Monster Hunter Stories: Every Monster Guide
Hey gamers! If you're diving into the awesome world of Monster Hunter Stories, you're probably wondering about all the cool creatures you'll encounter, right? Well, you've come to the right place, guys! We're going to break down pretty much every monster you can find in the game, from the common critters to the legendary beasts. Understanding these monsters is key to becoming a top-tier Rider, so let's get into it!
The Basics of Monsties in Monster Hunter Stories
First off, let's chat about what makes Monster Hunter Stories so unique: Monsties! Unlike the main Monster Hunter games where you hunt monsters for parts, here you get to befriend them, raise them, and even ride them into battle. These buddies are called Monsties, and the vast majority of monsters you'll see can potentially become your loyal companion. The game features a huge roster of monsters, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and unique skills. Knowing these details is crucial for building a balanced team and overcoming tough challenges. You'll find monsters in different habitats, each with specific elemental affinities and attack patterns. Some monsters are purely for combat, while others offer utility skills for exploration or resource gathering. The collection of monsters is truly staggering, and exploring every nook and cranny of the world will reward you with discovering new species. It's a true monster encyclopedia come to life, and your journey as a Rider is all about building that ultimate bond with these incredible creatures. The deeper you go into the game, the more complex the monster mechanics become, with genes and abilities playing a massive role in how powerful your Monsties can get. So, get ready to fill up that Monstie album!
Early Game Wonders: Your First Monstie Encounters
When you first start your adventure in Monster Hunter Stories, you'll be introduced to some of the more common and beginner-friendly monsters. These guys are great for learning the ropes of combat and understanding basic Monstie mechanics. Think of creatures like the Aptonoth, a docile herbivore that's usually one of the first you'll see. While not a combat powerhouse, they're essential for understanding basic monster AI and can even be found with useful genes early on. Then there's the Rathian, a classic Monster Hunter icon! In Stories, the Rathian is one of the first major flying dragons you can potentially befriend. Its fire attacks and powerful tail whips make it a formidable ally, and learning its patterns is key. You'll also encounter Great Jaggi and its pack, which are territorial but relatively easy to manage. They teach you about fighting groups of monsters and exploiting their weaknesses. The Qurupeco is another interesting early-game monster, known for its ability to call for backup, so be prepared for reinforcements! Yian Kut-ku, with its large beak and fire-breathing capabilities, is also a common sight and a decent early-game attacker. These initial monsters are designed to ease you into the game's systems, including the egg-collecting mechanic. You’ll be raiding monster dens to find eggs, and these common monsters are often the first species you’ll hatch. Don't underestimate them, though! Even a basic Aptonoth can have surprisingly good genes that will help you later on. Plus, mastering combat against these simpler foes builds the foundation for taking on much bigger and scarier creatures. The game does a fantastic job of gradually introducing you to the full spectrum of monsters, ensuring you’re not overwhelmed right from the get-go. It’s a carefully crafted learning curve, and these early encounters are your first steps towards becoming a legendary Monster Rider. So, keep your eyes peeled and your bottle caps ready – adventure awaits!
Mid-Game Might: Expanding Your Monstie Roster
As you progress further into Monster Hunter Stories, the challenges ramp up, and so does the variety of monsters you'll encounter. This is where you'll start to encounter more specialized and powerful Monsties. Rathalos, the king of the skies and counterpart to Rathian, becomes a coveted ally. His fire-breathing attacks and aerial prowess are invaluable. You'll also start to see monsters with elemental resistances and weaknesses that require more strategic team building. Think about the Lagiacrus, a formidable water-based leviathan. Fighting it requires understanding its electric attacks and its vulnerability in the water. Then there's the Nargacuga, a swift and agile wyvern known for its speed and powerful claw attacks. Its evasive maneuvers can be tricky to counter, but it’s an excellent Monstie for fast-paced combat. Zinogre, the thunder wolf, is another absolute beast. Its charged-up state makes it incredibly dangerous, so learning to manage its power is key. You'll also start finding monsters like Uragaan and Roc*, which boast incredible defensive capabilities and devastating rolling attacks. The Brachydios, with its explosive slime attacks, adds a whole new layer of danger and strategy. These mid-game monsters are often found in more challenging dens or as boss encounters. They require you to have a solid understanding of the combat triangle (Power, Speed, Technical) and how to effectively use Monstie skills and Rider abilities. Collecting eggs for these monsters becomes more of a strategic pursuit, as you’ll be hunting for specific gene combinations to optimize your Monsties. Don't forget about the Deviljho, a terrifying pickle-like dragon that can appear unexpectedly, often disrupting other monster fights. Its sheer power and aggressive nature make it a true test of your skills. This phase of the game is all about diversifying your Monstie collection to cover various elemental types and combat roles. You'll be experimenting with different team compositions, trying to find the perfect synergy between your Monsties and your Rider. The mid-game monster collection is where your team really starts to feel powerful and versatile, ready to take on almost anything the world throws at you. Keep grinding those dens, guys, and happy hunting!
Apex Predators and Elder Dragons: The Ultimate Monstie Collection
Now we're talking about the cream of the crop, the monsters that define the endgame of Monster Hunter Stories. These are the absolute powerhouses, the legendary creatures that require skill, strategy, and a bit of luck to befriend. Rajang, the lightning-ape known for its insane speed and devastating punches, is a major challenge. Catching it requires precise timing and exploiting its brief moments of vulnerability. Then there are the Elder Dragons. In Stories, you'll encounter titans like Kushala Daora, a metallic dragon that controls the wind, and Teostra, a fiery behemoth that unleashes devastating nova attacks. These monsters are often raid bosses or found in the deepest, most dangerous monster dens. Chameleos, the chameleon-like elder dragon, adds stealth and poison to the mix, making it a tricky opponent. For those who venture into the post-game content, you might even encounter the likes of Fatalis, though its appearance is often tied to specific events or extremely difficult challenges. And let's not forget about the unique monsters you can find, like the Nergigante, the elder dragon that grows black spikes and can regenerate rapidly. Its aggressive nature makes it a top-tier combatant. The ultimate Monstie collection involves not just finding these powerful creatures but also optimizing them with the best genes. You'll be hunting for rare genes like Crit Up XL, Elemental Attack Up, and specific Kinship Skills. Each of these legendary monsters offers unique combat advantages and looks absolutely epic on your team. They are the pinnacle of what you can achieve as a Rider, showcasing your dedication and mastery of the game's systems. Some of these monsters are so powerful they can turn the tide of any battle instantly. It’s about having that ultimate ace up your sleeve. Plus, the satisfaction of finally hatching a rare egg from one of these apex predators is unparalleled. So, if you're aiming for the absolute best, these are the monsters you'll be hunting. Good luck, you're gonna need it!
The Complete Monster List: A Glimpse into the Monsterpedia
Okay guys, let's get down to brass tacks. While listing every single monster with detailed stats here would take an entire encyclopedia, we can give you a solid overview of the types of monsters and some notable examples you'll find. The game is divided into various monster families and types, each with its own characteristics.
Flying Wyverns
These are arguably the most iconic Monster Hunter creatures. They typically have wings, a reptilian body, and often breathe elements. Examples include Rathalos, Rathian, Nargacuga, Qurupeco, and Yian Kut-ku. They excel in aerial combat and often have powerful elemental attacks.
Brute Wyverns
These are bulky, bipedal dragons that rely on raw physical power. They often have large claws and powerful bites. Uragaan, Rathalos, and Diablos fall into this category. Expect devastating charges and close-range assaults.
Leviathans
These serpentine monsters are often associated with water or ice. They have long bodies and can move with surprising speed. Lagiacrus and Mizutsune are prime examples. They often utilize elemental attacks and can be slippery opponents.
Fanged Beasts
This diverse category includes wolf-like creatures, monkeys, and other mammalian monsters. Zinogre, Great Jaggi, and Rajang belong here. They often possess high speed and aggressive attack patterns.
Bird Wyverns
Smaller, more agile wyverns, often resembling birds or raptors. Yian Kut-ku and Great Baggi are good examples. They can be fast and sometimes use poison or other status effects.
Piscine Wyverns
Monsters that resemble fish or amphibians, often found in aquatic environments. Lagiacrus has some Piscine Wyvern traits, though it's primarily a Leviathan.
Dragonoids
These are the true dragons, often the most powerful and majestic creatures. Elder Dragons like Kushala Daora, Teostra, and Kirin are in this class. They possess immense power and unique abilities.
Unique Monsters
Then you have monsters that defy easy categorization, like the Deviljho, Nergigante, and Gammoth. These often serve as major boss encounters and represent a significant challenge.
This breakdown should give you a good idea of the variety of monsters you'll encounter in Monster Hunter Stories. Each one has its own unique egg design, habitat, and set of genes, making the collection process incredibly engaging. Remember, the game encourages experimentation, so don't be afraid to try out different Monsties to find your perfect team!
Finding Monster Eggs: The Core of Monstie Collection
Alright, let's talk about the heart and soul of becoming a great Rider in Monster Hunter Stories: finding and hatching monster eggs! This is how you build your Monstie collection, and it’s honestly one of the most addictive parts of the game. You’ll be exploring monster dens scattered throughout the various regions, and inside, you’ll find monster nests. Sometimes, a nest will have a monster guarding it, and you’ll have to fight it. Other times, you’ll get lucky and find an egg just sitting there! The key to finding rare monsters is often tied to the rarity of the den. Some dens are standard, while others are rare dens (often glowing or appearing as special markers on your map). These rare dens have a higher chance of containing rarer eggs with better genes. When you find an egg, you need to carefully check its appearance and smell. Each monster species has a unique egg design and a distinct smell, which gives you a clue about what you’ve found. Once you snag an egg, you gotta get it back to the Stables without breaking it – so no sprinting with that precious cargo! Back at the Stables, you can use the hatching process to reveal your new Monstie. This is where the magic happens: the egg hatches, and you get a brand-new companion. But it's not just about getting any Monstie; it's about getting the right Monstie. The genes within the egg are crucial. Each Monstie has a set of gene slots, and the genes you get from hatching determine its abilities, resistances, and stats. This is where the deep strategy comes in. You'll be looking for eggs with specific genes that complement your playstyle or fill gaps in your team's elemental coverage. Sometimes, you might hatch a common monster but with incredibly rare and powerful genes! Conversely, you might hatch a rare monster with mediocre genes, requiring you to use gene-editing later. The monster egg hunting process is a constant cycle of exploration, combat, and strategic decision-making. You’ll learn to recognize egg patterns, track down specific monster nests, and prioritize which eggs to take. It’s a thrilling scavenger hunt that rewards perseverance and a keen eye for detail. So, get ready to raid those dens, guys, and may your eggs be ever in your favor!
Gene Factors and Monstie Customization
So you've hatched a new Monstie, awesome! But the journey doesn't end there, oh no. In Monster Hunter Stories, the real fun comes with Monstie customization through the gene system. Think of genes as your Monstie's special abilities and passive buffs. Every Monstie has a grid of gene slots, and each slot can be filled with a specific gene. These genes can range from powerful offensive skills like "Crushing Claw" or elemental attacks like "Fire Breath," to defensive boosts like "HP Up" or status effect resistances. The trick is that genes have different rarities and types. Some genes are common, while others are extremely rare and offer significant advantages. You get genes primarily from hatching new Monsties, but you can also perform a process called "gene swapping" or "gene bingo." This involves taking genes from one Monstie and transferring them to another. The "gene bingo" system adds a fun layer of strategy: if you arrange genes of the same type (Power, Speed, Technical) or element (Fire, Water, Thunder, etc.) in a row or column on the Monstie's gene grid, you activate powerful "bingo bonuses" that further boost your Monstie's stats or grant new effects. This means you're not just collecting monsters; you're essentially crafting your ultimate Monstie. You might hatch a Rathalos with decent genes, but by strategically swapping out weaker genes for stronger ones and aiming for bingo bonuses, you can turn it into an absolute powerhouse. This customization aspect is what gives Monster Hunter Stories incredible replayability. Want a Monstie that's immune to fire? Need a fast attacker with high critical hit chance? You can work towards building that exact combination. The art of Monstie customization involves understanding each Monstie's base stats, its inherent resistances, and the vast array of genes available in the game. It encourages experimentation and rewards players who delve deep into the mechanics. So, don't just stick with the first genes you get; experiment, plan, and build the Monsties of your dreams! Your team's effectiveness heavily relies on how well you manage these genes, guys, so get to it!
Conclusion: Your Journey with Monsties Awaits
Alright gamers, we've covered a ton of ground on the monsters in Monster Hunter Stories! From the first friendly herbivore to the legendary Elder Dragons, this game offers an incredible variety of creatures to befriend, battle, and train. Remember, understanding each monster’s strengths and weaknesses is your ticket to becoming a master Rider. The collection process itself is a huge part of the fun, with hunting for rare eggs and strategically customizing your Monsties with the best genes. Whether you're aiming to complete the entire Monsterpedia or just build the perfect team for challenging quests, there's always a new Monstie to discover and a new strategy to employ. The world of Monster Hunter Stories is vast, and its inhabitants are even more so. Keep exploring, keep battling, and most importantly, keep bonding with your Monsties. Your adventure as a Rider is just beginning, and with this guide, you're well on your way to mastering the collection of all monsters. Happy gaming, everyone!
