Mastering the Insect Glaive in Monster Hunter Wilds: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey there! So, you wanna get good with the Insect Glaive in Monster Hunter Wilds, huh? It’s a pretty unique weapon, super fun once you get the hang of it, but it can be a bit tricky at first. It’s all about flying around and working with your little bug buddy, the Kinsect. This guide is gonna walk you through everything, from how the weapon works to some cool tricks and combos. We’ll cover how to make the most of your Kinsect, some sweet aerial moves, and even how to set up your gear for maximum monster-hunting goodness. Let’s dive in and make you an Insect Glaive master in Monster Hunter Wilds!

Key Takeaways

• The Insect Glaive is all about teaming up with your Kinsect to get buffs and do damage.
• You’ll spend a lot of time in the air, so getting good at aerial attacks is a big deal.
• Building your gear around elemental damage and controlling monsters helps a lot.
• Learning how to manage your Kinsect and its extracts is super important for buffs.
• Practice your ground and air combos to really get the hang of this weapon.

Understanding the Insect Glaive in Monster Hunter Wilds

The Insect Glaive is back in Monster Hunter Wilds, and it’s bringing its unique blend of melee combat and aerial prowess. It’s a weapon that rewards skillful play, offering both close-range strikes and the ability to take to the skies. While it might seem complex at first, the Insect Glaive can be incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it. The new Focus Strike and Offset skills make it worthwhile even for a newcomer.

Core Mechanics and Kinsect Synergy

The Insect Glaive operates differently from many other weapons. Its damage output relies heavily on the Kinsect. The Kinsect is your little insect buddy that you send out to gather extracts from monsters. These extracts then provide you with buffs, boosting your attack, defense, and speed. Understanding how to manage your Kinsect and utilize its extracts is key to mastering the Insect Glaive. There are four different extracts that you need to be mindful of – red, white, orange, and green. Depending on the extract’s color, you gain different buffs, which can be stacked, albeit up to a limit. The Kinsect synergy system can be a tad cumbersome to grasp for a newcomer.

Aerial Combat Prowess

One of the Insect Glaive’s defining features is its aerial combat ability. You can vault into the air at any time, allowing you to perform aerial attacks and evade monster attacks. Mastering aerial combos is essential for maximizing your damage output and staying safe in the heat of battle. It’s not easy to pull off aerial combos in the heat of the battle.

Strengths and Limitations

The Insect Glaive has some clear strengths and weaknesses. On the one hand, it offers great mobility, high elemental damage, and passive buffs via the Kinsect. On the other hand, it lacks base raw damage, and its combos can be difficult to learn. The reliance on the Kinsect also adds an extra layer of complexity. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Strengths:
  • High elemental damage output.
  • Offers incredible mobility.
  • Has access to passive buffs via Kinsect.
• Weaknesses:
  • Lacks in terms of base raw damage.
  • Combos can be difficult to learn.
  • Reliance on Kinsect adds an extra layer of complication.

The Insect Glaive is a weapon that rewards practice and patience. It might take some time to get used to its unique mechanics, but once you do, you’ll be able to dish out impressive damage and control the battlefield with ease. It combines the damage output of a Switch Axe or a Long Sword, paired with the agility of the Dual Blades or the Bow.

Optimizing Your Insect Glaive Build

Prioritizing Elemental Damage

So, you wanna make your Insect Glaive really hurt, huh? Well, focusing on elemental damage is a great way to do it. The Insect Glaive is pretty quick, so you can get a lot of hits in, which means more elemental damage procs. Think about what element the monster you’re hunting is weak to and build accordingly. It makes a HUGE difference. Don’t just slap on any old element; do your homework!

• Fire for ice monsters
• Water for fire monsters
• Thunder for water monsters

I remember this one time I was fighting a Rathalos with a water Insect Glaive. It was like cutting butter. Seriously, the fight was over so fast, my teammates were still gathering materials when I was carving the tail. Good times.

Enhancing Monster Control

Alright, let’s talk about keeping those monsters in check. It’s not just about damage; it’s about control. Skills that boost your Kinsect’s ability to inflict status effects like paralysis or poison can really turn the tide of a fight. Plus, anything that helps you stay in the air longer is a win. More air time equals more opportunities to mount and deal damage.

Maximizing Wound Exploitation

Wounds are your best friend. Seriously. Skills like Weakness Exploit become even better when you’re consistently creating wounds on the monster. Partbreaker is also great for focusing damage on specific parts, making it easier to create those wounds in the first place. Then, you can really start capitalizing on wounds and watch the damage numbers climb. It’s all about that synergy, baby.

1. Use Kinsect to target weak spots.
2. Prioritize skills like Weakness Exploit.
3. Consider Partbreaker for easier wound creation.

Mastering Insect Glaive Combat Techniques

Effective Kinsect Management

Kinsect management is key to mastering the Insect Glaive. Your Kinsect isn’t just a bug; it’s an extension of your weapon, providing vital buffs and dealing damage. You need to understand how to send it out, recall it, and, most importantly, how to target specific monster parts for extract collection. Don’t just blindly fire your Kinsect; aim for the head for red extract, the body for white, and the legs/wings for orange. Efficient Kinsect use translates to consistent buffs and increased damage output.

• Practice quick targeting with your Kinsect.
• Learn the monster’s weak points for optimal extract gathering.
• Utilize the Kinsect’s dust effect for added damage and status ailments.

Mastering Kinsect control takes time, but the payoff is immense. A well-managed Kinsect provides constant buffs, allowing you to maintain high damage output and mobility throughout the hunt. Experiment with different Kinsect types to find one that complements your playstyle.

Strategic Aerial Maneuvers

The Insect Glaive’s aerial capabilities set it apart from other weapons. It’s not just about jumping; it’s about controlled, strategic movement. Use the vault to reposition, evade attacks, and set up aerial assault combinations. Don’t just spam the vault; time your jumps to avoid roars and attacks, and use the mid-air evade to adjust your trajectory. The Descending Thrust is a powerful move, but it leaves you vulnerable if mistimed. Practice your aerial combos to maximize damage and maintain your momentum.

• Time your vaults to avoid monster attacks.
• Use the mid-air evade to adjust your position.
• Master the Descending Thrust for high damage output.

Leveraging Offset and Focus Strikes

The Insect Glaive’s moveset includes both Offset and Focus Strikes, adding layers of complexity and reward to skillful play. The Descending Slash acts as an Offset Attack, allowing you to counter monster attacks while dealing damage. The Leaping Strike, a Focus Strike, not only deals significant damage to wounds but also harvests extracts. Knowing when to use these moves can turn the tide of battle. Focus Strikes are especially useful for quickly gathering extracts when you need a buff refresh.

Advanced Insect Glaive Strategies

Capitalizing on Monster Exhaustion

So, you’ve been whacking away at that monster for a while, and it’s starting to look a little tired? Great! This is where the Insect Glaive really shines. Exhaustion is your best friend. When a monster is exhausted, it’s slower, its attacks are weaker, and it leaves itself open for longer periods. Use this to your advantage!

• Focus on hitting weak points to maximize damage during this vulnerable state.
• Use your Kinsect to continuously extract buffs, keeping your damage output high.
• Don’t be afraid to go for aerial attacks, as the monster will have a harder time tracking you.

Exhaustion is a game changer. It’s not just about dealing damage; it’s about controlling the fight. A tired monster is a predictable monster, and a predictable monster is an easy target. Keep the pressure on, and don’t let them recover.

Precision Descending Slashes

The Descending Slash is one of the Insect Glaive’s flashiest moves, but it’s also one of the most useful if you know how to use it right. It’s not just about jumping in the air and slamming down; it’s about precision and timing. You want to make sure that every Descending Slash hits exactly where you want it to. This is where practice comes in. Get to know the monster’s hitzones, and learn how to aim your slashes accordingly. A well-placed Descending Slash can break parts, stagger the monster, or even knock it down. It’s all about knowing where to aim. Check out this Insect Glaive guide for more information on the weapon’s controls.

Integrating Leaping Strike Combos

Leaping Strike combos are all about mobility and aggression. They allow you to quickly close the distance, deliver a flurry of attacks, and then reposition yourself before the monster can retaliate. The key is to mix up your combos and keep the monster guessing. Don’t just spam the same attack over and over again. Use different combinations of ground and aerial attacks to keep the pressure on. Also, don’t forget about your Kinsect! Use it to extract buffs and deal extra damage while you’re in the middle of your combo. A good Leaping Strike combo can leave a monster reeling, giving you the perfect opportunity to follow up with a Descending Slash or another powerful attack.

Here’s a simple example of a Leaping Strike combo:

1. Forward Leaping Strike
2. Mid-air attack
3. Downward thrust
4. Evade to reposition

Essential Insect Glaive Combos

Ground-Based Attack Sequences

When you’re starting out with the Insect Glaive, mastering the ground game is key. Focus on fluid transitions between attacks to maintain momentum. Don’t just button-mash; think about how each move sets up the next. A good starting point is the Rising Slash combo: Triangle > Triangle > LS+Triangle/Y > Y > LS+Y. This lets you close the distance and get some hits in. Also, don’t forget the Wide Sweep (Circle/B) for hitting multiple targets or creating some space.

Aerial Assault Combinations

The Insect Glaive is known for its aerial prowess, so you’ll want to get comfortable in the air. Vaulting (R2+Cross/RT+A) is your ticket to the skies. From there, you can execute Jumping Advancing Slashes (Triangle/Y) or Jumping Slashes (Circle/B). Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you. Remember, timing is everything. You can also use Midair Evade (Cross/A) to reposition yourself or dodge attacks.

Extract Harvesting Techniques

Extracts are what make the Insect Glaive unique. Knowing how to gather them efficiently is crucial. Use Kinsect Harvest Extract (R2+Triangle/RT+Y) to send your Kinsect out to gather buffs. The color of the extract determines the buff you get. Understanding extract colors is important. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Red: Attack Up
• White: Speed Up
• Orange: Defense Up
• Green: Health Recovery

Prioritize getting all three main buffs (red, white, and orange) as quickly as possible. This will significantly boost your damage output and survivability. Don’t be afraid to recall your Kinsect (R2+Circle/RT+B) to reapply the mark or collect extracts from a different location on the monster.

Also, remember you can charge your Kinsect (R2+Hold-Triangle/RT+Hold-Y) and boost it (Triangle+LS(up)/Y+LS(up) after Charge) for faster extract collection. You can also mark a target (R2/RT) and then fire your Kinsect (Hold-R2+R1/Hold-RT+RB) to have it automatically collect the extract from that spot.

Kinsect Management and Extract Buffs

Understanding Extract Colors

Okay, so the Insect Glaive is all about the Kinsect, right? And the Kinsect is all about extracts. Basically, you send your little bug buddy out to grab essence from the monster, and that essence gives you buffs. There are four main colors you need to know:

• Red: This one usually comes from the monster’s head or forelegs and boosts your attack power. Super important for damage.
• White: Grab this from the wings or back, and it’ll buff your movement speed and vaulting ability. Makes you way more agile.
• Orange: Usually found on the body or legs, this gives you defense and earplugs (stops roars from interrupting you). Helps you stay in the fight.
• Green: This is a healing extract. Not all monsters have it, but when they do, it’s a lifesaver.

Knowing where to get each extract from each monster is key. It takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to keep your buffs up almost constantly. It’s like having a little pharmacy and power-up station attached to your arm.

Efficient Extract Collection

Alright, so knowing the colors is one thing, but getting them efficiently is another. Here’s the deal:

1. Targeting: Use the Kinsect’s marking ability to tell it exactly where to go. This is way faster than just blindly firing it off.
2. Recall: Don’t wait for the Kinsect to come back on its own. Recall it manually to get the extract faster. Time is of the essence, especially in a tough fight.
3. Charge: Charging your Kinsect before sending it out can make it grab multiple extracts at once. This is a game-changer for keeping your buffs up. The Kinsect is essential for this weapon.

Buff Stacking and Maintenance

Now, the real magic happens when you stack those extracts. You want to aim for triple buff – that’s red, white, and orange all active at the same time. When you have all three, you get a significant boost to your attack, speed, and defense. It’s like going Super Saiyan, but with bugs.

Keeping those buffs up is an ongoing process. Here’s how I usually handle it:

• Prioritize Red: Always make sure you have the red buff active. Damage is king, after all.
• Refresh White: White extract is next in line. The mobility is too good to pass up.
• Top off Orange: Keep an eye on your orange buff, especially if the monster is aggressive. That extra defense can save your life.

Don’t be afraid to re-up your extracts mid-fight. A quick vault and Kinsect shot can make all the difference. And remember, practice makes perfect. The more you use the Insect Glaive, the better you’ll get at managing your Kinsect and keeping those buffs active.

Adapting to Monster Encounters with Insect Glaive

Tailoring Builds for Specific Monsters

Not every Insect Glaive build is going to work against every monster. You’ve gotta think about what you’re up against. Is it a big, slow brute that’s weak to fire? Or a fast, agile flyer that resists water? Adjusting your elemental damage and status effects is key. For example, against a monster highly susceptible to poison, a build focusing on poison application through your Kinsect can be incredibly effective. Don’t be afraid to experiment and switch things up!

Utilizing Status Effects Effectively

Status effects can really turn the tide in a hunt. Paralysis, poison, sleep, blast – they all have their uses. The Insect Glaive is great at applying these, especially with a Kinsect built for status. Think about the monster’s weaknesses and resistances. A monster resistant to poison might be vulnerable to blast. Coordinate with your team to chain status effects for maximum control. It’s all about knowing your enemy and exploiting their vulnerabilities. Consider these points:

• Paralysis: Great for creating openings for big damage.
• Poison: Consistent damage over time.
• Sleep: Allows for a free wake-up attack (make it count!).
• Blast: Deals significant burst damage.

Positional Play and Evasion

Positioning is super important with the Insect Glaive. You’re not a tank, so you can’t just stand there and take hits. Use your mobility to your advantage. Get in, do some damage, and get out. The aerial attacks are great for repositioning and avoiding ground-based attacks. Learn the monster’s attack patterns and use your evasion skills to dodge and weave. Don’t be afraid to use the environment to your advantage, either. Walls and ledges can be great for launching aerial attacks.

Knowing when to be aggressive and when to play defensively is key to mastering the Insect Glaive. Don’t overcommit to attacks, and always be ready to evade. A dead hunter deals no damage.

Here’s a simple table showing the effectiveness of different status effects against various monster types (example):

Wrapping It Up

So, that’s pretty much everything you need to know about getting good with the Insect Glaive in Monster Hunter Wilds. It’s a weapon that takes some getting used to, for sure. You’ve got to learn how to handle the Kinsect and all those aerial moves. But once you start to figure it out, it’s super fun. You’ll be zipping around, hitting monsters from above, and just generally looking awesome. It might not be the easiest weapon to pick up right away, but if you stick with it, you’ll see how strong it can be. Give it a shot, you might just find your new favorite way to hunt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Insect Glaive?

The Insect Glaive is a special weapon that lets you fight monsters both on the ground and in the air. It works with a small bug called a Kinsect, which collects special buffs from monsters to make you stronger.

How do Kinsects and extracts work?

The Kinsect collects different colored extracts from monsters. Each color gives you a different boost: red for attack, white for speed, and orange for defense. Getting all three makes you super powerful!

Can I fight in the air with the Insect Glaive?

Yes, the Insect Glaive is known for its amazing aerial moves. You can jump high and attack monsters from above, which is great for hitting weak spots or avoiding monster attacks.

Is the Insect Glaive hard to use?

It can be tricky at first because you need to manage your Kinsect and learn the aerial moves. But with practice, it becomes a very fun and strong weapon.

What kind of build is best for the Insect Glaive?

A good build for the Insect Glaive often focuses on elemental damage, making monsters easier to control (like paralyzing them), and hitting their weak spots for extra damage.

What are the main benefits of using the Insect Glaive?

The Insect Glaive is great for breaking monster parts and causing status effects like paralysis, which helps your team. It’s also super mobile, letting you dodge attacks easily.