Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Walkthrough

Welcome to our comprehensive 'Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Walkthrough,' designed to turn you into a master hunter! Dive into the rich, action-packed world of Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate with our step-by-step guide. Start by Understanding Basic Controls to get a solid foundation for your journey. Learn the ropes of Navigating the Game World and discover Key Locations and Their Challenges. Enhance your gameplay by mastering Using Weapons and Abilities Effectively, and adopt foolproof Strategies for Hunting Monsters. Ready to conquer the beasts? Read on and unleash your inner hunter today!

Understanding Basic Controls

Welcome, hunters! Whether you’re new to Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate or just need a refresher, getting to grips with the basic controls is crucial if you want to survive those thrilling monster hunts. Here’s a quick guide to help you master the basics in no time.

Movement and Camera

• Analog Stick (Left): Move your character around. Pretty straightforward--push it in the direction you want to go.
• D-Pad: Adjust the camera. Use this to keep an eye on those pesky monsters and line up your attacks.
• L Button: Center the camera behind your character. This is super handy in intense battles to quickly re-orient yourself.
• Touch Screen: You can also use the touch screen for various camera controls, which might come in handy once you're more comfortable with the setup.

Basic Actions

• A Button: Interact with objects and gather resources. Whether it's picking up herbs or mining ore, this button is your friend.
• B Button: Perform a roll or backstep to dodge attacks. Timing your dodges is key to staying alive against powerful monsters.
• X Button: Perform basic attacks. Different weapons have different attack patterns, but this button is usually your bread and butter.
• R Button: Sprint. Use this to close the gap between you and a monster or to make a hasty retreat.

Combat Essentials

When it comes to battles, each weapon has its own unique set of attacks and moves. Here are a few common controls:

• L + Y and B Buttons: Use this combination to quickly cycle through your items. Finding that healing potion in the heat of battle has never been easier.
• Hold R and press A, B, X, or Y: Depending on the weapon, holding the R button and pressing one of these face buttons can unleash special moves or stances.
• Target Lock (Touch Screen): Tap the specific monster icon to lock onto a monster. This keeps your camera focused, making it easier to track fast-moving foes.

Item Management

Using items efficiently is crucial:

• Y Button: Use the item currently equipped in your item bar. This could be a potion, a bomb, or any other useful tool.
• Touch Screen: The touch screen can also be used to quickly select and use items, making it easier to manage your inventory mid-battle.

Mounting and Climbing

Mounting and climbing play significant roles in Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate:

• Sprint (R Button) toward a wall to run up it. Sometimes, being above a monster is the best place to be!
• Mid-air Attack: Use X or A while in the air to attack downward. If you're lucky, you'll mount the monster and get a chance to deal some serious damage.

Sharpening Weapons

Don't forget to keep your weapon sharp. Dull blades deal less damage and bounce off tougher hides:

• Sharpen: Stand still and use the item selected in your item bar (Y Button). Make sure you have a Whetstone ready!

Closing Tips

Getting the hang of these controls will take some practice, but they’re pretty intuitive once you get the rhythm down. Spend some time in lower-stakes environments to hone your skills, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons to find your favorite playstyle. Happy hunting!

Navigating the Game World

Welcome to Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate! Before you jump into slaying massive beasts, let's talk about getting around this massive world. There's a lot to see and do, and knowing how to navigate efficiently can make your hunting trips a whole lot easier.

Villages and Hubs

Your journey will start in Val Habar, a bustling trade town. It serves as your primary hub, where you’ll manage your resources, stock up on supplies, and get quests.

• Val Habar: Here you’ll find the Quest Counter to accept quests, Smithy for weapons and armor, Market for buying items, and your House where you can manage your gear and save your game.
• Dundorma: As you progress, you’ll unlock this bigger hub with more advanced facilities like the Guildmarm for guild quests and the Wyverian Artisan for high-end gear crafting.

Quest Menu and Maps

Once you accept a quest, a map of the area appears. These maps vary in size and complexity, but each one is divided into numbered zones.

• Zones: Understand that each area is split into zones. Moving between zones triggers a short loading screen, so be prepared for brief pauses.
• Icons: Pay attention to map icons. These indicate item gathering spots, monster locations, and landmarks.
  • Blue Chest: Where you start each quest. It contains essential supplies.
  • Red Chest: Where you drop off quest items to complete gathering quests.
  • Monsters: Large creatures appear as red dots once you locate them.

Movement and Controls

• Walking/Running: Your hunter can walk and run. Running drains stamina, so keep an eye on the yellow bar.
• Climbing: You’ll do a lot of climbing. Approach climbable surfaces, like vines or ledges, and follow the prompts.
• Swimming: While swimming isn't a huge part of MH4U, certain areas have water bodies you’ll need to navigate.
• Mounting Monsters: If you leap from a height onto a monster, there’s a chance to mount it. Follow the on-screen prompt to deal significant damage.

Survival Tips

• Stamina Management: Eat well-done steak to restore stamina. Keeping your stamina high is crucial for dodging and chasing monsters.
• Environment Interaction: Use the environment to your advantage. Taller zones might have ledges for mounting monsters, and some areas offer traps and pitfalls.
• Day/Night Cycle: Some quests take place at different times which can affect monster behavior. Be prepared for variations.

Fast Travel and Shortcuts

• Farcasters: These magical items instantly transport you back to your base camp. Handy when you need to regroup or stock up.
• Subcamps: Unlock subcamps in certain areas. They act as mini-base camps closer to your hunting grounds.
• Shortcut Keys: Customize your shortcut keys for swift access to potions, traps, and other items during combat.

Navigating the world in Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate can seem overwhelming at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Understanding zones, managing stamina, and using environmental advantages are key to successful hunts. Get familiar with your environment, and you'll be a legendary hunter in no time. Happy hunting!

Key Locations and Their Challenges

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is packed with unique areas that each offer their own set of challenges. Understanding these locations is crucial for any hunter aiming to become the ultimate monster slayer. Let’s dive into these key spots and what to expect when you arrive:

Ancestral Steppe

Overview: The Ancestral Steppe is the first major area you’ll explore. It’s a lush, mountainous region with lots of verticality.

Challenges

• Jaggi and Jaggi Pack: Early on, you’ll encounter Jaggi and their leader, the Great Jaggi. Keep an eye out for their pack tactics.
• Terrain Navigation: The steppe’s varying elevations can be tricky to navigate. Mastering climbing and jumping is essential here.

Tips

• Use the verticality to your advantage. Higher ground can be a good escape route or provide a strategic advantage.
• Look for gathering spots to stock up on herbs and other useful items.

Primal Forest

Overview: This forest is dense and full of life. Expect a mix of open spaces and tight, enclosed areas.

Challenges

• Tetsucabra: This massive frog-like monster can be tough. Its digging attacks can throw you off your feet.
• Environmental Hazards: Watch out for pitfalls and dense foliage that can obscure your vision.

Tips

• Use sonic bombs to unearth the Tetsucabra if it starts to dig.
• Keep your eyes open for honey and mushrooms to craft essential supplies.

Frozen Seaway

Overview: This icy wasteland is as treacherous as it is cold. The slippery terrain can make movement challenging.

Challenges

• Zamtrios: This amphibious monster switches between a frosty form and a bloated, slippery state. Adapt quickly to both.
• Cold Resistance: The freezing temperatures drain your stamina faster. Hot Drinks are a must to stay effective in combat.

Tips

• Use weapons with fire elements to exploit the ice monsters’ weaknesses.
• Upgrade your armor for better cold resistance and take lots of Hot Drinks.

Volcanic Hollow

Overview: The Volcanic Hollow is a fiery expanse where lava flows freely, and the heat is oppressive.

Challenges

• Seltas Queen and Seltas: These huge insects are dangerous with their coordinated attacks.
• Heat Exhaustion: The high temperatures can drain health over time. Cool Drinks are vital.

Tips

• Stay out of lava flows to avoid continuous damage.
• Equip armor with heat resistance and carry Cool Drinks.

Everwood

Overview: The Everwood is a unique, ever-changing location that serves as the region for Expedition Quests.

Challenges

• Random Monsters: Monsters can vary from quest to quest. Flexibility and adaptability are key.
• Hidden Paths: The paths and areas can change, making navigation tricky.

Tips

• Use the Everwood to farm for rare materials and hone your tracking skills.
• Always be prepared for the unexpected with a versatile gear loadout.

By understanding these locations and their specific challenges, you’ll be better equipped to take on whatever Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate throws at you. Good luck out there, hunter!

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Walkthrough

Using Weapons and Abilities Effectively

In Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, knowing how to wield your weapons and use your abilities is the key to becoming a top-tier hunter. Here’s a guide on getting the most out of your arsenal.

Weapon Types: Master Your Style

In MH4U, there are 14 different weapon types, each with its own playstyle. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Great Sword: Massive damage but slow. Focus on charge attacks.
• Long Sword: Balanced range and speed with a strong Spirit combo.
• Sword and Shield: Quick attacks and good defense. Great for beginners.
• Dual Blades: Fast, with high damage output over time.
• Hammer: Powerful blunt attacks, perfect for stunning monsters.
• Hunting Horn: Support role with buffs and solid hits.
• Lance: Strong defense and stabbing attacks.
• Gunlance: Lance with explosive attacks.
• Switch Axe: Combo of axe and sword modes.
• Charge Blade: Complex but versatile, switches between sword and axe.
• Insect Glaive: High mobility, use Kinsects for buffs.
• Light Bowgun: Quick shots, good for status effects.
• Heavy Bowgun: Massive damage from a distance.
• Bow: Ranged attacks with various coatings for effects.

Picking the Right Weapon

Choosing the right weapon can depend on your playstyle and the monster you're facing. Here are some tips:

• Know the Monster’s Weakness: Some monsters are weak to blunt damage (Hammer) or cutting tails (Long Sword).
• Consider Your Positioning: Weapons like the Hammer are great for headshots, while the Lance is perfect for staying defensive.
• Mobility vs. Power: Dual Blades offer mobility, while the Great Sword provides heavy damage. Decide what suits your approach.

Mastering Combos and Skills

Each weapon has its own combos and skills. Practice makes perfect, but here are some essentials:

• Learn Your Moveset: Spend time in the Training Area to understand each attack and combo.
• Dodge and Counter: Timing your dodges and knowing when to counterattack is crucial. Remember, patience can be more rewarding than aggression.
• Use Your Abilities: Many weapons have special abilities (e.g., Charge Blade’s phial system or Insect Glaive’s vaulting). Maximize these for better damage and support.

Abilities and Hunter Arts

Abilities in Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate can provide significant advantages. Here are the basics:

• Equip Skills: Armor sets come with skills. Aim for skills that complement your playstyle and weapon choice. For example, “Attack Up” for more damage or “Stamina Skills” for more mobility with Dual Blades.
• Use Items Wisely: Items like traps, bombs, and potions can turn the tide of battle. Always keep an eye on your inventory.
• Hunter Arts: These special moves can only be used after filling up a gauge. They offer powerful attacks or buffs, so use them strategically.

Tips for Effective Hunting

• Study the Monsters: Learn each monster’s patterns, strengths, and weaknesses. The more you know, the better you can adapt.
• Improve Your Gear: Regularly upgrade and customize your weapons and armor. The monsters get tougher, so keeping your gear up to snuff is a must.
• Join a Party: Multiplayer hunts can be more strategic and enjoyable. Work together, combine skills, and take on tougher monsters.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of hunting in Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate. Grab your weapon, mount your Palico, and dive into the action. Happy hunting!

Strategies for Hunting Monsters

Hunting monsters in Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is all about preparation, teamwork, and knowing your enemy. Here’s a breakdown of strategies to help you conquer even the toughest monsters the game throws your way.

Know Your Prey

Before heading out on a hunt, it’s crucial to understand the monster you're up against. Each monster has unique behaviors, strengths, and weaknesses. Consult your Monster Hunter Journal to read up on the monster’s elements, vulnerabilities, and attack patterns. Learn when it’s safe to attack and when you need to dodge or block to avoid getting smashed.

Gear Up Wisely

Your equipment can make or break your hunt. Equip armor and weapons that exploit the monster’s weaknesses. For instance, if the monster is weak to fire, bring a fire-elemental weapon. Don’t forget to upgrade your gear for better defense and attack power.

Also, use armor skills to your advantage. Skills like Evasion, Attack Up, and Stun Resistance can significantly improve your survivability and damage output. Mix and match armor pieces to get the best skill set for the hunt.

Stock Up On Supplies

Always remember to stock up on essential items before a hunt:

• Potions and Mega Potions for healing.
• Hot/Cold Drinks if you're hunting in extreme climates.
• Traps and Tranq Bombs if you’re planning to capture the monster.
• Whetstones to keep your weapon sharp.
• Buffs and Debuffs (such as Smoke Bombs and Flash Bombs) to give you an advantage.

Take advantage of the supply box at the start of the quest to grab whatever you need.

Learn The Terrain

Each hunting area has unique features that you can leverage. Learn the layout of the map, noting where healing plants, ledges for mounting attacks, and choke points are located. Use the environment to your advantage to corner and trap monsters, or take a breather to heal up.

Master Your Weapon

Each weapon type in Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate has its strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re swinging a Great Sword or firing a Bowgun, mastering your chosen weapon is key. Spend time in training zones or low-risk hunts to practice your combos, dodges, and special moves.

Remember, some monsters are easier to tackle with certain weapon types. For example, fast weapons like Dual Blades can keep up with speedy monsters, while some larger, slower monsters might be easier to hit with a Great Sword.

Utilize Monster Patterns

Monsters telegraph their moves through patterns and signals. Learn these patterns to predict when and how they’ll attack. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Tells before attacks: Monsters often show signs before they attack, like rearing back or roaring. Notice these signs and be ready to dodge or counter.
• Enragement: When a monster is enraged, its attack power increases, but so does its susceptibility to traps and certain debuffs.
• Exhaustion: Tired monsters have slower, less frequent attacks and may trip over themselves, providing a perfect moment to strike.

Team Coordination

Hunting in a group? Communication and role distribution are vital. Designate roles such as damage dealer, trapper, and healer. Work cohesively; while one member distracts the monster, another could set a trap. Use chat and pings to coordinate attacks and warn each other of incoming dangers.

Capture Vs. Slay

Sometimes, capturing a monster instead of killing it can yield better rewards. To capture:

• Weaken the monster until it limps.
• Set a trap (Pitfall or Shock Trap) in its path.
• Once trapped, throw Tranq Bombs until the monster falls asleep.

Patience Is Key

Hunting monsters can sometimes be a battle of endurance. Don’t rush. Pay attention to your health and stamina. Take breaks when the monster flees to another area to sharpen your weapon, heal, and compose yourself before continuing the hunt.

Being patient, prepared, and strategic is the best way to come out on top. Happy hunting, and may your blades stay ever sharp!