In Monster Hunter Wilds (MHW), one of the key strategies to ensure you’re dealing maximum damage is by maintaining your weapon’s sharpness. A dull weapon doesn’t just reduce your damage output—it can cause your attacks to bounce off monsters’ tough armor, making battles unnecessarily lengthy and frustrating. By sharpening your weapon at the right time, you can dramatically improve your combat efficiency and shorten the length of fights. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the ins and outs of sharpening your weapon, helping you to maximize your damage and become a more effective hunter in Monster Hunter Wilds.
Why Sharpening Is Crucial in Monster Hunter Wilds
In Monster Hunter Wilds, your weapon's sharpness directly impacts the effectiveness of your attacks. A weapon that is well-sharpened will deal more damage and can penetrate monster defenses more easily. On the other hand, a dull weapon loses damage potential and may even cause your attacks to bounce off the monster. This not only reduces your overall damage but also extends the fight unnecessarily. Keeping your weapon sharp is critical to ensuring that each attack counts.
The sharpness gauge is displayed under your health bar and provides a visual indicator of your weapon's current sharpness level. The gauge shifts from green (full sharpness) to yellow (moderate sharpness) and red (low sharpness). Once the gauge enters the yellow zone, it’s time to sharpen your weapon. If it reaches the red zone, your weapon's effectiveness is severely reduced.
How to Sharpen Your Weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds
Sharpening your weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds is a simple process, but it requires good timing and awareness. Here’s how to do it:
1. Access Your Inventory
To begin sharpening, press L1 (on PlayStation) or the corresponding button on other platforms (like the left bumper on Xbox or ZL on Switch) along with Square or Circle to open your inventory.
2. Select the Whetstone
In your inventory, look for the sharpener item, which is represented by a yellow icon. This is usually called a "Whetstone" or something similar. Select this item to equip it.
3. Start Sharpening
Once the Whetstone is selected, press Square to initiate the sharpening animation. Your character will pause for a moment and begin the sharpening process. During this time, your character remains stationary, which makes you vulnerable to monster attacks. Be sure to sharpen only when it is safe, or when the monster is occupied elsewhere.
4. Sharpening Swing Animation
The sharpness gauge depletes with each attack, and sharpening is done in increments based on how much sharpness is needed. Watch for the sharpening swing animation, as each swing restores a small portion of your weapon’s sharpness. The duller your weapon, the more swings it will take to restore its sharpness, leaving you exposed for longer periods.
Effective Sharpening Strategies
Knowing when and how to sharpen your weapon is as important as the sharpening process itself. Here are some key strategies to optimize sharpening during combat:
1. Monitor Your Sharpness Gauge
The sharpness gauge provides a visual indicator of when to sharpen. As soon as the gauge starts turning yellow, you should consider sharpening. When the gauge turns red, your weapon’s sharpness is dangerously low, and your attacks will be much less effective. Try to avoid waiting until the gauge is completely red, as this will make you vulnerable to ineffective attacks.
2. Sharpen While Mounted
One of the best strategies for sharpening your weapon without leaving yourself vulnerable is to do it while mounted on your Seikret (or another mount). When mounted, you can sharpen while staying mobile, thus minimizing your exposure to attacks from aggressive monsters. This tactic allows you to maintain sharpness while still positioning yourself for effective attacks.
3. Sharpen During Safe Moments
Look for opportunities to sharpen during less intense moments of the battle. For example, when the monster retreats to another area or when it takes a break to rest, use this downtime to sharpen your weapon. If you're in the middle of a fight, use a mount to quickly disengage, create distance, and then sharpen safely.
4. Carry Multiple Sharpeners
It’s essential to keep a few sharpeners (or Whetstones) in your inventory at all times. You can gather them throughout your hunt or craft them as you progress. Don’t attempt to sharpen your weapon in the middle of an intense fight unless you have found a way to keep the monster occupied, such as using traps or environmental hazards.
5. Be Aware of Monster Behavior
Learning the behavior patterns of monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds can help you decide when to sharpen. For instance, when a monster changes zones or pauses to rest, those are ideal times to sharpen without fear of interruption. Try to anticipate these moments and sharpen your weapon in advance to avoid fighting with a dull blade.
Sharpening and Weapon-Specific Considerations
Different weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds have different sharpness requirements. Bladed weapons, such as swords and axes, degrade much faster in sharpness compared to blunt weapons like hammers. Understanding your weapon’s sharpness rate can help you plan accordingly and avoid sharpening too frequently.
Additionally, there are several skills and items in the game that can further affect your weapon's sharpness:
Handicraft Skill: This skill increases the maximum sharpness of your weapon, allowing it to maintain higher damage levels for longer periods.
Protective Polish Skill: This skill temporarily prevents your weapon from losing sharpness for a brief period after sharpening, which can be a game-changer in longer fights.
Armor Skills and Buffs: Certain armor sets provide buffs to sharpness management, either by reducing the rate at which sharpness depletes or enhancing the speed at which you sharpen your weapon.
Avoiding the Consequences of a Dull Weapon
A dull weapon not only reduces your damage but can also make you more susceptible to counterattacks from monsters. If your weapon’s sharpness is too low, you’ll find that your attacks will often bounce off the monster’s hide, reducing your damage and slowing down the pace of the fight. This is especially problematic in high-stakes fights, where every hit counts.
By sharpening your weapon proactively and using the strategies outlined above, you can keep your weapon in top condition, ensuring that you deal maximum damage and finish hunts faster.
Conclusion
Sharpening your weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds is more than just a cosmetic action—it’s a crucial part of maximizing your damage and ensuring that you are prepared for every fight. By understanding the mechanics of weapon sharpness and following these sharpening strategies, you’ll be able to take down even the toughest monsters with ease. Regularly monitor your sharpness gauge, choose the right moments to sharpen, and stay mobile during combat to minimize risks. By mastering this fundamental aspect of combat, you’ll become a more efficient and deadly hunter.
FAQ:
Q1: How often should I sharpen my weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds? It’s recommended to sharpen your weapon as soon as the sharpness gauge starts to turn yellow. Don’t wait until it’s red, as this will significantly reduce your damage.
Q2: Can I sharpen my weapon while fighting a monster? Yes, but it’s risky. Sharpening leaves you vulnerable, so it’s best to sharpen when the monster is distracted, taking a break, or when you’re mounted on a Seikret.
Q3: What happens if I forget to sharpen my weapon? If you forget to sharpen, your attacks will gradually lose damage, and you may find that your strikes bounce off monsters, making the fight longer and harder.
Q4: How can I keep sharpness high for longer? Skills like Handicraft and Protective Polish can help increase your weapon's sharpness retention, allowing you to focus on offense rather than constant sharpening.
By following these tips, you’ll be sharpening like a pro and ensure you’re always ready for battle in Monster Hunter Wilds.
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