By Jerry Wilson
In the realm of mobile gaming, augmented reality (AR) has become a popular trend, with Niantic leading the way through successful titles like Pokémon Go. Now, the renowned game development company has teamed up with Capcom to bring the beloved Monster Hunter franchise to life in a whole new way with Monster Hunter Now. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the Monster Hunter series, this AR-based game offers a unique and immersive experience that may require some guidance to fully grasp. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of helpful tips and tricks that we wish we had known from the start.
One of the first things to understand when diving into Monster Hunter Now is the importance of armor perks. Unlike traditional Monster Hunter games, where players typically complete armor sets for optimal benefits, Monster Hunter Now encourages a more personalized approach. Each piece of armor offers its own set of perks and skills that can greatly enhance your playstyle. For instance, the Jagras Helm provides the Firm Foothold skill, which reduces knockback as you level it up. Rather than completing an entire set, it's recommended to mix and match armor pieces based on the skills that best suit your combat preferences.
As you progress through the game's story, you'll unlock a wider variety of monsters to hunt. While it can be tempting to stick to familiar foes, venturing further will reward you with exciting new challenges and opportunities for growth. Keep completing quests and collecting materials to steadily expand your hunting experience.
Combat in Monster Hunter Now revolves around the crucial element of elemental advantages. Having the right elemental weapon can make a significant difference when battling tougher monsters, especially at higher difficulties. A clear example of this is the five-star Rathian encounter, where we hit a daunting obstacle until we upgraded our weapons with paralysis elements. To be well-prepared, it's advisable to have a variety of elemental weapons and consistently upgrade them alongside your armor sets. This ensures that you'll be able to tackle increasingly difficult foes with confidence.
To progress and continually enhance your gear, collecting materials is essential. Even if you're not in the mood for an intense hunting session, it's important to open the app occasionally, allowing your Felyne friend (known as Palico) to collect materials in your surroundings. This simple action takes only a few seconds and contributes significantly to your resource stockpile.
Another interesting aspect of Monster Hunter Now is the dynamic nature of the habitats around you. Living in the suburbs doesn't mean you'll be limited to a monotonous environment. The game introduces shifting habitats, providing you with the opportunity to encounter a variety of monsters, no matter where you reside.
In addition to the main story quests, Monster Hunter Now offers special quests that provide valuable rewards in terms of experience (HRP) and crafting materials. These daily objectives are relatively straightforward and can be completed simply by playing the game. Ensure that you claim the rewards as you progress, maximizing your overall progression and crafting potential.
Coming from Niantic's other AR games, such as Pokémon Go, it's crucial to note that Monster Hunter Now treats Gathering Points slightly differently. Gathering Points are the game's equivalent of PokéStops, and they require you to be within a specific radius before interacting with them. Unlike in other games, where you can approach them preemptively, Monster Hunter Now is more temperamental and may not register your interaction if you tap too early. While this can be a minor annoyance, it adds an element of strategic resource gathering that keeps things engaging.
Don't underestimate the value of small monsters. Though they may appear insignificant compared to their larger counterparts, they hold untapped potential. Defeating these creatures, which only require a few hits, yields unique drops necessary for various armor and weapon upgrades. Additionally, fighting small monsters contributes to building your Special Skill gauge, which persists between encounters. This allows you to unleash a powerful attack right at the start of a challenging battle, giving you a crucial advantage.
In conclusion, Monster Hunter Now brings a fresh and exciting take on the beloved Monster Hunter franchise through its augmented reality gameplay. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned player, adapting to the unique features and mechanics of this AR realm can be challenging. However, with these valuable tips and tricks, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the world of Monster Hunter Now. From optimizing your armor perks and progressing through the story to understanding the significance of elements in combat and strategically engaging with Gathering Points, these insights will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Embrace the hunt, gather your materials, and conquer the ever-evolving world of Monster Hunter Now.
