Monster Hunter Stories 2: Nergigante Boss Guide

Alright guys, let's dive into one of the toughest challenges Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin throws at you: the Nergigante. This elder dragon is a serious roadblock for many players, and for good reason. Its raw power and aggressive abilities can quickly overwhelm you if you're not prepared. But don't worry, with the right strategy, gear, and a bit of luck, you can definitely take this beast down. This guide is all about giving you the best tips and tricks to conquer Nergigante, ensuring you can progress further in the game and snag some awesome rewards. We'll cover everything from its attack patterns to the most effective monsties you can bring into battle.

Understanding Nergigante's Strengths and Weaknesses

So, you're facing the Nergigante, huh? This absolute unit is known for its insane offensive capabilities and a unique regeneration mechanic that makes it even scarier. When this elder dragon gets hit, its spikes grow back, and the more spikes it has, the stronger its attacks become. This means you absolutely need a strategy to manage those spikes. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the fight, let's talk about what makes Nergigante tick. Its primary attack types are Power and Speed. This means you'll want to bring monsties that excel in Speed and Technical attacks to counter its onslaught. While it has a Blunt weakness, meaning blunt weapons are more effective, remember that its elemental weaknesses are less pronounced. Focus on exploiting its non-elemental weaknesses first. The key here is adaptability. You can't just brute force your way through this fight; you need to be smart about your attack choices and your monstie's abilities. Pay close attention to its tells – the animations before it unleashes its most devastating moves. Learning these cues will be your lifeline. Don't underestimate the importance of your Rider's gear, too. Having the right armor and weapons can make a world of difference in how much damage you take and dish out. We're talking about armor that boosts your defense against its common attack types, and weapons that can consistently hit its weaknesses. Remember, patience is a virtue in this fight. Rushing in blindly will only lead to frustration and a swift defeat. Instead, focus on chipping away at its health while minimizing the damage you receive. This is where understanding its attack patterns becomes paramount. Each attack has a wind-up, a telltale sign that something big is coming. Learn to recognize these, and you'll be able to dodge, block, or counter effectively, saving yourself a lot of pain and resources.

Building the Perfect Team: Monsties and Gear

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: what monsties should you bring to take on Nergigante? This is crucial, guys. You can't just wing it. For Nergigante, which leans heavily on Power and Speed attacks, you'll want to have monsties that can dish out Speed and Technical damage. Having a monstie with a Technical attack in your party is essential for breaking its head and disrupting its spike growth. Think about monsties like the Velocidrome or the Great Jaggi for early game Speed options, or perhaps something like a Nargacuga if you're further along and have access to it. For Technical attacks, consider a Cephalos or even a Lagiacrus if you've managed to find one. The key is to have a solid Speed monstie to counter its Power attacks and a reliable Technical monstie to break its parts and disrupt its flow. Don't forget about your Rider's gear! A good set of armor can significantly reduce the damage you take. Look for armor sets that offer high defense against Blunt and Piercing damage, as these are Nergigante's primary attack types. Weapons are also important; a blunt weapon like a hammer or hunting horn will be most effective against Nergigante's weaknesses. If you're focusing on elemental damage, remember that Nergigante isn't particularly weak to any one element, so a balanced approach or focusing on raw damage might be better. Consider bringing a few status-inflicting items as well, like paralyze or poison, though Nergigante can be resistant to these. The real game-changer, though, is a monstie with a high-speed attack or a skill that can remove buffs/debuffs. This can be invaluable for keeping Nergigante's regeneration in check or preventing it from powering up too much. Also, remember the importance of gene eggs. Having the right genes on your monsties can dramatically boost their effectiveness. Look for speed attack genes, technical attack genes, and defensive genes to round out your team. A good balanced team composition would ideally include a strong Speed monstie, a reliable Technical monstie, and perhaps a monstie with good support capabilities or healing skills, just in case things get hairy. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations until you find what works best for your playstyle. Remember, the goal is synergy – a team where each member complements the others, creating a cohesive unit that can tackle even the most formidable foes like Nergigante.

The Battle Plan: Phase by Phase

Alright, let's break down the actual fight with Nergigante. This isn't just about going in and swinging wildly; it's about a calculated approach. You'll want to start the fight by assessing Nergigante's initial state. It usually begins with fewer spikes, making it somewhat less dangerous. Immediately, you should try to land Speed attacks if you have a Speed monstie or Technical attacks if you have a Technical monstie available to target its Power-based assaults. The core of your strategy should revolve around managing its spikes. When Nergigante uses its Power attacks, you absolutely must respond with Speed attacks from your monstie. Conversely, when it unleashes Speed attacks, counter with Technical attacks. This rock-paper-scissors dynamic is your best friend in this fight. Breaking its head is a high priority, as this can prevent it from regrowing spikes. Aim for its head whenever possible, especially with your Technical attacks. Nergigante's signature move is its spike dive, where it leaps into the air and slams down. This is a devastating attack, so learn its wind-up animation and be ready to dodge or guard. Another key move is its energy blast, which can deal massive damage. Again, recognizing the animation is key. Throughout the fight, keep an eye on your Heart Rate and your monstie's Health. Don't be afraid to use healing items or skills when necessary. It's better to play it safe and stay in the fight than to push your luck and get wiped out. If Nergigante starts regenerating its spikes rapidly, it means it's getting stronger. This is your cue to increase the pressure, especially with Technical attacks aimed at its head or limbs. Don't let it get too many spikes back, or its attacks will become incredibly difficult to survive. Also, remember to use your Kinship Skill strategically. A well-timed Kinship Skill can deal a massive amount of damage or provide crucial support, turning the tide of the battle. For instance, using a powerful Kinship Skill when Nergigante is vulnerable after a big attack can significantly shorten the fight. Throughout the battle, maintain pressure but don't overextend. Chip away at its health, break its parts when possible, and most importantly, stay alive. This fight is a marathon, not a sprint. Patience and a clear head will see you through. Remember that Nergigante's attack patterns can change slightly depending on its current health or the number of spikes it has, so always be ready to adapt your strategy on the fly. Don't get discouraged if your first attempt isn't successful; learn from your mistakes and come back stronger.

Dealing with Nergigante's Devastating Attacks

Let's talk about the real panic-inducers: Nergigante's signature attacks. You need to know what you're up against to survive. The most infamous is its spike dive. You'll see it rear up, gather energy, and then launch itself across the arena, slamming down with massive damage. This attack is telegraphed, so as soon as you see it preparing, get ready to dodge. A well-timed dodge will save you from taking a huge chunk of damage. If you're confident in your guard, blocking can also mitigate some of the damage, but dodging is generally safer. Another terrifying move is its triple claw swipe. This is a fast, multi-hit attack that can chew through your health bar if you're not careful. Again, dodging is your best bet. You might need to dodge multiple times in quick succession to avoid all the hits. Nergigante also has a ramming charge, where it lowers its head and charges straight at you. This is usually a Power attack, so be ready to counter with a Speed attack from your monstie. If you're caught off guard, try to dodge sideways. Then there's the energy burst, a ranged attack where Nergigante unleashes a wave of energy. This can be tricky to dodge as it covers a good area. Try to position yourself behind cover if possible, or dodge just as the energy is about to hit you. A crucial part of dealing with these attacks is understanding their attack type. Knowing whether it's a Power, Speed, or Technical attack will allow you to choose the correct counter. For instance, if Nergigante uses a powerful Power attack, you need your monstie to hit it with a Speed attack. If it uses a Speed attack, you need a Technical counter. If you consistently fail to counter its attack types, Nergigante will gain the upper hand. Pay attention to Nergigante's spike growth. The more spikes it has, the more powerful its attacks become. If you see its spikes turning black and becoming more prominent, it's a sign that it's charging up for something big. This is your cue to be extra cautious and prioritize breaking its parts, especially its head, to prevent further growth. Don't forget about the environment! Sometimes, you can use the terrain to your advantage, like hiding behind large rocks to block its ranged attacks. But be careful, Nergigante can destroy parts of the environment, so don't rely on it too much. The key to surviving Nergigante's onslaught is preparedness and reaction. Know its moves, anticipate its actions, and have the right tools to counter them. It might take a few tries, but by learning its patterns and adapting your strategy, you'll eventually overcome this formidable foe.

Final Tips and Tricks for Nergigante Mastery

Alright guys, we've covered a lot, but let's distill this down to some final, actionable tips to really nail that Nergigante fight. First off, always be aware of your monstie's HP and your Rider's HP. Don't get tunnel vision on attacking; healing is paramount. Keep a healthy supply of Mega Potions and Potent Potions on hand. Secondly, prioritize breaking Nergigante's head. This is your primary method for controlling its spike growth and reducing its offensive power. Use your Technical attacks whenever you have the opening. If you're struggling to break its head, consider using a weapon with good part-breaking capabilities. Thirdly, master the attack-type dance. Remember: Power vs. Speed, Speed vs. Technical. Consistently countering its attacks will keep Nergigante staggered and prevent it from unleashing its most devastating moves. Don't get lazy with this; it's the backbone of the fight. Fourth, don't ignore your Kinship Gauge. A well-timed Kinship Skill can turn the tables. Use it when Nergigante is vulnerable or when you need a burst of damage to finish it off or break a critical part. Fifth, consider bringing a monstie with a healing or support ability. While not strictly necessary, a dedicated healer can be a lifesaver, especially during prolonged battles. Blue Crow or a monstie with the