Demos are something that Nintendo has only recently really begun to push on its consoles, but the response seems to have been a resounding 'yes' from the fans; so we've been gifted with a demo for Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate. For a while you would only be able to download the demo with a unique code, but the floodgates have now been opened and you can download the game directly from the eShop without any specialised mumbo-jumbo.
As Monster Hunter is a series notorious for being difficult to get into, we've compiled a short guide that should help explain some of the intricacies of the demo in order to make all of your hunts successful.
Picking the right weapon is paramount to learning the game correctly, and if you're a complete beginner you'll want to stick to the recommended weapons that you have at your disposal. The Dual Blades are a good weapon to start with as they're probably the simplest to use, the only mechanics they have are damage-dealing. Avoid ranged weapons altogether until you're more experienced.
Something the demo doesn't really explain is the items you can use, and these are of paramount importance if you're planning to go up against the Tetsucabra or even the dreaded Gore Magala. The items are different for every hunt in this demo, and whilst an in-game description does exist for each of these, it's not always easy to read them when in the heat of battle. The main items you'll want to be using are Whetstones – which sharpen your weapon and allow maximum damage – Mega Potions – which refill your Health – and Well-Done Steaks – used for increasing your Stamina Meter. If you're in the middle of a fight and need to use one of these items you'd be best - if you're still adjusting to the monster's 'tells' - to leave the current area before using them, as they leave you very open to attacks. If you're interrupted before the item has taken effect, you'll have to use it again.
One of the most crucial things to understand about Monster Hunter is that you need to understand the monsters you're hunting. Certain weapons have different effects on certain monsters, and a lot of damage dealt is determined by what part of the monster you attack. Heads are usually weak points, but not always, so try hitting different areas to see what happens. You'll also need to be able to read what the monster is doing by its actions; if a monster is limping it means it's close to death, if it reels from one of your attacks it means you've scored a particularly nasty hit, and if it pauses its attacks and appears to hyperventilate, it's exhausted and will attack less frequently. Also be sure to watch out for a sudden change in behaviour - for example if a monster starts glowing or frothing at the mouth and attacking more rapidly, it's enraged and you'll need to take extra care to avoid it or suffer the consequences!
Lastly, don't be afraid to look in the Hunter's Notes for tips and other useful information. Despite the tutorials in the demo being fairly comprehensive, there's no way they'd be able to cover everything without boring you half to tears. A lot of what makes Monster Hunter such a unique series is the fact that you have to learn and understand the monsters you're hunting before you can fight anything more aggressive than a Great Jaggi. If you're still floundering, try and find someone else who can talk you through the areas you're having difficulty with in more detail. Everyone has their own way of doing things, but you'll just get defeated time and time again if you try and play without the necessary preparations. It's all worth it, though, as Monster Hunter is an incredible series that offers an experience unlike any other.
If that all went over your head a little bit, why not watch the video below for some really basic tips to help you get started? It's ideal for those who are completely unfamiliar with the game to help them get started on the right track.
Comments 23
i was lucky enough to get a demo code from a fellow NL member, and ive played the first few monsters. and i really like it. i'm sure i will be getting this game. and i love that it uses the CPP.
I just downloaded the Demo
Got the DL code from Nintendo a few weeks back. Fun but was lost as to the techniques of playing the game. Seems like this would be better to play on a TV screen rather than the puny 3DS screen.
@Yurikun
It's epic on the TV in HD, but it's all good on the 3DS. If you ever need some tips, just ask and I'll be glad to help any way I can
One tip I suggest is if you're playing with other people, don't attack the monster if someone is mounting it. You'll make the hunter fall off if the monster flinches from your attacks.
It's funny to me that beginner guides always caution you away from ranged weapons. I struggled to get into MH3U until I realized that deep down, I was a gunner. I've gotten much MUCH better at targeting attacks at the right spots with a bow than I ever was with a blade. With blades, I always felt like I was button mashing. With a bow, I feel like I'm strategizing and learning more about the monsters by keeping my distance. Also, it's really satisfying to shoot a flying monster out of the sky, or in some cases, shooting them off of a wall or ceiling.
Although, the first time I hit a big monster (Lagombi, I think) with Wyvern Fire from a gunlance, I had a rather "kid in a candy shop" kind of chuckle to myself.
Still: bow lyfe 4 eva
One note that might be confusing-- 1 attack on a "weak point" like the head will not show you that it is a weak point. In general, you do not get shown how much damage you do. The only minor clue that tells you if a point is a weak point or not is that the monster will react or flinch more frequently when the part is a weaker part.
That and the fact that you will kill the monster faster.
@coolaggro
There's a larger blood flash and significantly more hitlag when you hit a weaker point. If I pull off a Great Sword full charge on a Rathalos' head, it sticks in there for like half of a second, whereas if I hit it on the wings, there's a small flash and very little hitlag.
@earthboundlink I have this problem aswell, i love GS, but i suck so bad with it.. and always gravitate on learning the bow, as someone that loves archery both in Rl and in games.. maybe this game will be the one where i try to fulltime the Bow.
Please Capcom, make Monster Hunter 5 for Wii U!
Using the same controlls as MH3U on the gamepad but with improved graphics and game mechanics.
7 days to go.
After playing the demo I don't see any reason this game could not have been some kind of dlc for Ultimate 3.
@FcsevenXIII
They actually changed a lot, its running on a whole new engine and everything if I recall. Its not just a simple reskin with a few new monsters, especially considering we never got MH4 in the first place. Content-wise, its a whole new game.
@Earthboundlink
The only thing with ranged weapons is they need a bit more planning and strategy with the different shot types and stuff, and they have less room for error. Melee weapons are usually more straight-forward. They can be quite potent though. I prefer bows myself, mained them in Unite, and now they're my ranged weapon of choice.
@JaxonH Do you have a group of friends that you play Monster Hunter with regularly? I have always played with randoms but thought it would be cool to hunt with fellow Nintendolifers. I don't like the term "guild" but something along those lines.
I have never played a MH Game before. But I was really impressed by this demo! Just WOW!
Slayed every quest in the demo. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did. The actual game's gonna see me disappear from society for a while.
Just downloaded the demo today and found it awesome! They manages to keep all the strengths of MH3U and further improve upon it, making manouvering feeling less klunky, yet still giving the impression that the heavier weapons, such as greatsword, have immeasurable weight. The beetle spear thing also switched up the gameplay in an awesome way, making me feel like a monster slaying super ninja . I seriously cant wait for the full game!!! Seems alot more open for beginners without sacrificing anything for the more experienced players. Did maybe feel a bit easier. I allso hope the internet lobby will let you search for open spots on parties in the final version.
Please...coming from a fan and Veteran of all the Monster Hunter games since they started...NEVER AGAIN tell someone that a beginner weapon is the dual blades...You want beginner weapon? Great Sword or the Sword and Shield...THOSE are the two basic easiest to learn weapons. Telling someone to begin with DS is the reason you see a bunch of nubs out there using them spamming Demon Dance around their teammates causing everyone to flinch and trip.
@FcsevenXIII Obviously because they made an entire game's worth of content. All monster hunter games are similar, just with subtle improvements to the existing mechanics and more monsters and weapons. That and big things like Monster Hunter 3's underwater combat and Monster Hunter 4's, much better thought out, aerial combat and climbing.
This demo from eshop got limit right?
@KNITEpanda I think I could say I'm fair by going with the Sword and Shield from the start. I don't like the dual blades, they're far too messy to work with, but the Sword and Shield has a very good balance. I only started playing with the demo, but I like what I see so far.
@nostalgianinja
True. Sword and shield is very good balance.
But if you prefer dealing more dmg get hammer.
Really glad I tried the demo... now I know this game is not for me. Shantae here I come
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