Monster Hunter Stories: Monster Order Guide

Hey, fellow hunters and monster enthusiasts! Ever found yourself staring at your monster list in Monster Hunter Stories and wondering, "What's the best order to tackle these guys?" or "Which monsties should I be aiming for early on?" You're not alone, guys! Picking the right monsties and knowing when to challenge certain monsters can totally change your game. It's not just about brute force; it's about strategy, understanding monster roles, and building a team that complements your playstyle. We're gonna dive deep into the world of Monster Hunter Stories, breaking down the ideal monster order and giving you the lowdown on why certain choices matter. So grab your Kinship Stones and let's get ready to become the ultimate monster tamer!

Understanding the Early Game Grind: Your First Steps to Dominance

Alright, let's kick things off with the early game monster order, because let's be real, those first few hours can be a real grind if you don't know who to aim for. When you first start out in Monster Hunter Stories, you're pretty limited in what you can do. You'll be relying on your starter monstie and maybe a few buddies you pick up along the way. The key here is to focus on speed and versatility. You want monsters that can hit hard, move fast, and have abilities that will help you overcome early-game obstacles. Think about monsters that have good speed stats, as this dictates who attacks first in combat, giving you a crucial advantage. Also, consider their elemental weaknesses and resistances. Early on, you'll encounter a lot of monsters weak to fire or water, so having a monstie that can exploit that is gold. Don't forget about Rock-Paper-Scissor mechanics – Speed > Technical, Technical > Power, Power > Speed. Understanding this is paramount. Your starter monstie, whether it's a Rathalos (Power), a Legiana (Speed), or a Lagiacrus (Technical), already gives you a taste of this. But you'll want to diversify. Look out for monsters like the Kulu-Ya-Ku. This guy is an absolute gem early on. He's fast, can pick up and use rocks as weapons (dealing extra damage), and is relatively easy to obtain. He’s great for exploiting speed matchups and can dish out decent damage. Another fantastic early-game option is the Aptonoth. While not a powerhouse, they are incredibly tanky and can absorb a lot of hits, making them useful for learning combat mechanics and protecting your weaker party members. Their high HP pool is a lifesaver when you're still figuring out attack patterns. As you progress, keep an eye out for monsters that have abilities useful for gathering. For instance, some monsties can break rocks or clear vines, opening up new paths and secret areas. This exploration aspect is crucial for finding better gear and uncovering more powerful monsties. Don't underestimate the importance of egg hunting! The eggs you find determine the monstie you'll hatch, and their genes are randomized. Prioritize finding eggs with high-quality genes, especially those that complement your current team or cover weaknesses. Sometimes, a common monster with a rare gene can outperform a rarer monster with common genes. So, keep exploring those monster dens, guys! The early game is all about building a solid foundation, and choosing the right monsties will set you up for success later on. Remember, consistency in your approach to gathering eggs and understanding monster strengths and weaknesses will pay off in spades. It's not just about catching the 'strongest' monster you see; it's about building a synergistic team that can handle whatever the wilds throw at you. Focus on acquiring monsties that offer a good balance of offense, defense, and utility, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a legendary rider!

Mid-Game Momentum: Expanding Your Monstie Roster

As you push through the mid-game in Monster Hunter Stories, the challenges ramp up significantly. This is where your early-game preparations pay off, and you'll need to start thinking about specialization and synergy in your monster order. You're facing tougher opponents, and having a well-rounded team that can exploit elemental and combat-type weaknesses becomes critical. This is the point where you’ll want to start hunting for monsties that excel in specific roles. Offensive powerhouses are a must, but don't neglect support and defensive units. Think about building teams that can counter specific monster types or provide buffs and debuffs. One of the first major power spikes you'll want to aim for is acquiring a monstie with a strong elemental attack that covers a gap in your current team. For example, if you've been rocking a lot of Speed-type monsters, you might want to look for a Power-type monstie with a devastating fire attack to deal with monsters weak to that element. The Anjanath is a prime example of a mid-game powerhouse. Its raw power, especially with its fire attacks, can melt through many mid-game bosses. It’s a Power-type monster, so keep that in mind for your Rock-Paper-Scissor matchups. Another fantastic addition is the Qurupeco. While not as flashy as some others, its ability to mimic monster roars can call for backup, turning the tide of battle. This utility is incredibly valuable, especially in tougher fights where you need an extra advantage. You'll also want to start investing in genes. This is where the real customization happens. High-quality genes can drastically change a monstie's capabilities. Look for genes that boost attack, defense, speed, or add crucial skills like healing, status effects, or critical hit chance. Targeted gene farming becomes a thing here, where you might repeatedly challenge specific monsters or revisit dens to find eggs with the genes you need. This is also a great time to start thinking about Status Effects. Monsters like the Great Baggi or Barioth can inflict sleep or paralysis, respectively. These status effects can completely neutralize dangerous opponents, giving your team the breathing room it needs to secure victory. Don't overlook the importance of aerial combat. Monsties that can fly often have unique advantages, allowing them to avoid certain ground-based attacks and access different attack angles. The Rathian and Rathalos (if you didn't start with them) are excellent Power and Power-type flying monsters respectively, offering significant damage output and survivability. They also possess potent fire-based attacks. As you progress, you'll unlock new areas with tougher monsters. Always be on the lookout for rare monster spawns and unique egg patterns. These often lead to more powerful variants or monsters with rare, high-tier genes. Building a diverse monster order means having options for every situation. You don't want to be caught off guard by a monster that counters your entire team. So, keep experimenting, keep hunting, and keep hatching! The mid-game is all about expanding your horizons and building a truly formidable collection of monsties that can handle any challenge. The synergy between your rider and your monstie is also crucial here; ensure your gear complements your monstie's strengths, and vice-versa!

Late-Game Dominance: Mastering Your Monstie Lineup

Welcome to the endgame, guys! This is where all your hard work, strategic planning, and relentless monster hunting truly pay off. In the late-game monster order, we're talking about absolute dominance. You've probably got a solid understanding of the game's mechanics, your favorite monsties, and the types of challenges you excel at. Now, it's time to refine your roster, optimize your teams, and take on the most formidable foes the Monster Hunter Stories world has to offer. This is where legendary monsties come into play. We're talking about monsters like the Rajang, Nargacuga, Glavenus, and the mighty Fatalis (if applicable to your version of the game). These creatures boast incredible stats, powerful unique skills, and can completely change the flow of battle. Focus on maximizing gene synergy and building specialized teams. You might have a team dedicated to pure DPS, another focused on status effects and crowd control, and perhaps a defensive powerhouse team for particularly brutal encounters. The Nargacuga is a fantastic example of a late-game Speed-type monstie, known for its incredible evasion and rapid attacks. Its high speed allows it to frequently attack first, and its evasive capabilities make it difficult to hit. Pairing it with genes that boost critical hit chance or add powerful Speed-based attacks can make it an unstoppable force. The Glavenus, a Power-type monster, is renowned for its devastating tail swipes and powerful fire attacks, making it a prime candidate for raw damage output. Its high attack stat, combined with potent fire-gene-boosted skills, can decimate even the toughest of enemies. For those seeking a truly terrifying presence, the Rajang (often a Power-type monster) is a beast. Known for its immense strength and lightning-based attacks, it can be a game-changer, but be mindful of its aggressive nature and potential weaknesses if not properly supported. Gene layering and optimization are key at this stage. You're not just looking for good genes; you're looking for the perfect genes to stack onto your favorite monsties. This involves understanding gene synergies – how certain genes interact with each other and with the monstie's innate abilities. For instance, stacking multiple critical hit genes onto a monstie with a naturally high critical hit rate can lead to astronomical damage. Similarly, combining healing and defensive genes can create an unkillable tank. Don't forget about elemental coverage. Even in the late game, certain bosses will have specific elemental weaknesses that can be exploited for massive damage. Ensure you have monsties that can dish out Thunder, Ice, Water, Fire, and Dragon elemental attacks effectively. Consider status effect specialists as well. While raw power is important, a well-placed poison, paralysis, or sleep can neutralize a major threat, allowing your damage dealers to focus on the objective. Monsties like the Khezu (Thunder) or Zamtrios (Ice) can bring valuable status-inflicting capabilities. Post-game content and superbosses are where your meticulously crafted monster order truly shines. These challenges are designed to test the limits of your team-building skills. Having a diverse and optimized roster allows you to adapt to any situation and overcome any obstacle. Remember, the late game isn't just about having the 'rarest' monsters; it's about understanding how to best utilize the monsters you have, enhancing them with the perfect genes, and forming cohesive, powerful teams that work in perfect harmony. Keep experimenting with different gene combinations and team setups, and you'll discover new ways to dominate the battlefield. Your ultimate monster order is the one that brings you victory, so keep refining and perfecting your strategy!

Building Your Ultimate Monstie Collection: Beyond the Order

So, we've talked about the order, the early, mid, and late game, but let's zoom out for a sec, guys. Building your ultimate monstie collection in Monster Hunter Stories is about more than just following a strict monster order. It’s about understanding the meta, adapting to your playstyle, and having fun! While strategic monster order is crucial for progression, don't be afraid to deviate from the 'ideal' path if you stumble upon a monstie you absolutely love or a gene combination that feels incredibly powerful and unique to you. Personal preference plays a huge role. If you find yourself connecting with a certain monstie, even if it's not considered 'top-tier' by the masses, invest in it! With the right genes and a bit of strategic team building, even 'underdog' monsties can become absolute powerhouses. The gene system is your best friend here. Experimenting with different gene layouts can unlock hidden potential in almost any monster. Don't be afraid to try out unusual combinations. You might discover a new meta or simply create a team that perfectly suits your personal combat style. Community knowledge and resources are also invaluable. Sites, forums, and guides dedicated to Monster Hunter Stories often have detailed breakdowns of monstie strengths, weaknesses, and optimal gene builds. While these are great starting points, always remember to interpret them through the lens of your own gameplay experience. What works for one player might not work perfectly for another, depending on their rider skills, equipment, and preferred combat approach. Collecting all available monsties is a goal for many completionists, and this requires thorough exploration and understanding of spawn locations and conditions. Some rare monsters only appear under specific circumstances, like during certain times of day or in particular weather conditions. Keep an eye out for these unique encounters! Furthermore, evolving your monsties through high-rank eggs or specific leveling milestones can unlock new skills or enhance existing ones, adding another layer to your collection strategy. Don't neglect your rider skills and gear. The best monstie in the world won't reach its full potential if your rider isn't adequately equipped or skilled. Ensure your gear complements your monstie's strengths and your overall team strategy. Sometimes, a small boost from your rider's equipment can make a world of difference. Ultimately, the 'best' monster order and collection are subjective. It's the one that allows you to overcome challenges, enjoy the game, and express your unique approach to monster taming. So, keep exploring, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep having fun out there, hunters! Your perfect monstie lineup is waiting to be discovered. Embrace the journey, celebrate your victories, and learn from every encounter. The world of Monster Hunter Stories is vast and full of incredible creatures just waiting for a skilled rider like you to command them. Happy hunting!