Monster Hunter Stories 1: Your Ultimate Longplay Guide!
Hey there, fellow monster-hunting enthusiasts! Ready to dive deep into the vibrant world of Monster Hunter Stories 1? This is your ultimate guide for a complete longplay experience, perfect for both seasoned riders and newcomers. We'll cover everything from the basics to advanced strategies, ensuring you get the most out of this fantastic RPG adventure. So, grab your Kinship Stone, saddle up, and let's get started!
Getting Started: Mastering the Fundamentals
Alright, first things first: let's get you up to speed with the fundamentals of Monster Hunter Stories 1. This game isn't just about smashing monsters; it's about forming bonds, strategic combat, and collecting incredible Monsties. The core gameplay revolves around exploring diverse environments, hatching eggs to obtain Monsties, and battling alongside them. Your character, a Rider, can't directly attack with weapons like in the main Monster Hunter series. Instead, you'll be giving commands to your Monstie and using items to gain an advantage in the battle. The core of gameplay is turn-based, a rock-paper-scissors system where your Monstie's attacks are based on one of the three attack types: Power, Speed, or Technical.
Learning how to use this system is key to victory. It's essentially a game of predicting your opponent's next move. Power beats Technical, Technical beats Speed, and Speed beats Power. Mastering this system, and knowing your Monstie's moveset is crucial to winning encounters and ultimately will influence your strategy of your longplay run. This is essential for surviving the challenges that await you, guys. When battling a monster, you will need to learn the type of attacks the monster is using. Watch carefully to see what the monster is doing and try to match the appropriate attack type to counter them. For example, when a monster begins to use Power attacks, try using Technical attacks. If it is using Speed attacks, use Power attacks and if it is using Technical attacks, use Speed attacks. You'll quickly learn that certain Monsties excel in specific attack types. For instance, a Tigrex might be a Power-type powerhouse, while a Velocidrome could be a Speed-type specialist. So, pay close attention to your team's strengths and weaknesses. Be sure to mix and match Monsties to maximize your ability to handle any given encounter.
Building strong bonds with your Monsties is central to gameplay. By battling alongside them, you fill the Kinship Gauge. Once this gauge is full, you can unleash powerful Kinship Skills. These skills are special attacks that can deal massive damage, heal your party, or provide other beneficial effects. Don't be afraid to use these skills, especially during tough battles! Kinship skills are often the key to turning the tide of the fight. The game is all about building strong connections and bonds with your Monsties. It's not just about winning; it's about the journey and the friendships you build along the way. Your relationships with your Monsties will evolve as you progress through the game. As you battle together and form stronger bonds, they'll become more powerful, learn new skills, and even change their appearance in some cases. It's a truly rewarding experience.
Exploring the World: Navigating the Map and Gathering Resources
Alright, let's talk about the world of Monster Hunter Stories 1 and how to get around it. The game features a vast and colorful world filled with diverse environments, from lush forests to scorching deserts and icy mountains. Exploration is a huge part of the experience, and you'll want to get familiar with the map and its features. The primary method of getting around is by riding your Monsties. Each Monstie has unique field actions that you can use to navigate the environment. Some can swim across rivers, others can climb walls, and some can even fly to reach hard-to-access areas. This adds a layer of depth to exploration, as you'll constantly switch between Monsties to overcome obstacles and discover hidden locations. So, be sure to gather a variety of Monsties with different abilities to make sure you can explore everywhere.
As you explore, you'll encounter various gathering points. These are areas where you can collect resources like herbs, ore, and monster parts. These resources are essential for crafting weapons, armor, and items. Always keep an eye out for these gathering spots, as you'll need a steady supply of resources to stay prepared for battles. Don't just rush through areas; take your time to scour the environment for these valuable resources. Each area has a different set of resources, so be sure to explore everywhere. Keep track of what you need and where to find it. Make the most of your exploration time, and take advantage of all the different environments. You'll also encounter various side quests and optional challenges as you explore. These quests often reward you with useful items, experience points, and sometimes even rare Monstie eggs.
Don't hesitate to take on these side quests. They're a great way to earn extra rewards, learn more about the world, and hone your skills. Remember, the world of Monster Hunter Stories 1 is full of surprises. Be prepared to encounter new monsters, uncover hidden treasures, and unravel the mysteries of this captivating world. Take your time to enjoy the journey, experiment with different strategies, and most importantly, have fun! There's always something new to discover, so keep your eyes open and your Kinship Stone ready!
Combat Strategies: Mastering Battles and Team Building
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of combat in Monster Hunter Stories 1. As you dive into the game, you'll find that battle is more than just mashing buttons. It's a strategic dance between you, your Monstie, and the enemy. You've got to learn the timing, and understand the flow of battle. The core of combat revolves around the rock-paper-scissors system we talked about earlier. Power beats Technical, Technical beats Speed, and Speed beats Power. However, it's not always that simple. You also need to consider the specific attacks of your Monstie and the monster you're facing. For example, if a monster is telegraphing a Power attack, you'll want to choose a Technical attack to counter it and inflict some serious damage. Remember, knowledge of each monster's attack patterns is key to winning battles. Observe the monster's movements and learn to predict its next attack.
Building an effective team is very important. You'll want a mix of Monsties with different attack types and abilities to cover all your bases. For example, a team with a Power-type, Speed-type, and Technical-type Monstie will be well-equipped to handle any encounter. Also, consider the elements. Some monsters are weak against certain elements, so it can be great to have Monsties that can use elemental attacks. This is where the game offers you a lot of flexibility, so try out different combinations until you find the perfect team. Keep in mind that not all Monsties are created equal. Some will be more effective than others. Level up your Monsties by having them participate in battles. The higher their level is, the more stats they'll have, and the more abilities they'll learn. Try to equip your Monsties with the best gear to enhance their stats and abilities.
Using items in battle can often be the difference between victory and defeat. Potions can heal you and your Monstie, while other items can provide stat buffs or inflict status ailments on the enemy. Don't underestimate the power of these items. Use them strategically to gain the upper hand in tough battles. Also, pay attention to the Kinship Gauge. Once it's full, you can unleash powerful Kinship Skills. These skills can deal massive damage, heal your party, or provide other beneficial effects. Don't be afraid to use these skills, especially during tough battles! Mastering the combat system in Monster Hunter Stories 1 is key to surviving and thriving in this colorful world. With the right strategy, team, and items, you'll be able to conquer even the most challenging battles. So, get out there, experiment, and have fun!
Monstie Eggs and Hatching: Finding Your Perfect Companions
Alright, let's talk about the heart of Monster Hunter Stories 1: Monsties! These are your partners in battle and exploration, and finding the perfect Monstie is a big part of the fun. So, how do you get them? It all starts with eggs. You'll find Monstie eggs in Monster Dens. These dens are located throughout the world, and each one holds a variety of eggs. Be prepared to explore, because finding the right eggs takes some luck and persistence! When you enter a Monster Den, you'll want to explore every corner. The eggs are at the end, so you have to keep moving forward. You can even find rare eggs, so it pays to explore every single Monster Den you find.
When you find an egg, it's not just about the Monstie inside. The egg's pattern, smell, and weight all affect the outcome. A heavier egg with a unique pattern may result in a Monstie with better stats or unique abilities. You'll have to take those considerations to make sure you have the perfect Monstie for you. The more time you spend exploring dens, the better your chances of finding rare and powerful eggs. Each Monstie species has different strengths, weaknesses, and abilities. It is up to you to experiment with them and find out which Monstie suits your playstyle the best. Different Monsties have different move sets that have their own set of strengths and weaknesses.
Once you have your egg, it's time to head back to the stables to hatch it. This is where the real fun begins! You'll be able to see the Monstie emerge from its egg. You can name your new Monstie and begin bonding with it. The bonds with your Monstie are very important. The better the bond, the better they will perform in battle. Also, remember that you can change the appearance of your Monstie. Each Monstie has various customization options available to you, allowing you to give them a unique look. The whole egg-hunting process is very fun and adds a layer of depth to the gameplay. You'll spend hours searching for the perfect Monstie eggs to create the ultimate team. Don't be afraid to explore and experiment. It is a big part of what makes Monster Hunter Stories 1 so captivating!
Weapon and Armor Crafting: Gear Up for Success
Alright, let's talk about equipping yourself for success! In Monster Hunter Stories 1, your Rider can't use traditional weapons. Instead, you'll be crafting and equipping weapons and armor to enhance your stats and abilities. Crafting is a key part of the game. You'll be gathering resources from all over the world, then using them to create better gear. The crafting system is pretty easy to understand. You'll have to find blueprints for weapons and armor. Then, you'll need to gather the necessary materials. These materials can come from hunting monsters, gathering from resource points, and completing quests. You'll want to craft better gear as soon as possible. Better gear will increase your stats and make you more resilient in battle. Stronger weapons deal more damage, and stronger armor reduces the damage you take. Also, it's not all about raw power. Some armor sets give you special skills that provide various benefits in battle. For example, some armor might boost your healing capabilities, or give you a higher chance of inflicting status ailments. It's up to you to consider the different advantages of each gear.
When crafting, make sure to read the descriptions of each item carefully. This way, you can see how it will influence your stats and skills. Experiment with different combinations of weapons and armor to find what works best for you and your Monsties. You can also upgrade your weapons and armor. When you upgrade your equipment, it'll improve its stats and give you more skills. Also, your Monsties can be equipped with armor, but it's important to understand how it works. You have to craft a Monstie-specific armor, and it works differently than Rider armor. The crafting system is great because it adds a layer of depth to the gameplay. You'll be spending a lot of time crafting and upgrading your gear to make sure you are prepared for every battle. Also, keep in mind that the best gear can be expensive to craft, so make sure to conserve your resources.
Advanced Strategies: Mastering the Endgame
Alright, you've conquered the basics, and now you want to go to the next level. Let's talk about some advanced strategies to help you conquer the endgame challenges in Monster Hunter Stories 1. Endgame content usually involves harder monsters, more challenging quests, and the opportunity to build the ultimate team. First, you'll want to max out your Monsties. Leveling them up will give you access to new skills. Also, don't be afraid to use the Kinship Skills. They're very powerful and can turn the tide of battle. Make sure you use the Kinship Skills wisely and at the most critical moments. Also, don't forget to revisit some early-game areas. You might find some new challenges that will give you rare materials and resources. Be sure to explore every corner.
Team composition is important. You'll have to have a balanced team with different attack types and elemental coverage. Also, make sure that each Monstie is suited to each other's move set. If you are having trouble, don't be afraid to change your team. The more comfortable you are with your team, the better you will perform. The endgame is all about min-maxing and optimizing your builds. You'll want to make sure your gear is perfect, and your Monsties are at their best. Experiment with different builds. Build your ideal team by changing their abilities and skills. Also, don't be afraid to replay older content. You will get more familiar with the combat system and improve your skills.
Another thing you can do is to participate in online multiplayer. You can battle other players. This can give you new challenges and rewards. The endgame is all about setting new challenges for yourself. You can even create your own objectives, like completing every quest. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the journey! Monster Hunter Stories 1 is a game that rewards patience, experimentation, and a passion for monster hunting. By mastering these advanced strategies, you'll be well on your way to conquering the endgame and becoming a true Rider legend.
Conclusion: Your Monster Hunter Stories 1 Journey
Well, guys, that wraps up our ultimate longplay guide for Monster Hunter Stories 1! We've covered everything from the basics of combat and exploration to advanced strategies for mastering the endgame. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun, experiment with different strategies, and forge strong bonds with your Monsties. This game is all about the journey, so take your time, explore the world, and enjoy every moment. So, go out there, become a Rider, and create your own epic Monster Hunter Stories 1 adventure! Happy hunting, and we'll see you in the field!
