Monster Hunter World: Insect Glaive Guide
Hey there, fellow hunters! Ever looked at the Insect Glaive in Monster Hunter World and thought, "Whoa, that looks awesome, but how do I even use it?" You're not alone, guys! The Insect Glaive, or IG as we affectionately call it, is one of the flashiest and most mobile weapons in the game. It lets you leap into the air, perform aerial combos, and even send out a little bug buddy to collect buffs. But mastering it? That takes a bit of know-how. Today, we're diving deep into the Monster Hunter World Insect Glaive guide to help you become a true aerial master.
Understanding the Insect Glaive's Core Mechanics
Alright, let's break down what makes the Insect Glaive so unique. It's a two-part system: your glaive and your Kinsect. Your Kinsect, that little bug that flits around, is crucial. You can send it out to attack monsters, and when it hits, it extracts Essence. There are three types of Essence: Red, Orange, and White. Collecting these in the right order is key to powering up your hunter. Red Essence boosts your attack, Orange boosts your defense, and White boosts your speed and stamina recovery. The ultimate buff, though, is getting all three – the Magi-coat buff. This gives you a massive boost to all your stats and lets you perform even more insane aerial maneuvers. You collect these by aiming your Kinsect at specific parts of a monster. Different monsters yield different essences from different body parts. For example, hitting a monster's head might give you Red Essence, its legs White, and its chest Orange. You'll learn to recognize which part gives which essence through practice and observation.
Beyond the Kinsect, your Glaive itself is a pretty versatile weapon. You've got your standard ground combos, which are solid, but the real magic happens when you go airborne. The primary aerial attack allows you to vault into the air, and from there, you can unleash a flurry of attacks. The most important aerial move is the Jumping Advance. This lets you control your movement while in the air, allowing you to reposition, dodge attacks, or line up your next strike. You can chain multiple Jumping Advances together for some seriously stylish evasive maneuvers. And let's not forget the Finisher, a powerful plunging attack that comes down hard on your foes. Mastering the timing of your Kinsect buffs and your aerial combos is the name of the game when you're wielding the Insect Glaive. It's a weapon that rewards precision, timing, and a bit of flair. Don't be afraid to experiment and get a feel for the flow. The more you play, the more intuitive it becomes, and soon you'll be zipping around the battlefield like a true aerial ninja, leaving monsters wondering what hit 'em. It’s all about synergy between your glaive attacks and your Kinsect's buffs. Think of your Kinsect not just as a tool, but as your partner in this hunt. A well-timed triple-buffed attack can absolutely devastate a monster, especially when you're in the air, untouchable.
Essential Kinsect Management
So, you've got your fancy glaive, but your Kinsect is just chilling? Nah, guys, we need to get that bug working for us! Kinsect management is arguably the most critical skill for any Insect Glaive user. Your Kinsect isn't just a pretty accessory; it's your primary buff dispenser and a source of damage. The goal is to always maintain your triple buff (Red, Orange, White Essence). This buff is what separates a decent IG user from a god-tier IG user. How do you get it? You send your Kinsect out by holding the R2 button (or your platform's equivalent) and pressing Triangle (or your platform's equivalent). This sends your Kinsect to attack. Once it returns with essence, you automatically absorb it. However, the real trick is collecting the correct essences in the correct order. Usually, you want Red (attack) first, then White (speed/stamina), and finally Orange (defense). Some players prefer a different order, but this is a common and effective one. Remember, different monster parts yield different essences. For example, hitting a monster's head might give Red, its hind legs White, and its torso Orange. You'll need to learn which parts give which buffs for each monster, but don't stress too much initially – just aim for any part and learn as you go.
Don't forget that your Kinsect also has its own stats, determined by the Nectar you feed it and the Kinsect type you choose. Upgrading your Kinsect through Kinsect Drills at the Smithy can significantly improve its effectiveness. Faster Kinsects mean quicker buff collection, stronger Kinsects mean more damage, and Kinsects with specific elemental properties can add elemental damage to your glaive attacks. There are different types of Kinsects, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some are fast and excel at collecting buffs quickly, while others are slower but hit harder. Experiment with different Kinsects and Nectar types to find what complements your playstyle. It’s also worth noting that your Kinsect can sometimes interrupt monster attacks or even stun them if it lands enough hits. So, while you’re focusing on your aerial acrobatics, keep an eye on your little buddy – it’s pulling its weight too! Effective Kinsect management isn't just about getting buffs; it's about optimizing your damage output and survivability. A hunter with triple buffs is a hunter who can dish out and take a lot more punishment. It’s the foundation upon which all your flashy aerial combos are built. So, practice sending out your Kinsect, recall it, and aim to maintain that coveted triple buff at all times. Your performance on hunts will skyrocket, I promise you guys!
Mastering the Aerial Game
This is where the Insect Glaive truly shines, guys! The aerial game is what makes this weapon so unique and exciting. Once you have your buffs, especially the triple buff, you'll want to spend a good chunk of your time in the air. Your primary tool for this is the Vault Attack (Triangle + Circle / Y + B on Switch). This sends you leaping into the air. Once airborne, you can use the Jumping Advance (tap Circle / B repeatedly) to move around, dodge attacks, and set up your next strike. You can chain multiple Jumping Advances together, letting you essentially fly around the monster. This is fantastic for avoiding ground-based attacks and finding openings. Remember, you can steer your Jumping Advances! This is crucial for positioning. Don't just mash the button; think about where you want to go.
After a series of Jumping Advances, you'll want to finish with the Jumping Finisher (hold Circle / B and release). This is your big plunging attack that deals significant damage. Landing this consistently is key to maximizing your aerial damage. Now, a common mistake beginners make is just spamming aerial attacks without rhythm or reason. You need to be mindful of your stamina and your Kinsect's cooldown. Furthermore, remember that you can't block while in the air. This means your aerial dodges need to be precise. If you get hit while airborne, you'll often be knocked down, leaving you vulnerable. So, while it's fun to stay airborne, know when to land and reset. You can land by simply waiting for your aerial attack chain to end or by pressing the dodge button (Circle/B) when you're not attacking. Some players also use the Deserted Island Dance (air combo finisher) which can be a stylish way to end an aerial assault, but it’s generally less damage-efficient than the Jumping Finisher. The key to the aerial game is mobility and timing. Use your aerial dodges to weave through attacks, then strike when the monster is recovering. Think of it as a dance – you're moving around the monster, looking for your openings. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combo timings and aerial directions. With practice, you'll develop an instinct for when to jump, when to attack, and when to dodge. It’s a beautiful ballet of destruction once you get it right, and honestly, it feels amazing to pull off a flawless aerial assault. Remember, landing your Jumping Finisher consistently is where the real damage comes from. It’s not just about staying in the air; it’s about hitting hard when you’re up there!
Building Your Insect Glaive Set
Alright, you're flying, you're buffed, but what about your gear? Building your Insect Glaive set is just as important as mastering your combos. Because the IG relies heavily on maintaining buffs and executing aerial combos, certain skills become incredibly valuable. First off, Stamina management is king. Skills like Constitution (reduces stamina depletion for actions like dodging and sprinting) and Stamina Surge (increases stamina recovery speed) are absolute must-haves. The more you can fly and dodge, the more you can attack. Seriously, guys, don't underestimate how much stamina drain happens when you're constantly vaulting and dodging.
Next up, attack-boosting skills are always good. Weakness Exploit (increases affinity when attacking weak spots), Critical Boost (increases critical hit damage), and Attack Boost (flat attack increase) will significantly amp up your damage. Since you'll be airborne a lot, consider skills that boost your aerial game. Jump Master (reduces damage taken during aerial attacks and makes you recover faster from airborne hits) can be a lifesaver, especially when you're learning. While not as common, some players even look for skills that enhance their Kinsect, like Kinsect Attack (increases Kinsect damage) or skills that influence buff duration. However, the core skills usually revolve around stamina and raw damage output. Don't forget about Earplugs! Monsters roar a lot, and getting stunned by a roar while you're mid-air is the worst. Earplugs will keep you from flinching during roars, allowing you to continue your assault or reposition safely. This is especially useful against monsters with frequent or long roars.
For armor, look for pieces that offer good slots for decorations and have inherent skills that benefit the IG. Early in the game, focus on getting a balanced set that gives you offensive and defensive capabilities. As you progress to Master Rank, you'll have access to much more specialized armor sets. For example, the Teostra set bonuses (Master's Touch) are fantastic for maintaining sharpness, which is crucial for weapons that attack quickly like the IG. Kulve Taroth weapons can also be amazing, offering high raw damage and good sharpness. Remember to tailor your build to the monster you're fighting. Against a monster that deals a lot of elemental damage, consider adding elemental resistance skills. It’s all about optimizing your hunter to take full advantage of the Insect Glaive’s unique playstyle. A well-put-together set can make the difference between a challenging hunt and a smooth victory. So, take your time, experiment with different armor pieces and decorations, and find what works best for you. The goal is to create a synergy between your gear and your playstyle, allowing you to unleash your full potential as an aerial warrior!
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Alright, you’ve got the basics down, you’re managing your Kinsect, and you’re soaring through the skies. But what else can you do to truly become an IG maestro? Let’s talk advanced tips and tricks that will elevate your gameplay to the next level. One of the most satisfying techniques is using the Kinsect Attack to interrupt monster actions or even trigger stuns. If you've upgraded your Kinsect's dust effect (like blast or poison), sending it out at the right moment can significantly alter the flow of battle. Imagine a monster charging up a devastating attack, and your Kinsect swoops in, applying blast powder, stunning the monster just long enough for you to avoid the hit or land a critical blow. It’s all about timing and knowing monster tells.
Another advanced maneuver involves Kinsect management during aerial combos. While you're in the air, you can actually recall your Kinsect during your combo. This allows you to refresh your buffs or even grab a new essence without having to land. This requires precise timing – you'll see your Kinsect's gauge depleting, and you'll need to send it out and recall it swiftly. It’s a high-risk, high-reward technique that allows for near-constant uptime on your triple buff. Speaking of buffs, understanding Kinsect damage types is also key. Different Kinsects have different effects when they return with essence. Some leave behind a cloud of dust that deals damage over time (like Paralysis or Blast), while others grant immediate stat boosts. Experiment with different Kinsects to find one that suits your preferred playstyle and the monster you're hunting. For example, a blast Kinsect can add significant extra damage to your overall output, especially during long fights.
Don't forget about your ground game. While the IG is famous for its aerial prowess, its ground combos are not to be underestimated. They can be faster and safer in certain situations, and they're essential for building up Kinsect energy and for dealing damage when you can't safely be in the air. Learn to weave between ground and air attacks seamlessly. A good IG user knows when to stay grounded and when to take to the skies. Some monsters have attacks that are incredibly difficult to dodge from the air but relatively easy to avoid on the ground, and vice versa. Being adaptable is crucial. Finally, consider your Kinsect's elemental type. If you're fighting a monster weak to a certain element, equipping a Kinsect with that element can add a significant punch to your attacks. This is especially true for Kinsects that apply elemental dust effects. Master these advanced techniques, and you'll find yourself not only dealing more damage but also controlling the battlefield in ways other weapons can only dream of. It's about pushing the boundaries of what the Insect Glaive can do, guys! Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and you'll be an aerial legend in no time.
Conclusion: Embrace the Aerial Dance
So there you have it, hunters! The Insect Glaive is a weapon that demands practice, a bit of finesse, and a whole lot of style. We've covered the essential Kinsect management, the thrill of the aerial game, building effective gear sets, and some advanced tricks to truly master this weapon. Remember, the key to success with the Insect Glaive lies in the synergy between your Kinsect buffs and your aerial combos. Don't be afraid to experiment with different Kinsects, Nectar types, and armor skills. Every monster is a new dance partner, and the IG allows you to lead with grace and power.
Keep practicing your Vault Attacks, your Jumping Advances, and your devastating Finishers. Maintain your triple buffs religiously, and always be aware of your stamina and positioning. The aerial game isn't just about looking cool (though it definitely does!); it's a highly effective way to dodge attacks, find openings, and deal consistent damage. And when you nail that perfect combo, landing every hit while staying out of harm's way, there's no feeling quite like it. It's a rewarding weapon for those who are willing to put in the effort. So, go forth, embrace the aerial dance, and show those monsters what true aerial combat looks like. Happy hunting, everyone!
