Monster Hunter World: Palico Guide
Diving into the lush and perilous ecosystem of “Monster Hunter World” (MHW), hunters aren’t just thrown into the fray unarmed or unaided. Besides an arsenal of weapons and gear that would make any old-world armorer green with envy, players get a trusty companion in their quest for glory against the colossal beasts of the New World: the Palico. These fearless feline comrades are more than just adorable faces; they’re an essential element in your hunting strategy, offering support, buffs, and even direct combat assistance against the formidable fauna you’ll face.
Understanding Palicos
Before delving into the nitty-gritty of specialized tactics and progression paths, let’s unpack what Palicos are and the foundational support they provide to hunters. Palicos are bipedal, sentient cat-like creatures that have chosen to side with humans in their never-ending quest to hunt. Each hunter is paired with a Palico companion, acting as a versatile support unit capable of fulfilling a variety of roles on the hunt, from healing to aggro management.
Palicos come equipped with their own gear and specialized gadgets that can be swapped out and upgraded as you progress through the game. This allows for a high degree of customization based on your current needs or the specific monster you’re targeting. Their ability to adapt makes them indispensable assets in the field.
Palico Abilities
Vigorwasp Delivery: Early on, your Palico will have access to the Vigorwasp Spray, a lifeline in many close encounters. This ability allows your Palico to summon a Vigorwasp which can then deliver a health-restoring blast to the hunter. As you and your feline companion rank up, you’ll unlock the Vigorwasp Delivery, a more powerful version that can be a game-changer during boss fights.
Flashfly Cage: Another gadget in the Palico’s repertoire is the Flashfly Cage, invaluable for immobilizing monsters or providing openings for massive damage. Strategic use of this tool can turn the tide of otherwise overwhelming battles.
Shieldspire: Palicos can also equip the Shieldspire, a taunt tool that draws monster attention away from the hunter, acting as a distraction and providing much-needed reprieve or an opportunity to land critical hits.
Coral Orchestra: This gadget turns your Palico into a walking buff station, granting status boosts that range from attack up to increased defense, making it a must-have for tackling some of the game’s tougher challenges.
Plunderblade: For the loot-oriented hunters, the Plunderblade is a dream come true. This gadget enables your Palico to pilfer extra materials from monsters, enhancing your crafting capabilities and ensuring you’re always equipped with the best gear.
Each of these abilities and gadgets can be leveled up by consistently using them in the field, enhancing their effectiveness and narrowing down your strategic options based on your preferred hunting style.
Palico Strategy
Effectively leveraging your Palico’s capabilities hinges on understanding the ebb and flow of combat in MHW. Here are a few strategies to maximize your Palico’s potential:
Adaptation is Key: Tailor your Palico’s gadget selection to complement your hunting style and the specific monster you’re facing. Going up against a particularly agile and fast foe? The Flashfly Cage might give you those precious moments needed to land devastating combos.
Positioning: Keep an eye on your Palico’s positioning during fights. Well-timed gadgets can change the course of the battle, so ensure your Palico is in the right place at the right time to utilize their abilities effectively.
Continuous Upgrade: The battlefield in MHW is ever-evolving, with monsters becoming increasingly resilient as you progress. Ensure your Palico’s gear and gadgets are upgraded consistently to keep pace with the rising challenge.
Palico Progression
Progressing your Palico’s abilities and gear is twofold: through upgrades at the Smithy and by leveling up their gadgets in combat. Here’s how to ensure your Palico companion remains an asset rather than a liability:
Equipment Upgrades: Regularly check the Smithy for new crafting options for your Palico’s equipment. Crafting higher-tier gear requires materials gathered from monsters, so keep a keen eye out for anything your furry friend can use.
Gadget Mastery: Using gadgets frequently not only benefits you in combat but also levels up the gadgets themselves, unlocking new functionalities and improved effects. Assigning your Palico a particular gadget for a series of hunts can quickly boost its efficacy.
The Power of Friendship: Engaging with Grimalkynes, the native Palico tribes scattered throughout the New World, unlocks additional gadgets and upgrades, broadening your strategic options in combat.
Advanced Palico Tactics
For the seasoned hunters looking to optimize every aspect of their hunt, delving into advanced Palico strategies can yield compelling results. Here are a few tips for those looking to push their Palico’s potential to the limit:
Strategic Gadget Switching: While it may be tempting to find one gadget and stick with it, the key to mastering MHW is adaptability. Switching your Palico’s gadget based on the monster’s weaknesses or the terrain can provide a significant advantage.
Synergistic Builds: Coordinate your gear and your Palico’s equipment for synergistic effects. For example, equipping gear that boosts the effectiveness of healing items while your Palico uses the Vigorwasp Spray can make you a much more resilient force on the battlefield.
Environmental Awareness: Teach yourself to recognize environmental opportunities for your Palico to exploit, like triggering a Flashfly Cage near environmental traps for devastating effects.
The Art of Distraction: Mastering the Shieldspire’s taunt effect allows for high-risk, high-reward plays, where you can focus on charging powerful attacks or healing while the monster’s attention is diverted.
By harnessing these strategies and continuously adapting both your and your Palico’s approach to combat, you elevate your hunting duo from merely competent to extraordinarily effective. The journey through “Monster Hunter World” is fraught with danger, but with a well-prepared Palico by your side, even the most formidable beasts can be brought to heel. Remember, the strength of your bond and the depth of your strategy determine the limit of your success in this vast, unforgiving world. Happy hunting!