technical genes.

Technical Attack Damage Up with straight line of Technical genes. Anything Bingo: Max HP Up when completing a line with any gene combination.

Max HP Up when completing a line with any gene combination. Non-Elem Bingo: Speed Up when completing a line with non-elemental genes.

Rite of Channeling is good for min-maxers or finding use for duplicate Monsties that are clogging up your stable. It also encourages you to raid those random Monster Dens and catch more monsters due to the randomness of Monstie gene slots and traits.

Later on, you can also acquire Beads, which are channeling gems that grants different skills such as attack boosts and resistances. You can also acquire different H. Crystals for creating channelling gems. For even more Monstie perfection, you can find stims for unlocking gene slots, which is especially ideal for competitive players who want to further fine tune their monsters post-game.

Expedition Parties

Once you reach Albarax, you will have the option to start sending your Monsties to Expedition Parties. You basically pick 5 Monsties to send out per expedition, giving them the opportunity to gather items, as well as experience. You can even whether you want them to get fewer or more items, which shortens or lengthens the time they are away. You can also instruct them to focus on gaining experience or concentrate on specific item types such as plants, mushrooms, ore, berries, fish, bugs, bones or treasure. This is a great way for squeezing in some extra gathering or leveling up Monsties that you don’t have in your battle party. The timer also keeps running even when your 3DS is in sleep mode so you can keep sending Monsties out even when you’re not playing, then check back every 20 or so minutes.

Recipe Books

You can acquire books during the course of the game that contain recipes for items such as Potions, Mega Potions, Antidotes and Large Barrel Bombs. These are important as buying that stuff from the store will make you go broke in no time. The bulk of recipes are earned by completing certain Subquests. Here are a few of the recipe books I have found so far.

Beginner’s Set: A prime on combining. Includes recipes for Potion and Raw Meat Sushi. Acquired by going through the story.

Rider’s Memo: A note written by Avinia. Contains the recipes for Paintball and Smoke Bomb. Acquired by going through the story.

Mega Potions: A sickly sweet, honey-rich volume containing the recipe for Mega Potion. Obtained by clearing the Fruits of the Desert Subquest from the Traveling Merchant in Oasum. Requires delivering a Tropical Berry gathered from the plains or desert.

Group Healing 101: An introduction to healing items. Contains the recipe for Lifesoot. Acquired from Muffy at the Gildegaran Hunter’s Guild by clearing her Rubicund Rapscallion Subquest. Requires slaying The Crimson Fiend in Darj Snowfields.

Essence Vitale: Keep fighting, never give up, and study this recipe for Vital Essence. Obtained from the Pruney Hunter at the Dark Rock Baths after clearing his A Cooling Crystal Subquest. Requires delivering 5 Ice Crystals.

Warm and Healthy: Collected knowledge on keeping warm. Contains the recipe for Hot Mist. Acquired from the Kind Grandpa close to your house in Gildegaran after clearing his Secret to Well-Being Subquest. Requires a Pawprint Stamp, which can be acquired from one of those rare Barrel Felynes that show up in Monster Dens.

Healer’s Comp V.1: A slim pamphlet. Recipes for Antidote, Anti-para Potion and Zest Pill. Obtained from Mel at the Gildegaran Hunter’s Guild by clearing her Dance to my Tuna Subquest. Requires delivering her 3 Sharktuna, which can be fished at Monsonne seashore past the ship.

Healer’s Comp V.2: A slim pamphlet containing the recipes for Energy Drink and Eye Drops. Acquired from the Traveling Merchant in Albarax after clearing his Mighty Machalite Subquest, which requires 3 Machalite Ores.

Hunter’s Life: Spr: Recipes for Demondrug, Armorskin and Fleetfoot Potion. Be Prepared! Obtained from Novice Hunter in Albarax by completing his A Crumpled Horn Subquest. Requires slaying The Intruder in Trese Desert.

Boom Boom Book: Handle with care. Contains recipes for Big Barrel Bomb, Sonic Bomb & Flash Bomb. Obtained from Traveling Merchant in Oasum by finishing his Toxic Toadstool Subquest. Requires delivering 3 Nitroshrooms.

Delicious Recipes: A cookbook containing the recipes for Dragon Noodles and Extra-fresh Sushi. Acquired from the Worrywart Rider in Hakum Village after showing her a Bulldrome or other Fanged Beast Egg to clear her Over? Easy! Subquest.

Scrummy Recipes: Recipes for Shroom and Larva, and Tonguemato Salad. Obtained from the Achy Hunter at Darj Rock Baths by clearing the Vicious Vultures Subquest. Requires slaying 6 Zamite.

Attack Bead Lore: Contains the recipes for Attack Bead, Defense Bead, and Health Bead. Can’t remember how I got this so it might be a story-based reward.

Cool and Healthy: Acquired by answering all 3 questions of the Felyne in Albarax who’s holding the Purrplexing Puzzles quiz.

Poogies

Oink! Little piggies and Monster Hunter are a long-standing match. That has not changed with Monster Hunter Stories, which has 100 Lost Poogies for you to find. In addition to being cute, Poogies also net you rewards for finding them. Here are the reward lists based on the number you’ve discovered:

Found 10: Wanderer’s Outfit

Found 20: Paw Pass Ticket x10

Found 30: Selling Charm x5

Found 40: Buying Charm x5

Found 50: Eyepatch Outfit x1

Found 60: Gourmet Steak x10

Found 70: Fortuitous Charm x1

Found 80: Recognition Letter x3

Found 90: Comedian’s Outfit x1

Found 100: Purple Scarf x1

Here’s also a list of some of the early Poogies you can find as well.

Marshmallow (001): This classic porker with a diaper and crown is inspired by The Emperor’s New Clothes. You can find it the first time you enter Mt. Pondry Caves. Gives you Herbs x5.

Pumpkin (002): This pig with a pumpkin-colored diaper can be found atop the Pondry Hill Stone Arch outside Hakum Village. Use the Velocidrome’s Jump Field Skill to launch yourself from stone platforms that can be found when you hug the hills to the right of village entrance after exiting Hakum. Rewards you with Rare Steak x5.

Porky (005): Found in Darj Rock Baths. This Marshmallow lookalike is located at the western side of the hot spring perimeter. Gives Well-Done Steak x3.

Peter (011): Found in Babda Rainforest. Go through the forest until you reach an area where the path splits into a V-shape. There’s a swamp in the middle and you’ll find a Poogie with red-and-blue diaper drowning. Gives Lifepowder.

Bomba (024): Found in the Hall of Scriveners inside the Hunter’s Guild building in Gildegaran. Has a purple diaper with gold checkerboard pattern and gives Eyedrops x3.

Schnumpfnut (028): This pig has a diaper with a blue paw print. Upon entering Whistill Forest, head right and you’ll see it under a tree. Gives Blue Mushroom x10.

Chubs (041): Found inside Hunter’s Guild at Gildegaran. Wears a red sash with a blue diaper. Gives you a Max Potion.

Edmund (045): This blue-sashed pig can be found at Pondry Hills somewhere outside the entrance of Mt. Pondry Caves. You will need to have a Monstie with the Jump ability with you so you can use the stone platforms to leap and reach it. Gives Burn Ointment x3.

Deli (050): Found at the right side of the Gildegaran Port just past the fishing dude. Has Blue and yellow stripes. Gives Hunter Donut x5.

Smoothy (048): This little one with green stripes can be found at the eastern area cliff wall of Darj Snowfields near the Zamtrios boss fight location. Gives you Potion x3.

Goblin (057): This red Pooge with blue dots can be found inside the Darj Mountain Cabins. It gives you Shroom and Larva x3.

Pearl (058): The green-spotted Poogie can be found inside Wintertide Tunnel at the same area where you fight the Khezu boss. Gives you Electro Sac.

Cobra (067): Found at Proving Grounds on opposite end of Pondry Hills (between Whistill Forest entrance and Mt. Pondry Cave entrance). You’ll need a Zamtrios or other Monstie with Swim. Cross the water inside Proving Grounds and blue-and-red, tiger-striped Poogie will be on a patch of land to your right. Gives Ancient Potion.

Shady (068): This not-so-slim Shady with green tiger stripes is at Wintertide Tunnel. Keep venturing deep into the tunnel until you get to a room where there are four exits (including the one you came in through plus a left, right and top exit). Check the foot of the middle ledge that is just across from the right exit or pathway. Gives you Hot Mist x5

Hogworth (069): This pig with zebra stripes can be found at Darj Snowfields. Head Northwest during the Avinia’s Test story mission and you’ll find zebra striped Poogie a short distance from the Darj Hinterlands Catavan Stand. Gives you Herb x15.

Dr. Hamm (070): This white pig with bluish gray zebra stripes can be found at Darj Snowfields. Head north toward the ice floes from Darj Cabins and use Zamtrios to swim to its location. Gives you Lifesoot x10.

Miriam (071): This pig with the blue specks is hidden inside a spring on the upper left side of the Room of Trials. Gives you Binoculars x5.

Plumpy (079): The black pig with white splotches is trapped inside Wintertide Tunnel. From that same room where you found Shady (068), take the path that’s blocked by a cracked rock (use Yian Kut-Ku or another Monstie with the skill to break rocks) and follow it all the way inside. Gives you Paintball x5

Fido (080): This piggy with cow spots can be found at the Darj Rock Baths on the southern side of the hot spring perimeter. Gives Binoculars x10.

Francis (084): The Poogie who shares the name of the late host of the Cooking With Dog channel can be found at Trese Salt Caves. The yellow and red striped pig gives you a Paw Pass Ticket when found.

Vivian (086): The blue pig with yellow lightning bolts is at Wintertide Tunnel. Hug the left wall upon entering the cave until you see Vivian. Gives you Zest Pill x5.

Loin (091): The pink and white piggie who likes to be girded and can be found on the east side of Albarax. Gives you Muscle Meat x2.

Pie (096): Found in the ship at Gildegaran Port in west side of town. Has an afro with chicks sticking out. Seriously. Gives Large Barrel x2.

Goober (098): Clothed in red with flower patterns, Goober is located at Perennial Pass. From the initial entry point to the pass after exiting Wintertide Tunnel, follow the road until it curves left. You’ll see a little alley behind the sleeping Pink Rathian. Gives Antidote x3.

Pokke (099): This tribute to Pokke Village can be found at Darj Snowfields. Pokke is hidden inside a cave on the eastern side of the snowfields that can be accessed through the lower lake with a Monstie who can swim (like Zamtrios, for example). Gives you Frozen Mushroom.

Walkthrough

Here’s a quick walkthrough of Story Quests from the game to help get you started. The walkthrough currently covers the events from Pondry Hill to Dovan Volcano. A list of monsters and their locations is included after the walkthrough.

PONDRY HILL TO WHISTILL FOREST

1 Year Later: A year has passed since the Nargacuga’s attack. Hakum Village is slowly rebuilding back to its former glory. Today is the day of the Rite of Kinship! It’s the final step to becoming a Rider, but what will you do? Head to the back of Hakum Village toward the Room of Trials.

A Rider’s Trial: You have obtained a Monstie, but the Rite of Kinship is far from over! Now you must head to the Mt. Pondry Caves and immerse the Kinship Stone given to you by Chief Omna in the water there. But what could be waiting in the caves…? The cave is located on the western side of Pondry Hills. For the boss fight, make sure to check the monster list below for some quick strategies. You can now include Rarity 2 Monsties in your party.

All in One Basket: You have overcome the trials and become a Rider. Your first task, given by Dan, is to find a monster egg and bring it back to the village. Hatching eggs will get you new Monsties! Get on your Monstie and head to Pondry Hills. Just follow the marker to get to your first Monster Den. Monsties you can start hatching in this region include Aptonoth, Velocidrome, Yian Kut-ku, Blue Yian Kut-Ku and Arzuros.

My First Combo: Your Rider training has only just begun! Today’s lesson: Combining for Beginners! Select Combine from the Camp Menu and make 5 Potions! Potions are made from Herbs and Blue Mushrooms. If you don’t have enough, go find more in Pondry Hills. Use your Aptonoth’s Plant Search field skill to more easily find them.

Chasing the Blue Bear: You have finally been entrusted with an important mission from Chief Omna! The location: Whistill Forest. You are excited about your first expedition, to confront an angry Arzuros known as The Glutton. Steel yourself and set out on your mission! Check out the Arzuros data at the Monster list below for its tendencies.

Cheval and Lilia: Cheval, his hatred of Black Blight deepening, has run away from Hakum Village. Lilia chased him, heading into Whistill Forest, where the Blackgrass was found! You must go after them quickly! Check the monster list below for the Iodrome’s tendencies.

Yian Kut-Who? You have passed Dan’s first test… Today’s training is slightly different: You will be investigating a Yian Kut-Ku! Head to the Old Mine in the rocky section of Pondry Hills!

ACatavan Quandary: A Catavaner is in trouble at the Old Mine: A Yian Kut-Ku has stolen part of his cart! The sly bird, known as The Veteran, waits on the other side of the lake. Do whatever you can to fix the cart!

The Forbidden Land: The Black Blight continues its inexorable advance. Now is the time for action! If you sneak away from Chief Omna and head to the Forbidden Land before Dan, youl’ll be able to solve the problem and prove yourself a true Rider! Check the monster list below once again for battle strategies against a familiar foe. You can now include Rarity 3 Monsties in your party.

DARJ SNOWFIELDS TO WINTERTIDE TUNNEL

The Mountain Hermit: While on the way to Gildegaran, you reach the White Plains of Darj Snowfields. Chief Omna told you of a Wyverian who knows the secrets to the Rite of Channeling living here. All you know is that he is “a young handsome man.” Where could he be? Monsties you can start hatching in this region include Popo, Bulldrome, Lagombi, Zamtrios, Khezu and Red Khezu.

The Mysterious Rider: As you enter the Wintertide Tunnel, you find a girl collapsed there. Enveloped by her Barioth, she remains unconscious. You can’t leave her like this, so you decide to head to the nearby cabins.

A Barioth Leads the Way: On leaving Wintertide Tunnel, the girl’s Barioth is waiting! It seems to be telling you to follow it. Perhaps if you follow the Barioth, it will lead you to the cabins.

Avinia’s Test: The Rider, who introduces herself as Avinia, claims to be from a different village. To prove to her that you are a rider, you must collect Mountain Herbs. It seems they are found in precarious places that can be only reached while riding.

The Darj Rock Baths: The Riddlemaster appears suddenly. He says if you can bring him Hot Spring Dumplings, he will let you stay in the cabins! You set out to the Darj Rock Baths to find some. Maybe there will be a way to heal Avinia’s wounds, too.

A Monstrous Riddle: The riddle reads “My fur is white like snow, my ears long as icicles.” You vaguely remember a white monster matching that description… It was somewhere around the lake… What was is called? La… La… La-something.

Through Wintertide Tunnel: Now that your Monstie has been powered up by the Rite of Channeling, it’s time to move to Gildegaran! But beware, The Khezu that attacked Avinia lurks in Wintertide Tunnel.

GILDEGARAN

Arrival in Gildegaran! You’ve finally reached Gildegaran, but the townspeople seem afraid of your Monsties! You have to ease their minds somehow… For now, you decide to follow Navirou’s advice and go to the Hunter’s Guild to introduce yourself to the Guildmaster! There are a couple of Lost Poogies in this building so make sure not to miss them. Monsties you can start hatching in this region include Apceros, Gypceros, Gendrome, Royal Ludroth, Cephadrome, Qurupeco, Nerscylla, Barroth and the Queen of the Skies, Rathian.

Majek’s Request: The Guildmaster, Majek (The Gathering), has asked you to go out and slay a Royal Ludroth that has appeared on the coast of Monsonne Plains. Go and deal with it, and report to Majek when you’re finished. Royal Ludroth likes to start with Water Soak then use Power and Technical attacks.

Totally Rad ‘Shroom Hunt: You accepted a challenging request from Reverto, or so you thought. Collecting mushrooms in the Babda Rainforest… It doesn’t sound too difficult, butmybe there’s some kind of hidden plan at work here… Get ready to fight a Nerscylla, which likes to use Technical and Power Attacks. It also likes to use a Sealing attack that prevents you from using one of your moves.

Scrivener’s Request: Captain Simone of the Royal Scriveners has asked you to help with a royal pain, er, monster survey. A Qurupeco has been sighted acting strangely in the Monsonne Plains. You decide to check it out. As Monster Hunter pros know, the Qurupeco in itself is not a problem. Instead, it’s the monster that it calls in that’s the real pain. In this case, the cheeky bird not only decides to call in a Rathian, it actually calls one that is blighted to boot (this guy…). I recommend taking out the Qurupeco first, which should be pretty easy. It likes to spam Technical attacks then throw in Speed. If you’re quick, maybe you can take it out before it buffs the Rathian (ungh). The Rathian will have two targets, by the way, which is its head and main body. To make the fight easy, bring in a Red Khezu as its lightning attacks do massive damage on the Rahian. Its Kinship Attack also hits multiple targets allowing you to kill two birds (or maybe a bird and dragon) with one stone. You can also equip Blue Kut-Ku armor and the Khezu Shock Sword to do extra damage and laugh off fire attacks. Rathian likes to use Speed Attacks, by the way, then occasionally throws in Power.

OASUM TO ALBARAX

To Oasum: The Black Fiend has been sighted in Revero’s hometown, Albarax. It may be connected to the Black Blight! First you musts head to Oasum, where Hunters are assembling to plot their next move. Monsters that you can run into here include Daimyo Hermitaur, Barroth and Diablos.

Quicksand Search: A whirlpool of quicksand stands between you and the village of Albarax. Large monsters must have caused this! Find the 3 monsters that hide underground: Barroth, Daimyo Hermitaur and Cephadrome, and get rid of them. You’ll need to go to opposing ends of the map here so make sure to find those Catavan points to make your trip easier. Daimyo Hermitaur is susceptible to Fire and Lightning and tends to use Technical attacks as well as Power. Watch out when it assumes a blocking position as it will usually counter when attacked from this stance. Barroth likes to use Speed and Power. It is also weak against Fire attacks.

The Blighted Cephadrome: The source of the quicksand was the Cephadrome! A mysterious scientist appeared with some kind of mecha-monster and a strange mood descended… The Black Blight still needs to be purified! Prepare yourself and head for the quicksand! Cephadrome likes to use Power Attacks and is weak against Ice. A Speed-loving Lagombi would be perfect against it. You can also use a Zamtrios (which is what I did as my Lagombi was underleveled) but make sure to order the guy to use a skill if it starts using Technical attacks while Cephadrome is about to do a head-to-head attack. Bring Sonic Bombs, by the way, to fish it out when it digs.

The Black Fiend: You made it through to Albarax! There, the Black Fiend, a blighted Diablos lies in wait. It will not be an ordinary fight, but you must show everyone your true power as a Rider. This guy will probably be the first legitimate challenge you face as far as bosses go. Fortunately, the right preparation will ensure you take it down on your first try. My main tip for this battle is to make sure your health is topped off, especially when it gets enraged. Diablos does its Fierce Stab move twice on the same turn when mad, which can KO targets that are not in full health. It also likes to use Power and Technical and is weak to Ice attacks. I ended up using my Zamtrios here since it was at a higher level than my Lagombi, as well as Zamtrios armor and the Zamtrios hammer. If using Zamtrios, order it to use Ice Armor on the first turn or if it wants to use a Technical Attack and you have a feeling Diablos will use Power. Besides the extra defense, the armor also imbues Ice into Zamtrios’ regular attacks, too. His Spread Frost Breath and Kinship Attack hits all of Diablos’ parts, too, making it easier to take down the head and tail. Lastly, bring Sonic Bombs to stun it when it digs underground. (After this battle, you can start adding Rarity 4 Monsties to your party. Tigrex and its eggs will also start showing up in Darj Snowfields.)

Bring the Water Back: Finally, peace has returned to Albarax. But the village is still in ruins. Maybe breaking the rock holding back the spring will restore the village… Do you have a monster with the Rock Breaker ability, like the Yian Kut-Ku or Lagombi?

Rebuilding: Albarax is nearly restored to its former glory. Now, you must gather the Grand Felvine using your Monstie Expedition Party at the Stables. Grand Felvine should convince the Felynes to help!

GEO-FULKRIGHT & DOVAN VOLCANO

A New Rider: According to Lilia, another Rider was seen in Gildegaran. Could it be Cheval? Or maybe Avinia? Lilia seems concerned, so you should search for that Rider…

Into the Volcano! Ratha, the monster you forged a bond so long ago, is alive! Ride the grown-up Ratha and fly to the Dovan Volcano. According to Simone, Dr. Manelger is there! Head for the village in the volcano, Geo-Fulkright!

Odd Rock, Odder Felyne: The entrance to Dovan Mines is blocked by a large rock. You should be able to enter via the Mine Path on the clifftop. But how does Navirou know the way when he claims to have never been here before? Something is strange…

Chase the Assistant! In the mines, you ran into Manelger’s assistant! Just as Captain Simone said, the Doctor’s hideout should be just through here, so chase the assistant.

Big Barrel Bombs: Dr. Manelger was here after all! And the rock that was blocking the way… Wait, it moved?! Now that the route is open, you are able to meet up with Dommel and the others. If you bring him some Flame Rocks, he will destroy the rock with a Big Barrel Bomb UG!

Escape from the Lava Cave! The large rock was actually a modified Uragaan! Manelger and his assistant ran away toward Dovan Volcano! Navirou is acting strangely again, but now you must slip through the lava and give chase! The main thing you need to do here is bring something to counter the heat like Cool Mist, for example (don’t forget to put it your Battle Pouch). Otherwise, it’s gonna be a long day as your actions get cancelled by overeating. The Uragaan is strong against fire but incredible weak against water. He also has a head part that lets him use an electric attack if you don’t break it. I was using a Red Khezu, however, and the monster is good at resisting the lightning attack (Khezu’s tendency to use Technical attacks, however, is a disadvantage against Uragaan’s Power attacks). For regular attacks, Uragaan tends to use Power most and then Technical attacks. He also likes to set a Powder Stone on the field that will damage you if you don’t destroy it beforehand. When enraged, Uragaan uses Power 70 percent of the time compared to Technical at 30 percent of the time when using a normal attack. For special attacks, it tends to use the tail swipe 70 percent of the time and its megaton stomp 30 percent of the time while enraged.

Subquests

This being a Monster Hunter game, there are a variety of quests and subquests for you to partake in. A good number are posted on the main Quest Board that can be accessed in towns but there are also some that have to be initiated with NPCs. Here’s a list of some of the earlier NPC subquests to get you started.

Meat and Greet

Location: Hakum Village

Client: Cheeky Lad

Target: Deliver 5 raw Meat

Locale: Pondry Hills, etc.

Reward: Silver Cricket x3

Zenny: 10z

Natural Blessings

Location: Hakum Village

Client: Cheerful Lady

Target: Deliver 2 Earth Crystals

Locale: Pondry Hills, etc.

Reward: Lifesoot x2

Zenny: 800z

Mellow Mushroom

Location: Hakum Village

Client: Quiet Lad

Target: Deliver a Unique Mushroom

Locale: Pondry Hills

Reward: Vital Essence x1

Zenny: 200z

Rider Reports 1

Location: Hakum Village

Client: Protective Rider

Target: Slay The Cunning Raptor

Locale: Pondry Hills

Reward: Raw Meat Sushi x10

Zenny: 1200z

Rider Reports 2

Location: Hakum Village

Client: Protective Rider

Target: Slay The Wily Bird

Locale: Pondry Hills

Reward:S&S: Bash x1

Zenny: 1500z

Living on the Edge

Location: Hakum Village

Client: Talkative Man

Target: Slay 5 Bullfango

Locale: Whistill Forest, etc.

Reward: Potion x3

Zenny: 1000z

Enigma of the Egg

Location: Hakum Village

Client: Worrywart Rider

Target: Show the client an Herbivore Egg (e.g. Aptonoth egg)

Locale: Unknown (Lots of Aptonoth eggs in Pondry Hill Monster Dens)

Reward: S&S: Guard x1

Zenny: 900z

Over? Easy!

Location: Hakum Village

Client: Worrywart Rider

Target: Show the client a Fanged Beast Egg (e.g. Bulldrome egg)

Locale: Unknown (You can get Bulldrome eggs from Darj Snowfield Monster Dens)

Reward: Delicious Recipes x1

Zenny: 900z

Big Big Sushifish

Location: Hakum Village

Client: Cheeky Lad

Target: Deliver 3 Sushifish

Locale: Pondry Hills, etc. (fish by lake near Whistill Forest entrance)

Reward: Carpenterbug x1

Zenny: 750z

Quid Pro Quo

Location: Hakum Village

Client: Cheerful Lady

Target: Deliver 3 Iron Ores

Locale: Pondry Hills, etc.

Reward: Grt Sword: Sweep x1

Zenny: 800z

A Spoonful of Sugar

Location: Hakum Village

Client: Quiet Lad

Target: Deliver 2 Bitterbugs

Locale: Pondry Hills, etc.

Reward: Demondrug x1

Zenny: 750z

Running Free

Location: Hakum Village

Client: Talkative Man

Target: Equip Azure Serpentblade and talk to the client

Locale: Pondry Hills

Reward: GS: Last Stand

Zenny: 4000z

Back in the Water

Location: Darj Rock Baths

Client: Achy Hunter

Target: Slay the Shapeshifter

Locale: Darj Snowfields

Reward: Grt Sword: Focus x1

Zenny: 2500z

A Cooling Crystal

Location: Darj Rock Baths

Client: Pruney Hunter

Target: Deliver 5 Ice Crystals

Locale: Darj Snowfields, etc.

Reward: Essence Vitale x1

Zenny: 1200z

Welcoming Lights

Location: Darj Rock Baths

Client: Furthful Palico

Target: Deliver 2 Flashbugs

Locale: Darj Snowfields, etc.

Reward: Bottle Cap x1

Zenny: 1000z

Vicious Vultures

Location: Darj Rock Baths

Client: Achy Hunter

Target: Slay 6 Zamite

Locale: Darj Snowfields

Reward: Scrummy Recipes x1

Zenny: 1200z

Smash or Smoosh?

Location: Gildegaran

Client: Senior Hunter

Target: Equip the Meaty Smash and talk to the client.

Locale: Darj Snowfields

Reward: Hammer: Cry

Zenny: 3000z

Flummoxing Felyne (Quiz)

Location: Gildegaran

Client: Stupurrous Felyne

Target: Answer all questions correctly

Locale: Gildegaran

Reward: S&S: Saver

Zenny: 1800z

Which of the following monsters is NOT in Hakum Village? Arzuros

How much zenny will you make fur selling Herb at a shop? 6?

How many men are there in Darj Baths? 4?

Following Dreams 1

Location: Gildegaran (Hunter’s Guild)

Client: Guildmaster

Target: Deliver 3 Bottle Caps

Locale: Unknown (I’ve gotten Bottle Caps as a Slay Bonus the first time I kill certain monsters and also from Subquest rewards)

Reward: Yellow Rider Outfit

Zenny: 1500z

Dance to my Tuna

Location: Gildegaran (Hunter’s Guild)

Client: Mel

Target: Deliver 3 Sharktuna (can be fished at Monsonne seashore past the ship)

Locale: Plains, etc.

Reward: Healer’s Comp V.1 (Recipe: Antidote, Anti-para Potion, Zest Pill)

Zenny: 1800z

Sakura Challenge

Location: Gildegaran (Hunter’s Guild)

Client: Limon

Target: Slay the Poison Bloom

Locale: Perennial Pass

Reward: Magia Charm

Zenny: 3000z

Following Dreams 2

Location: Gildegaran (Hunter’s Guild)

Client: Guildmaster

Target: Deliver 5 Bottle Caps

Locale: Unknown (See “Following Dreams 1” entry)

Reward: Poindexter’s Outfit

Zenny: 1800z

Lord of the Sands

Location: Gildegaran (Hunter’s Guild)

Client: Apprentice Hunter

Target: Slay the Unyielding

Locale: Monsonne Plains

Reward: S&S: Shield

Zenny: 2200z

Rubicund Rapscallion

Location: Gildegaran (Hunter’s Guild)

Client: Muffy

Target: Slay the Crimson Fiend

Locale: Darj Snowfields

Reward: Group Healing 101

Zenny: 1800z

Secret to Well-Being

Location: Gildegaran

Client: Kind Grandpa

Target: Deliver a Pawprint Stamp

Locale: Perennial Pass, etc.

Reward: Warm and Healthy (Recipe: Hot Mist)

Zenny: 1800z

Ludroth Habitat

Location: Gildegaran

Client: Perceptive Boy

Target: Slay 6 Ludroth

Locale: Monsonne Plains, etc.

Reward: Bottle Cap x1

Zenny: 1800z

Let’s Get Hot!

Location: Oasum

Client: Hot-Blooded Hunter

Target: Deliver 30 Genprey Scales

Locale: Trese Desert, etc.

Reward: Strength Nutriment x2

Zenny: 3000z

Fruits of the Desert

Location: Oasum

Client: Traveling Merchant

Target: Deliver a Tropical Berry

Locale: Trese Desert, etc.

Reward: Mega Potions (Recipe: Mega Potion)

Zenny: 1000z

Toxic Toadstool

Location: Oasum

Client: Traveling Merchant

Target: Deliver 3 Nitroshrooms

Locale: Trese Desert, etc.

Reward: Boom Boom Book (Recipe: Sonic Bomb, Big Barrel Bomb)

Zenny: 1200z

Neopteron Swatting

Location: Oasum

Client: Intellectual Hunter

Target: Slay 7 Bnhabra (Brown)

Locale: Trese Desert, etc.

Reward: S&S: Poison

Zenny: 1500z

Mighty Machalite

Location: Albarax

Client: Traveling Merchant

Target: Deliver 3 Machalite Ores

Locale: Anywhere

Reward: Healer’s Comp V.2 (Recipe: Energy Drinks and Eyedrops

Zenny: 1000z

The Troubled Sons

Location: Merchant’s Wife

Client: Albarax

Target: Find the Merchant’s Wife’s sons and talk to them

Locale: Anywhere

Reward: Gathering Charm

Zenny: 1500z

How Hardheaded?

Location: Albarax

Client: Irritable Grandpa

Target: Equip the Carapace Mace and talk to the Client

Locale: Trese Desert

Reward: S&S: Paralysis

Zenny: 3000z

Oasis Revival

Location: Albarax

Client: Chief Nolma

Target: Deliver 15 Iron Ores

Locale: Anywhere

Reward: Bottle Cap x5

Zenny: 8000z

Desert Predator

Location: Albaraax

Client: Cool Dude

Target: Slay The Ambusher

Locale: Trese Desert

Reward: Toughness Meat x5

Zenny: 2000z

A Crumpled Horn

Location: Albarax

Client: Novice Hunter

Target: Slay The Intruder

Locale: Trese Desert

Reward: Hunter’s Life: Spr

Zenny: 4000z

Monsters

The world of Monster Hunter Stories is filled with an array of creatures that will be familiar to Monster Hunter Veterans. Battling these monsters give you experience as well as mats that can be used for crafting. To help you get started, here are the Monsters that can be found in the starting areas.

Altaroth

Habitat: Monsonne Plains

Rewards: Altaroth Stomach, Carpenterbug, Fine Stomach, Monster Fluid

Battle Style: Technical

Slay Bonus: Fine Stomach x1

Apceros

Habitat: Monsonne Plains, Perennial Pass Monster Den

Rewards: Raw Meat, Monster Bone M, etc.

Battle Style: Power

How to get: Obtain Humble Herbiv Egg from Monster Den in Perennial Pass, etc.

Rarity: 2

HP: 1 out of 5

Attack: 1 out of 5

Defense: 4 out of 5

Speed: 2 out of 5

Growth: Quick

Elemental Attack: 3 out of 5 for Fire, Lightning, Ice and Dragon; 4 out of 5 for Water.

Elemental Resistance: Strong against Water (5 out of 5), fair against Ice and Dragon (3 out of 5), below average against Fire (2 out of 5), poor against Lightning (1 out of 5)

Riding Action: Plant Action. Detect plants and mark them on the field.

Kinship: Dynamic Spin. Deals damage by spinning toward enemy.

Skills: Strong Body Blow, Observe, Earthquake, Tenacity

Slay Bonus: Big Barrel Bomb x1

Hatch Bonus: Woemill Wheat x10

Aptonoth (Hatchable)

Habitat: Pondry Hill

Rewards: Aptonoth Tail, Raw Meat, Monster Bone S

Battle Style: Tends to use Power Attacks (so use Speed Attacks against it)

How to get: Acquired from first Monster Den’s Egg Nest via the story. It also can be acquired from other Pondry Hill Monster Den Egg Nests (Herbivore Egg).

Rarity: 1

HP: 2 out of 5

Attack: 1 out of 5

Defense: 2 out of 5

Speed: 1 out of 5

Growth: Quick

Elemental Attack: 3 out of 5 for Fire, Water, Lightning, Ice and Dragon.

Elemental Resistance: Strong against Dragon (5 out of 5), poor against other elements (1 out of 5)

Riding Action: Plant Search. Displays plant gathering locations in the field.

Kinship Special Move: Slip n’ Slam. Attacks downs foe and Aptonoth for 1 turn.

Skills: Forage, Mountain Veggies, Soothing Roar, etc.

Slay bonus: Throwing Knife x3

Hatch Bonus: Herb x3

Arzuros (Hatchable)

Location: Pondry Hills (near Whistill Forest), etc.

Rewards: Arzuros Pelt, Arzuros Shell, Arzuros Brace, Honey, etc.

Battle Style: Likes to use Power Attacks (so use Speed Attacks against it).

How to get: Harvest a Humble Fng Bst Egg from a Nest Egg inside random Monster Dens at Pondry Hill.

Rarity: 2

HP: 2 out of 5

Attack: 1 out of 5

Defense: 4 out of 5

Speed: 2 out of 5

Growth: Quick

Elemental Attack: 3 out of 5 for Fire, Lightning, Ice and Dragon; 4 out of 5 for Water.

Elemental Resistance: Strong against Water (5 out of 5), average for Dragon and Ice (3 out of 5), below average for Lightning (2 out of 5) and poor against Fire (1 out of 5).

Riding Action: Honey Search. Displays honey gathering locations in the field.

Rock Breaker. Breaks rocks in the field.

Kinship Special Move: Hunter’s Claw. Flips a fish in the air then slams downward on foe.

Skills: Breaking Jump, Defensive Stance, Royal Honey Power, Merciless Bear Claw, etc.

Slay Bonus: Lifesoot x1

Hatch Bonus: Whetfish x5

Barrel Felyne

Habitat: Monsonne Plains Monster Den, etc.

Rewards: Pawprint Stamp, Large Barrel, Aged Felvine, Training Charm, etc.

Battle Style: Likes to wait and flee.

Slay Bonus: Pawprint Stamp x1

Barroth (Hatchable)

Habitat: Trese Desert

Rewards: Barroth Shell, Monster Bone, Defense Bead. M. Mech Version gives Torn Chains.

Battle Style: Tends to use Speed

How to get: Monsonne Plains Get a Soggy Brt Wyv Egg from a Monster Den in Monsonne Plains, etc.

Rarity: 3

HP: 5 out of 5

Attack: 1 out of 5

Defense: 5 out of 5

Speed: 3 out of 5

Growth: Quick

Elemental Attack: 1 out of 5 for Fire; 3 out of 5 for Ice and Dragon; 4 out of 5 for Lightning; and 5 out of 5 for Water.

Elemental Resistance: Strong against Water (5 out of 5), good against Lightning (4 out of 5), fair against Ice and Dragon (3 out of 5), poor against Fire (1 out of 5).

Riding Action: Bug Search. Can mark bug gathering spots on map.

Ground Dive. Can dig into holes in the ground to access new areas.

Kinship: Rushing Charge. Digs and hurls rock to damage single enemy.

Skills: Breaking Dash, Iron Wall (M), Mudbath, Mud Throw, etc.

Slay Bonus: Pitfall Trap x4

Hatch Bonus: Snakebee Larva x10

Bnahabra (Green)

Habitat: Darj Snowfields (Monster Den)

Rewards: Bnahabra Shell, Insect Husk, Monster Fluid

Battle Style: Tends to use Speed Attack

Slay Bonus: Sap Plant x5

Bulldrome (Hatchable)

Location: Darj Snowfields (Monster Den)

Rewards: Bulldrome Hide, Bulldrome Tusk, etc.

Battle Style: Likes to use Power Attacks and Technical Attacks so use Power to be safe.

How to get: Harvest Harvest Humble Fng Bst Egg from a Nest Egg inside Monster Dens at Darj Snowfield.

Rarity: 1

HP: 3 out of 5

Attack: 3 out of 5

Defense: 1 out of 5

Speed: 3 out of 5

Growth: Quick

Elemental Attack: 2 out of 5 for Lightning, 3 out of 5 for Fire, Water and Dragon; 4 out of 5 for Ice.

Elemental Resistance: Above average against Ice (4 out of 5), average for Water and Dragon (3 out of 5), below average for Fire (2 out of 5) and poor against Lightning (1 out of 5).

Riding Action: Dash. Press B to go faster but make turning harder. Dash stops when you let go or crash.

Kinship Special Move: Lethal Tackle. Low accuracy, non-elemental strike that’s a guaranteed critical attack when it hits.

Skills: Breaking Jump, Defensive Stance, Royal Honey Power, Merciless Bear Claw, etc.

Slay Bonus: Paintberry x5

Hatch Bonus: Blue Mushroom x10

Bullfango

Habitat: Whistill Forest

Rewards: Bullfango Pelt, Brute Bone, Raw Meat

Battle Style: Tends to use Power Attacks (so use Speed Attacks against it). Also uses Power Charge to boost ATK.

Slay Bonus: Shroom and Larva x1

Cephadrome (Hatchable)

Habitat: Trese Desert

Rewards: Cephadrome Scale, Cephadrome Fang, Paralysis Sac, Evasion Bead

Battle Style: Power

How to get: Acquire a Humble Psc Wyv Egg from a Monster Den in Monsonne Plains, etc.

Rarity: 2

HP: 2 out of 5

Attack: 1 out of 5

Defense: 3 out of 5

Speed: 3 out of 5

Growth: Quick

Elemental Attack: 1 out of 5 for Ice, 3 out of 5 for Lightning and Dragon. 4 out of 5 for Fire and Water.

Elemental Resistance: Good against Fire and Water (4 out of 5), fair against Lightning and Dragon (3 out of 5), poor against Ice (1 out of 5).

Riding Action: Monster Search. Marks monsters on the map.

Ground Dive. Can dig into holes in the ground to access new areas.

Kinship: Sand Spray. Light damage to all enemies and blinds for 3 turns.

Skills: Ground Thrustt, Paralysis Cutter, Heat Res, Evasion Instincts, Sand Breath, etc.

Slay Bonus: Sonic Bomb x3

Hatch Bonus: Training Charm x1

Gendrome

Habitat: Monsonne Plains

Rewards: Gendrome Hide, Gendrome Fang, Gendrome Head, Paralysis Sac

Battle Style: Speed

Rarity: 2

HP: 1 out of 5

Attack: 1 out of 5

Defense: 1 out of 5

Speed: 4 out of 5

Growth: Quick

Elemental Attack: 2 out of 5 for Ice; 3 out of 5 for Fire, Water, Lightning; 4 out of 5 for Dragon.

Elemental Resistance: Strong against Dragon (5 out of 5), fair against Fire, Water and Lightning (3 out of 5), poor against Ice (1 out of 5)

Riding Action: Jump. Can jump up on short ledges and use Jump points to reach inaccessible places.

Kinship: Paralyslash, Deals heavy damage and paralyzes single enemy for 3 turns.

Skills: Paralysis Spit, Paralysis Chaser, Overpower

Slay Bonus: Bottle Cap x1

Hatch Bonus: Raw Meat x10

Genprey

Habitat: Monsonne Plains

Rewards: Genprey Scale, Wyvern Carcass, Paralysis Sac

Battle Style: Speed

Slay Bonus: ???

Great Hermitaur

Habitat: Quicksand Caves

Rewards: Hermitaur Shell

Battle Style: Likes to use Technical Attack (so use Power Attacks against it). Critical.

Slay Bonus: Aloe Leaf x3

Gypceros (Hatchable)

Habitat: Babda Forest, Perennial Pass (Monster Den)

Rewards: Monster Fluid, Poison Sac, Lightcrystal, Gypceros Webbing, etc.

Battle Style: Technical, Power

How to get: Acquire Egg from Monster Den (Perennial Pass, etc.)

Rarity: 3

HP: 2 out of 5

Attack: 1 out of 5

Defense: 4 out of 5

Speed: 3 out of 5

Growth: Regular

Elemental Attack: 2 out of 5 for Fire; 3 out of 5 for Water, Ice and Dragon; 5 out of 5 for Lightning.

Elemental Resistance: Strong against Lightning (5 out of 5), fair against Water, Ice and Dragon(3 out of 5), poor against other Fire (1 out of 5)

Riding Action: Dash. Press B button to go faster. Press again to stop.

Kinship: Venom Flash. Light damage to all enemies. Blinds with Flash then poisons for 3 turns.

Skills: Venom, Poison Chaser, Whip Combo, Flash, etc.

Slay Bonus: Bottle Cap x1

Hatch Bonus: Comet Salt x10

Hermitaur

Habitat: Pondry Hills

Rewards: Hermitaur Shell, Aqua Sac

Battle Style: Likes to use Technical Attack (so use Power Attacks against it).

Slay Bonus: Aloe Leaf x3

Iodrome, Boss

Location: Whitill Forest (Story)

Rewards: Poison Sac, Speed Bead, etc.

Battle Style: Likes to use Speed and Power Attacks.

How to Get: ???

Hatch Bonus: Spicy Worm x5

Slay Bonus: Vital Essence x1

Kelbi

Habitat: Pondry Hills, Perennial Pass

Rewards: Scare it to get Kelbi Horn

'Slay' Bonus: Kelbi Horn x1 (you don't really slay it but it gets recorded in Monsterpedia after you encounter it)

Khezu

Habitat: Wintertide Tunnel, Darj Snowfields Monster Dens (more likely to return to den when afflicted with abnormal status that does gradual damage)

Rewards: Flabby Webbing, Flabby Hide, Pale Bone, Electro Sac

Battle Style: Likes to use Power and Technical attacks. (Power-Tech-Power-Power-Tech-Tech pattern?)

How to get: Acquire Pulsing Fly Wyv Egg (light blue or yellow shells with tiger stripes) from Egg Nests in Darj Snowfield.

Rarity: 3

HP: 4 out of 5

Attack: 2 out of 5

Defense: 4 out of 5

Speed: 2 out of 5

Growth: Regular

Elemental Attack: 1 out of 5 for Fire, 3 out of 5 for Water, Ice and Dragon, 5 out of 5 for Lightning.

Elemental Resistance: Strong against Lightning (5 out of 5), average against Water, Ice and Dragon (3 out of 5) and poor against Fire (1 out of 5).

Riding Action: Roar. Intimidates enemies on the field or angers them.

Kinship Skill: Spark Surprise.

Skills: Blood Suck, Writhing Bite, Sav Thunder Breath, etc.

Hatch Bonus: H. Crystal (Thunder) x3

Slay Bonus: Poison Knife x3

Extra Note: Boss version has extra head part that needs to be destroyed to stop it from using Roar.

Khezu (Red)

Habitat: Darj Snowfield

Rewards: Electro Sac, Alluring Hide,, etc.

Battle Style: Likes to use Technical and Power attacks.

How to get: Acquire Pulsing Fly Wyv Egg (rose-colored or pink shells with red or rose-colored tiger stripes) from Egg Nests in Darj Snowfield.

Rarity: 3

HP: 3 out of 5

Attack: 4 out of 5

Defense: 4 out of 5

Speed: 2 out of 5

Growth: Slow

Elemental Attack: 1 out of 5 for Fire, 3 out of 5 for Water, Ice and Dragon, 5 out of 5 for Lightning.

Elemental Resistance: Strong against Lightning (5 out of 5), average against Wate, Ice and Dragon (3 out of 5) and poor against Fire (1 out of 5).

Riding Action: Roar. Intimidates enemies on the field or angers them.

Kinship Skill: Spark Surprise.

Skills: Thunder Fang Thunder Charge, Thunder Trap, etc.

Hatch Bonus: T Res Bead x1

Slay Bonus: Adamant Charm x1

Konchu (Blue)

Habitat: Wintertide Tunnel, Darj Snowfields Monster Dens

Rewards: Insect Husk, Konchu Shell, Monster Fluid, Stone

Battle Style: Tends to use Technical Attack so use Power against it. Use your Rider’s Use Cheer skill early on to deal more damage.

Slay Bonus: Girthy Garlic x3

Konchu (Yellow)

Location: Mt. Pondry Caves

Rewards: Insect Husk, Konchu Shell, Monster Fluid, Stone

Battle Style: Tends to use Technical Attack so use Power against it. Use your Rider’s Use Cheer skill early on to deal more damage.

Slay Bonus: Whetstone x3

Lagombi (Hatchable)

Lagombi (Hatchable)

Habitat: Darj Snowfield

Rewards: Lagombi Pelt, Lagombi Plastron, Lagombi Ear, Frost Sac, etc.

Battle Style: Likes to use Speed attacks so counter with Technical.

How to get: Can be acquired from Egg Nests in Darj Snowfield (Frozen Fng Bst Egg). During battle, you can also use a Paintball on a weakened Lagombi to make it flee back to its den.

Rarity: 2

HP: 2 out of 5

Attack: 2 out of 5

Defense: 3 out of 5

Speed: 3 out of 5

Growth: Regular

Elemental Attack: 1 out of 5 for Fire, 2 out of 5 for Lightning, 3 out of 5 for Dragon, 4 out of 5 for Water, 5 out of 5 for Ice.

Elemental Resistance: Strong against Water and Ice (5 out of 5), average against Dragon (3 out of 5) and poor against Fire and Lightning (1 out of 5).

Riding Action: Mushroom Search. Detects and marks Mushrooms on area map.

Rock Breaker. Break cracked rocks with A button.

Kinship Skill: Slide Spinner Heavy. High-speed damage to a single foe.

Skills: Ice Toss, Skillseal Rate+ (M), Ice Skate Combo, Ice Boost (M), Snowball.

Hatch Bonus: H. Crystal (Ice) x3

Slay Bonus: Sonic Bomb x2

Ludroth

Habitat: Monsonne Planes

Rewards: Aqua Sac, Sleepyfish, Ludroth Pelt

Battle Style: Power

Slay Bonus: Armorskin x1

Nargacuga (Blighted), Boss

Location: Room of Trials and Whistill Forest (Story)

Rewards: Translucent Tear, Pure Tear

Battle Style: The Blighted Nargacuga uses Speed Attacks during first battle encounter at the Room of Trials so counter with Technical Attack. The blighted monster then gains a targetable Head part during the second boss encounter at the forest. The Head prevents your Kinship Gauge from rising so destroy it first. It also uses Speed Attacks when its head is not broken so counter with Technical Attacks. Once you break its Head, it will start mixing in Power Attacks so be careful when using Technical Attack against it. Beating it unlocks Kinship with Level 3 Monsties.

Hatch Bonus: H. Crystal (Pure)

Slay Bonus: Strength Nutriment x1

Nerscylla

Habitat: (Babda Rainforests)

Rewards: Sleep Sac, Nerscylla Shell, Nerscylla Chelicera, Nerscylla Spike, etc.

Battle Style: Technique, Power (typically in form consecutive Sealing Needle attacks). Can seal one of your attacks.

How to get: Monsonne Plains Monster Den. Humble Tmnocrn Egg.

Rarity: 3

HP: 2 out of 5

Attack: 2 out of 5

Defense: 4 out of 5

Speed: 3 out of 5

Growth: Regular

Elemental Attack: 3 out of 5 for Fire, Lightning, Ice and Dragon. 5out of 5 for Water.

Elemental Resistance: Strong against Water (5 out of 5), fair against Ice and Dragon (3 out of 5), below average against Lightning (2 out of 5), poor against Fire (1 out of 5).

Riding Action: Monster Search. Reveals monster locations in the area.

Ivy Climb. Lets you climb ivy patches on walls to reach previously inaccessible areas.

Kinship: Predator Needle. Heavy damage to single enemy that causes sleep.

Skills: Jump Strike, Sleep Chaser, Sealing Needle, Speedseal, Slep Needle, etc.

Slay Bonus: Defense Nutriment x1

Hatch Bonus: Critical Bead

Popo (Hatchable)

Location: Darj Snowfields

Rewards: Raw Meat, Popo Pelt, Popo Tongue, etc.

When battling against: Likes to use Power (so use Technical to be safe)

How to get: Obtain Humble Herbiv Egg from Monster Den at Darj Snowfields.Rarity: 1

HP: 4 out of 5

Attack: 1 out of 5

Defense: 2 out of 5

Speed: 1out of 5

Growth: Quick

Elemental Attack: 2 out of 5 for Fire, 3 out of 5 for Water, Lightning and Dragon, 5 out of 5 for Ice.

Elemental Resistance: Strong against Ice (5 out of 5), average against Water and Dragon (3 out of 5) and poor against Fire (1 out of 5).

Riding Action: Plant Search. Press B to find where plants are in the vicinity.

Kinship Skill: Popo Drive. Light damage to one enemy that knocks down foe and the Popo for one turn.

Skills: Cold Res, Snow Shroud, Fortifying Stance, Healing Roar, Soothing Bellow.

Hatch Bonus: Herb x10

Slay Bonus: Hot Mist x3

Qurupeco

Habitat: Monsonne Plains near Monsonne Hinterlands Catavan stop

Rewards: Sushifish, Qurupeco Scale, Qurupeco Feather, Strange Beak, Tech Bead

Battle Style: Uses Tech multiple times, then Speed.

How to get: Acquire a Burning Brd Wyv Egg inside a Monsonne Plains Monster Den.

Rarity: 2

HP: 2 out of 5

Attack: 2 out of 5

Defense: 3 out of 5

Speed: 4 out of 5

Growth: Quick

Elemental Attack: 2 out of 5 for Ice; 3 out of 5 for Water, Lightning, and Dragon; 5 out of 5 for Fire.

Elemental Resistance: Strong against Fire (5 out of 5), fair against Water, Lightning and Dragon (3 out of 5), poor against Ice (1 out of 5)

Riding Action: Monster Call. Calls a random monster in the field for you to battle.

Kinship: Barrel Bomb Storm. Lights bomb and unleashes explosive attack to a single enemy.

Skills: Empowering Song, Fortifying Song, Fiery Swipe, Tech Boost (M), Soothing Song, etc.

Slay Bonus: Bottle Cap x1

Hatch Bonus: Sushifish x20

Rathian

Habitat: Monsonne Plains near Monsonne Hinterlands Catavan stop

Rewards: Rathian Shell, Rathian Spike, Rathian Plate, etc. Blighted version also gives Pure Tear.

Battle Style: Tends to use Speed, which it likes to mix in with Power. When fighting the Blighted boss version, try to equip Blue Kut-Ku Armor for Fire resistance and high defense (at least for that point in the game) and Khezu Shock Sword for extra damage as it is weak to Lightning. Red Khezu also does a ton of damage to it and the Monstie’s Kinship lighting attack can hit both the Blighted Rathian’s head and body.

How to get: Get a Burning Fly Wyv Egg from a Monsonne Plains Monster Den

Rarity: 3

HP: 5 out of 5

Attack: 2 out of 5

Defense: 4 out of 5

Speed: 3 out of 5

Growth: Regular

Elemental Attack: 2 out of 5 for Lightning and Dragon; 3 out of 5 for Water and Ice. 5 out of 5 for Fire.

Elemental Resistance: Strong against Fire (5 out of 5), fair against Water and Ice (3 out of 5), below average against Lightning (2 out of 5), poor against Dragon (1 out of 5)

Riding Action: Nest Search. Finds and marks nearby Monster Dens on the field.

Kinship: Scorching Slice. Combines flames and somersault kick to damage all enemies.

Skills: Fire Breath, Spread Fire Breath, Might (L), Poison Spike, etc.

Slay Bonus: Vitality Nutriment x1

Hatch Bonus: H. Crystal (Fire)

Royal Ludroth (Hatchable)

Habitat: Monsonne Plains

Rewards: R. Ludroth Scale, Royal Ludroth Tail, R. Ludroth Crest, Aqua Sac, W Res Bead

Battle Style: Power, Technical (Likes to start with Water Soak)

How to get: Acquire Soggy Leviathn Egg from Monster Den Nest Egg in Monsonne Plains)

Rarity: 3

HP: 2 out of 5

Attack: 2 out of 5

Defense: 2 out of 5

Speed: 3 out of 5

Growth: Regular

Elemental Attack: 1 out of 5 for Fire; 3 out of 5 for Lightning, Ice and Dragon; 5 out of 5 for Water.

Elemental Resistance: Strong against Water (5 out of 5), fair against Lightning, Ice and Dragon (3 out of 5), poor against other Fire (1 out of 5)

Riding Action: Swim. Able to swim from shallow banks.

Fish Search. Can find fishing spots and mark them on the map.

Kinship: Moonsault Splash. Shoots water jet to damage a single enemy. Reduces enemy Attack for 3 turns.

Skills: Merciless Tackle, Quickwater, Water Jet, Water Soak, etc.

Slay Bonus: Paralysis Knife x3

Hatch Bonus: H. Crystal (Water) x3

Slagtoth

Habitat: Babda Rainforest

Rewards: Slagtoth Hide, Raw Meat, Monster Bone M

Battle Style: Power

Slay Bonus: Antidote Herb x5

Velociprey

Location: Pondry Hill, Whistill Foreset

Rewards: Monster Bone S, Velociprey Scale, Wyvern Carcass, Screamer Sac

Battle Style: Uses Speed Attacks so counter it with Technical Attacks.

Slay Bonus: Wyvern Carcass x5

Velocidrome (Hatchable)

Habitat: Pondry Hill

Rewards: Screamer Sac, Velocidrome Claw, Velocidrome Head, Velocidrome Hide, Speed Bead

Battle Style: Likes to use Speed attacks so counter with Technical. Sometimes uses Power.

How to get: Automatically acquired after your first Kinship Ritual. Can also be acquired from Egg Nests in Pondry Hill (Humble Brd Wyv Egg).

Rarity: 1

HP: 1 out of 5

Attack: 1 out of 5

Defense: 1 out of 5

Speed: 4 out of 5

Growth: Quick

Elemental Attack: 3 out of 5 for Fire, Water, Lightning and Ice; 4 out of 5 for Dragon.

Elemental Resistance: Strong against Dragon (5 out of 5), average against Fire, Water and Lightning (3 out of 5) and poor against Ice (1 out of 5).

Riding Action: Jump. Hop on to higher ground and also use Jump points to reach inaccessible areas.

Kinship Skill: Velocirush. Leaps in the air and attacks foes with rapid kicks.

Skills: Swift Strike, Fierce Kick, Violent Bellow, Speed Boost (M), etc.

Hatch Bonus: Raw Meat x5

Slay Bonus: Flash Bomb x3

Vespoid

Habitat: Babda Rainforest

Rewards: Monster Fluid, Snakebee Larva, Vespoid Wing, Insect Husk

Battle Style: Technical

Slay Bonus: Bottle Cap x1

Yian Kut-Ku (Hatchable)

Location: Pondry Hills

Rewards: Kut-Ku Scale, Kut-Ku Webbing, Giant Beak, Flame Sac, etc.

Battle Style: Tends to use Technical Attack but also alternates with Speed Attack. Also uses Fireball, which does high damage against one foe. Its Kut-Ku Tackle does minor damage to multiple targets.

How to get: Harvest Burning Brd Wyv Egg from Pondry Hill Egg Nest.

Rarity: 2

HP: 2 out of 5

Attack: 1 out of 5

Defense: 3 out of 5

Speed: 4 out of 5

Growth: Quick

Elemental Attack: 2 out of 5 for Ice, 3 out of 5 for Water, Lightning and Dragon; 4 out of 5 for Fire.

Elemental Resistance: Strong against Fire (5 out of 5), average against Water, Lightning and Dragon (3 out of 5) and poor against Ice (1 out of 5).

Riding Action: Monster Search. Reveal Monster locations in the field.

Rock Breaker: Destroy rocks in the field.

Kinship Skill: Fireball Expulsion. Gobbles several Konchu and expels them at foes with fire.

Skills: Kut-Ku Whip, Peck Onslaught, Fire Boost (M), Kut-Ku Tackle

Hatch Bonus: Rice Bug x5

Slay Bonus: Vitality Nutriment x1

Yian Kut-Ku, Blue (Hatchable)

Location: Pondry Hills Rare Monster Den

Rewards: Flame Sac, Blue Kut-Ku Scale, Blue Kut-Ku Shell, Blue Kut-Ku Ear, Tech Bead

Battle Style: Likes to alternate between Technical Attack and Speed Attack.

How to Get: Harvest Burning Brd Wyv Egg from Pondry Hill Egg Nest.

Rarity: 2

HP: 2 out of 5

Attack: 2 out of 5

Defense: 3 out of 5

Speed: 4 out of 5

Growth: Quick

Elemental Attack: 2 out of 5 for Water, 3 out of 5 for Ice, Lightning and Dragon; 5 out of 5 for Fire.

Elemental Resistance: Strong against Fire (5 out of 5), average against Ice, Lightning and Dragon (3 out of 5) and below average against Ice (2 out of 5).

Riding Action: Monster Search. Reveal Monster locations in the field.

Rock Breaker: Destroy rocks in the field.

Kinship Skill: Fireball Expulsion. Gobbles several Konchu and expels them at foes with fire.

Skills: Reckless Dash, Peck Onslaught, Fire Res (M), Fortify

Hatch Bonus: Fatty Tomato x5

Slay Bonus: Training Charm x1

Zamite

Habitat: Darj Snowfields

Rewards: Frost Sac, Ice Crystal, Zamite Scale

Battle Style: Tends to use Technical Attack

Slay Bonus: Rock Salt Tuna x1

Zamtrios

Habitat: Zarj Snowfields, Rare Monster Den

Rewards: Zamtrios Tailblade, Zamtrios Fin, Zamtrios Hide, Frost Sac

Battle Style: Tends to use Technical Attacks most but uses Speed as well.

How to Get: Harvest Frozen Amphib Egg from Zarj Snowfields Monster Den Egg Nest.

Rarity: 3

HP: 4 out of 5

Attack: 2 out of 5

Defense: 4 out of 5

Speed: 3 out of 5

Growth: Slow

Elemental Attack:1 out of 5 for Lightning, 2 out of 5 for Fire, 3 out of 5 for Dragon; 5 out of 5 for Water and Ice.

Elemental Resistance: Strong against Water and Ice (5 out of 5), average Dragon (3 out of 5) and poor against Fire and Lightning (1 out of 5).

Riding Action: Swim. Enter shallow water and press A to swim freely. Press A again in shallow water to get out.

Monster Search: Reveal monster locations in the field.

Kinship Skill: Freezing Spouts. Charges energy while inflated and unleashes attack that damages all enemies and freezes area.

Skills: Spread Frost Breath, Skillseal Chaser, Ice Armor, Ice Boost (M), Predatory (M)

Hatch Bonus: Ice Res Bead x1

Slay Bonus: Defense Nutriment x1