One of the most exciting combat mechanics in Monster Hunter Wilds is the ability to mount and attack monsters while being literally on their back. This technique allows you to deal massive damage from an optimal position, but executing a successful mount requires proper timing and strategy. Here is everything you need to know about how to hop onto a monster and unleash powerful attacks from its back.
How to Trigger a Mount
For the mount to even be possible, you need to meet specific conditions during combat:
- Jumping Attacks: The primary way to mount a monster is by landing an attack while airborne. This can be achieved by:
- Jumping off ledges or elevated terrain while attacking.
- Using certain weapons with aerial moves, such as the Insect Glaive, or special skills from other weapons.
- Jumping from the Seikret and attacking while airborne.
- Weakened Monsters: Some monsters become easier to mount when staggered or exhausted, increasing your chances of success.
- Special Mechanics: There is a hidden mount meter. Your first Jump Attack may not land, but it will count towards the mount meter. The more you try during the fight, the higher your chances for it to land.
- Monster Mount Immunity: Some High Rank Monsters can simply not be mounted.
Once the conditions are met, all you have to do is jump off a ledge or your mount and then press Triangle on PS5, Y on Xbox, or your Attack key on PC. It is important to know that you really have to attack while you are jumping and not draw your weapon out before jumping.
The easiest is to call your Seikret and jump off of it, but in most of the arenas, you will find some sort of ledge or cliff that you can climb and jump from. You can bait the monster right under the ledge and then jump down on it and attack.
What You Can Do While Mounted
Once you successfully land on a monster’s back, you will enter a special combat phase with different options:
- Attack: Use your weapon to deal continuous damage to a weak spot. Some weapons may have special mounted attacks.
- Hold On: When the monster tries to shake you off, brace yourself to maintain your grip.
- Move Positions: Depending on the monster, you might be able to reposition yourself to avoid getting thrown off.
- Special Finishers: If you deal enough damage or maintain the mount for long enough, you can unleash a powerful finishing move.
Best Tips and Tricks for Mounting
- Use the Terrain: Always be aware of nearby ledges, walls, or environmental tools to get airborne.
- Pick the Right Weapon: Weapons like the Insect Glaive excel at mounting, thanks to their aerial mobility. Hammer is also very great as you can heavily Bonk the Monster’s head and knock it out.
- Time Your Attacks: Landing a jump attack on a staggered monster increases your mounting success rate.
- Brace at the Right Time: Pay attention to the monster’s movements to avoid being thrown off early.
- Coordinate with Your Team: If you are playing multiplayer, let your teammates know when you have mounted so they can adjust their attacks accordingly.
- Equip gear with Mounting Skills such as Master Mounter or the Group Skill Scaling Prowess that is on the Balahara and Quematrice set.