Conquer the Skies: Mastering Mounting in Monster Hunter: World

Yes, you absolutely can mount monsters in Monster Hunter: World (MHW)! This is a crucial mechanic that allows you to temporarily control a monster, deal significant damage, and create openings for your teammates. Mastering the art of mounting is essential for becoming a truly skilled hunter.

The Thrill of the Ride: Understanding Mounting

Mounting in MHW isn’t just about hopping on a monster’s back; it’s about strategy, timing, and understanding the monster’s behavior. The mechanic allows for a brief period of control, granting opportunities to inflict devastating damage or create openings for allies. Properly executed, a mount can turn the tide of even the most challenging hunts.

How Mounting Works: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Initiating the Mount: The most common way to initiate a mount is by performing a jumping attack on a monster. This usually involves jumping off a ledge, using a slope, or employing weapon-specific moves that launch you into the air.

2. Airborne Assault: As you’re airborne, strike the monster with your weapon. The location you hit isn’t always critical, though some weapons benefit from targeting specific areas.

3. Holding On: Once you’ve successfully landed your attack, you’ll find yourself clinging to the monster. Your stamina bar becomes your lifeline. The monster will thrash and try to throw you off.

4. Managing the Ride: The border around your minimap will indicate the monster’s actions. When it’s red, it’s about to thrash violently. Brace yourself by holding the designated button (usually Right Trigger or R2). When the border turns blue, it’s safe to attack by pressing the attack button (usually Triangle/Y). Attacking deals damage and builds up the mounting gauge.

5. The Takedown: Once the mounting gauge fills, you’ll execute a powerful finishing move, toppling the monster and leaving it vulnerable for a coordinated assault.

Weapons and Mounting: A Synergistic Relationship

Certain weapons are more adept at mounting than others due to their inherent mobility or aerial capabilities. Weapons like the Insect Glaive and the Dual Blades excel at launching hunters into the air, making them fantastic for initiating mounts. However, virtually any weapon can contribute to a mount with the right environmental setup.

Environmental Awareness: Using the Environment to Your Advantage

The environment plays a significant role in mounting. Use ledges, slopes, and even the terrain itself to gain the necessary height for jumping attacks. Utilizing environmental traps can also create openings for mounting.

Mounting Strategy: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Mounting isn’t just about individual glory; it’s a team effort. Communicate with your teammates when you’re attempting a mount so they can prepare to capitalize on the monster’s vulnerability. A well-timed mount can allow your team to heal, sharpen weapons, or unleash powerful attacks without fear of immediate retaliation. Understanding the Games Learning Society principles, mounting promotes collaboration, strategic thinking, and problem-solving within the game environment. Find out more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mounting in MHW

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding mounting in MHW.

1. How do I increase my chances of mounting a monster?

   Focus on performing jumping attacks as frequently as possible. Utilize ledges, slopes, and weapon-specific moves to launch yourself into the air. Also, consider using skills like “Airborne” to increase the damage of your jumping attacks, making it easier to initiate a mount.

2. What happens if I fail to mount a monster?

   If you fail to connect your jumping attack, you’ll simply land on the ground, leaving yourself briefly vulnerable. Be mindful of the monster’s position and attack patterns to avoid getting hit.

3. Is there a limit to how many times I can mount a monster during a hunt?

   Yes, there is a diminishing return on mounting. The first mount is usually the easiest. Subsequent attempts become progressively more difficult, requiring more jumping attacks to trigger the mount.

4. Does the monster’s size affect my ability to mount it?

   No, the monster’s size doesn’t directly affect your ability to mount it. However, larger monsters might have larger hitboxes, making it easier to connect with your jumping attacks.

5. Can I mount elder dragons?

   Yes, you can mount elder dragons. However, they are often more resistant to mounting, requiring more persistent effort to initiate the mount.

6. What should I do when the monster is thrashing wildly while I’m mounted?

   When the minimap border turns red, hold the designated button (usually Right Trigger or R2) to brace yourself. This will reduce the stamina drain and prevent you from being thrown off prematurely.

7. What should I do when the monster is calm while I’m mounted?

   When the minimap border turns blue, unleash attacks by pressing the attack button (usually Triangle/Y). This deals damage and progresses the mounting gauge.

8. Can I use items while mounted?

   No, you cannot use items while mounted. You’re solely focused on holding on and attacking.

9. How do I know when to execute the finishing move?

   The mounting gauge will fill up as you attack. Once it’s full, you’ll automatically execute the finishing move, toppling the monster.

10. Does my weapon’s sharpness affect my mounting attacks?

    Yes, your weapon’s sharpness affects the damage of your mounting attacks. Maintaining good sharpness will ensure you deal more damage and fill the mounting gauge faster.

11. Are there any skills that improve my mounting ability?

    Yes, the “Airborne” skill increases the damage of your jumping attacks, making it easier to initiate a mount. There may be other armor skills that indirectly impact your mounting effectiveness, such as skills that increase stamina or weapon sharpness.

12. Can my Palico help me mount monsters?

    No, your Palico cannot directly help you mount monsters. However, they can distract the monster, creating openings for you to perform jumping attacks.

13. Do different monsters have different mounting patterns?

    Yes, different monsters have different thrashing patterns and behaviors while mounted. Pay attention to their movements and adjust your bracing accordingly.

14. What’s the best weapon for mounting?

    The Insect Glaive is widely considered the best weapon for mounting due to its inherent aerial mobility. The Dual Blades are also great options because of their dash capabilities which allows you to jump on a monster easier. However, any weapon can be effective with the right strategy and environmental setup.

15. Can I mount smaller monsters like Jagras or Kestodon?

    While you cannot “mount” them in the traditional sense to topple them, there are Raider Rides available in certain regions which allow you to ride them and attack other monsters. Talk to your Palico in the camp to unlock the option.

Conclusion: Become a Master of the Mount

Mounting in Monster Hunter: World is a dynamic and rewarding mechanic that adds depth and excitement to the hunt. By understanding the mechanics, mastering the timing, and utilizing the environment to your advantage, you can become a true master of the mount and contribute significantly to your team’s success. So, jump into the New World, embrace the skies, and conquer the monsters that stand in your way!