Monster Hunter Stories 2: Dive Deep Into The Gameplay!

by Jhon Lennon 55 views

Hey there, fellow gamers! Are you ready to dive headfirst into the vibrant world of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin? This game is an absolute gem, and if you're anything like me, you're itching to know all about the full gameplay experience. Well, buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey filled with epic monster battles, heartwarming companionship, and a whole lot of Rider customization. I'm going to break down everything you need to know, from the basics to some sneaky tips and tricks to help you become a true Monstie Master. So, grab your Kinship Stone and let's get started!

Unveiling the Gameplay: What Makes Monster Hunter Stories 2 Special?

So, what's the buzz all about Monster Hunter Stories 2? Unlike the main Monster Hunter series, this game throws you into the role of a Rider. That means you're not just hunting monsters; you're befriending them! Yep, you heard that right! You'll be hatching Monstie eggs, raising these adorable (and sometimes terrifying) creatures, and teaming up with them in turn-based battles. Think of it like a Pokemon game meets Monster Hunter, but with a unique twist. The main goal in the game is to be a Rider who inherits the blood of Red, and you go on an adventure with Ena. The gameplay focuses on exploring the map to find eggs, training your Monsties, and battling against monsters. The story has a main quest that follows the main character and Ena as they try to save the world from the destruction of the Rathalos.

The Core Gameplay Loop

The core gameplay loop revolves around a few key elements:

  • Exploration: You'll spend a lot of time exploring diverse environments, from lush forests to scorching deserts. Keep your eyes peeled for monster dens – these are your key to finding Monstie eggs!
  • Hatching and Raising Monsties: This is where the magic happens! Once you find an egg, you'll hatch it and raise your Monstie. Each Monstie has unique skills, strengths, and weaknesses. Training and leveling up your Monsties is essential for success.
  • Battles: Combat is turn-based and strategic. You and your Monstie will face off against other monsters. You’ll need to master the rock-paper-scissors-like attack system (Power, Speed, Technical) and use your Monstie's abilities to your advantage.
  • Crafting and Customization: Gather materials to craft weapons, armor, and items. Customize your Rider and your Monsties with various skills and equipment to suit your playstyle.

The Combat System Explained

The battle system is a strategic dance of attack types: Power, Speed, and Technical. It works like this:

  • Power beats Technical
  • Technical beats Speed
  • Speed beats Power

By carefully observing your opponent’s attack patterns, you can predict their next move and choose the appropriate counter-attack. Landing the correct counter results in a Head-to-Head, where your Monstie and the enemy Monstie clash, dealing significant damage. In addition to attack types, each weapon has its unique move, and the armor that you are wearing also has skills. The game is all about strategy and preparation.

Navigating the World: Exploration and Monster Dens

Okay, let's talk about the exciting part: exploring the world and finding those precious Monstie eggs. The world is filled with beautiful environments, each with its unique monster population and resources. You will also get to know your environment well, and the knowledge will help you in the later stage of the game.

Finding Monster Dens

Monster dens are scattered throughout the map. They come in two varieties:

  • Standard Dens: These are the most common and contain eggs of varying rarities.
  • Rare Dens: These are harder to find but offer a higher chance of finding rarer eggs and more valuable materials.

Look for visual cues like unusual rock formations or areas with high monster activity to locate dens. Once you enter a den, you'll need to navigate through a dungeon-like environment, battling monsters and collecting materials. At the end of the den, you'll find a nest with several eggs. Choose wisely, as each egg has a different Monstie inside!

Scouting and Using the Rider's Abilities

Your Rider has a range of abilities that are super helpful in exploration:

  • Riding: You can ride your Monstie to move faster, reach new areas, and use special field actions.
  • Scouting: Use your scout to locate nearby resources, monster dens, and other points of interest.
  • Using Field Actions: Certain Monsties have special abilities, such as the ability to swim across water, climb walls, or break rocks. Using these abilities opens up new areas and secrets.

Mastering the Battles: Tips and Tricks for Victory

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: battling! Combat is turn-based, but don't let that fool you. There's a lot of depth and strategy involved. Here are some tips to help you come out on top.

Understanding Attack Types and Targeting

As we mentioned earlier, the key to success is understanding the rock-paper-scissors system of Power, Speed, and Technical attacks. Observe your opponent's attack patterns and predict their moves. Don't be afraid to experiment with different attack types to see what works best. Also, pay attention to targeting: focus on your opponent's weak points and exploit them.

Using Skills and Items Effectively

Each Monstie has a set of skills that can be used during battle. These skills range from attack buffs to healing spells. Learn which skills are most effective against different enemies and use them strategically. Don't forget about items! Potions, status-altering items, and other consumables can be the difference between victory and defeat.

Kinship Skills and Rider Actions

Build up your Kinship Gauge by attacking and performing head-to-heads. Once the gauge is full, you can use a Kinship Skill, a powerful ability that can deal massive damage or provide a significant advantage. Don't forget about your Rider actions! As your bond with your Monstie grows, you'll unlock special Rider actions that can turn the tide of battle. One of the Rider's moves is the ability to use the weapons to attack the monster. Another Rider's action is to use items to help heal or status ailments.

Choosing the Right Monstie

Different Monsties have different strengths, weaknesses, and attack types. Some are better suited for specific battles. For example, if you're facing a monster that primarily uses Power attacks, a Monstie with Speed attacks would be ideal. Experiment with different Monstie combinations to find what works best for your team.

Leveling Up and Customization: Powering Up Your Team

Of course, no RPG is complete without leveling up and customizing your characters. In Monster Hunter Stories 2, this is where you can spend your time optimizing your team. Leveling up your Rider and Monsties unlocks new skills, increases stats, and makes you overall stronger.

Rider Customization

You can customize your Rider with different weapons, armor, and skills. Different weapons have unique attacks and battle styles, so experiment to find what fits your playstyle best. Armor provides defensive stats and may offer resistance to various elements or status ailments. The more you play the game, the more equipment you get to unlock and collect.

Monstie Customization

Monsties can be customized in several ways. The most important of them is Gene splicing. By using special materials, you can transfer skills and abilities between Monsties. This allows you to create incredibly powerful Monsties that are tailored to your specific needs. Leveling up your Monsties also unlocks new skills. Each Monstie has its own set of skills that can be learned as they level up, so keep using your Monsties to help them grow stronger. Finally, your team should have a well-balanced stat and skills that can help you get through any situation.

Tips and Tricks: Level Up Your Gameplay

Alright, guys, here are some extra tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Monster Hunter Stories 2 adventure:

  • Experiment with different weapon types: Each weapon has a unique playstyle and set of skills. Find the ones that suit your style.
  • Gather materials: Collect everything! You never know when you'll need a specific material for crafting or upgrading.
  • Talk to NPCs: NPCs often provide helpful hints, quests, and information about the world.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: Try different combinations of Monsties, weapons, and skills to discover what works best for you.
  • Play with Friends: The game features co-op multiplayer, so team up with your friends and tackle quests together.

Conclusion: Your Journey Awaits!

So there you have it, folks! A comprehensive look at the full gameplay of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin. From the strategic battles to the exciting exploration and the heartwarming bond with your Monsties, this game is a true gem that is worth every penny. With its engaging gameplay loop, deep customization options, and charming characters, Monster Hunter Stories 2 is a must-play for fans of the Monster Hunter series and RPG enthusiasts alike. So, gather your gear, choose your Monstie, and embark on an unforgettable adventure! Happy hunting, and I'll see you in the world of Monster Hunter Stories 2! Remember to explore, experiment, and most importantly, have fun! Now go out there and become the best Rider the world has ever seen!