5 Tips to get the most from the Monster Hunter™ Generations Demo

The Monster Hunter™ Generations demo is now available to download* from Nintendo eShop on all Nintendo 3DS family systems! This tiny taster lets you take on three monsters either solo or in multiplayer with up to three other players, locally or online*, and lets you try any of the game’s weapons in conjunction with the four new Hunting Styles.

Between the streamlined Prowler mode and the brand new combat customisation that comes with Hunting Styles and Hunter Arts there has never been a better time to join the hunt. So with that in mind here are some pointers and a little competition to help you get the most from the Monster Hunter™ Generations demo, in the likely chance that this is your first hunt.

1. Grab your items & stay alive!

See that blue box in the first area? That wooden container holds a whole host of valuable items that you’ll want to take with you! From healing potions to traps you can use to immobilise your target, this box should be your first stop on any hunt. Simply run up to it and tap the A Button before looting it for all it’s worth. Be aware that you share the items in said box with your hunting party, though, so leave a few potions for your allies when playing in multiplayer!

Just in case you don’t know, here’s how to use said items – hold the L Button and press the Y Button or A Button to scroll through your active item. Once you see the item you want to use release the L Button and then tap the Y Button to use it when your weapon is holstered. When you’re starting out it’s recommended that you keep health potions handy and then just remember to put space between yourself and the hungry monsters before taking a glug (holster your weapon with the Y Button and then run away). Monster Hunter is all about considering every action, especially those that keep you alive!

3. Experiment with Hunting Styles and Weapons

Monster Hunter™ Generations is the most customisable Monster Hunter game ever thanks to the addition of Hunting Styles and Hunter Arts on top of the established range of weaponry, and that’s without even considering how much you can tweak a Prowler in the full game. As such it can often be the case that the first armament you try may not be your perfect fit.

Adept Style in particular, which rewards perfectly timed dodges, can be a tricky Hunting Style for newcomers, so it’s recommended to avoid that until you’ve taken time to learn a monster’s attack patterns.

In light of this you should try and have fun trying out the range of weapons and styles on offer, and don’t make a snap judgement if your first choice doesn’t gel. Love all out offense? Dual Blades Striker or Aerial Hammer are fun aggressive options. More of a precise player? Switch Axe, Great Sword and Charge Blade are nice choices. Like to keep your distance? Try one of the ranged weapons with Aerial Style (then press the B Button to leap off of a monster, and then press the X and A Buttons together for ultimate style). Team player? Hop online* with a Hunting Horn or as a Prowler and players are sure to appreciate your company. Speaking of which…

5. Learn to ‘read’ the monster

Now that you’ve got a handle on items, know the maps, and have a weapon you like it’s time to get to the nitty gritty – learning how to read a monster.

The enemies you fight in Monster Hunter™ Generations change over the course of combat as you deal more damage but the only way to see these shifts of mood is to pay attention, there aren’t any health bars to help you here. Is the monster panting and drooling? That means its stamina is low and this is the best time to attack – it’s exhausted! Does it look angry? Eyes glowing? Ears flaring up? Now is the time to run! An enraged monster will attack more viciously and even deal more damage so caution is advised at these points in particular.

Learning to read these signs will help you become a better hunter, and not just because it lets you know when to shift between an offensive and defensive focus. Try trapping a monster in a pitfall trap when it’s exhausted, for example, and you’ll note that it stays restrained for longer. Monster Hunter™ Generations is a game that rewards smart, considered play at every turn, and the more you know the more satisfying an adventure it becomes!

Bonus: Never give up!

One final tip – try and try again. Monster Hunter™ Generations is not an easy game and monsters will relentlessly kick you around when you first meet them. Ultimately though as you start to analyse their movements, learn their weaknesses and faults, and slowly overcome the challenge that each creature poses, you’ll come to understand the unique joy and gratification that Monster Hunter™ Generations provides. Be willing to persevere and you too will realise why Monster Hunter has captured the hearts of so many.

Competition

To celebrate the release of the Monster Hunter™ Generations demo we’re launching a competition! All you have to do to enter this random prize draw is prove to us that you can and have beaten a Great Maccao! Online play* or Local Play, doesn’t matter, all you need to do is post a photo of your Nintendo 3DS family system to Twitter showing you standing triumphant, alongside the hashtags #MHGen and #QuestComplete!

Three winners will be chosen at random from all successful entries, and each will win a #3DSAdventures prize pack, detailed below. Happy Hunting!

_{*Wireless internet connection required. The registration of Nintendo Network ID and acceptance of the network related termsand privacy policies required.}

Terms and Conditions:

_{1. Entry is open to residents of the United Kingdom, excluding employees and the immediate families of the Promoter, its agents or anyone professionally connected with the promotion. Entrants must be 13 years or over.}

_{2. If you are under 18 you are representing that you have consent from your parents/guardian to enter the promotion in accordance with our terms and conditions and privacy policy.}

_{3. By entering the promotion, entrants agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.}

_{4. Entries close at 12:00 noon on Monday 11 July 2016.}

_{5. To participate in the promotion, entrants will require access to the internet and will need to register for a Twitter account. Entrants will also need to download the Monster Hunter Generations Demo, available from the Nintendo eShop.}

_{6. Entry is online via Twitter. To enter, entrants should upload a photo of their console to Twitter, showing their hunter standing over a defeated Great Maccao, using the hashtags #MHGen and #QuestComplete. The Promoter cannot guarantee uninterrupted or secure access to the entry route. Entries are limited to one per person.}

_{7. Three winners will be drawn at random. Each winner will be notified through Twitter within 7 days of the promotion closing. If the winner does not respond to contact made by the Promoter within 28 days the Promoter reserves the right to award the prize to a substitute winner.}

_{8. Each winner will receive a 3DS Adventures prize bundle comprising 1 x New Nintendo 3DS XL, 1 x Bravely Second: End Layer, 1 x Yo-Kai Watch, 1 x Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest, 1 x Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright and 1 x Monster Hunter Generations. There is no cash or other prize alternatives. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the Promoter reserves the right to substitute any prize for an alternative of equal or greater value.}

_{9. All entries must be made directly by the person entering the competition. Entries made online using methods generated by a script, macro or the use of automated devices will be void. No responsibility can be accepted for entries lost, delayed or corrupted, or due to computer error in transit.}

_{10. The promoter reserves the right to verify all entries and the winner, including, but not limited to, age and eligibility to enter, and to refuse to award the prize, or withdraw prize entitlement, where there are reasonable grounds to believe there has been a breach of these terms and conditions or any instructions forming part of this promotions entry requirements.}

_{11. Entrants’ personal data will be collected, stored and processed strictly for the purposes of administering and assessing this prize draw.}

_{12. The Promoter and its associated companies and agents excludes all responsibility for and all liabilities arising from any postponement, cancellation, delay or changes to the prize details, or arising from use of the prize, to the extent permitted by English law.}

_{13. The name and county of the winner will be made available on written request to the Promoter.}

_{Promoter: Nintendo UK, The Quadrant, 55 - 57 High Street, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1LP.}