Monster Hunter Rise continues the legacy of a series that is known for deep complexity, but also a steep learning curve. Hunters are expected to learn all about the monsters they seek to challenge, from their weaknesses to their behaviors. That's not enough to succeed, though. A capable hunter is one who has also learned to use the environment and the materials gathered from their surroundings as part of their strategy. Even something as simple as recovering HP won't be possible without knowing how to use the resources at one's disposal.
In Monster Hunter Rise, there are two essential ways a hunter can heal themselves. One is by using Potions, and the other is by seeking out certain Endemic Life. This guide will explain how to craft or find these resources using the environment at a hunting location. There are also ways that a group of hunters can support each other with healing. A Palico companion can provide healing bubbles for players, and clever users of the Hunting Horn or Bowgun can use certain skills to heal a comrade.
Healing with Potions
Potions are an essential part of a hunter's loadout. Players can bring up to 10 Potions with them into a quest, but they must first be crafted. One Herb can be transformed into a Potion through crafting. If an Herb is picked up during a quest, it will automatically be changed into a Potion if there are less than 10 Potions currently in the inventory. It is also possible to carry up to 10 of the more effective Mega Potions, which are created by combining a Potion with Honey. Honey is another resource that can be found at specific locations in the field.
A similar healing option is the First-aid Meds that can be found in the supply box during most quests. These function exactly like Potions, but they are provided without any cost to the player. The drawback is that unused First-aid Meds are not kept after a quest. So players should not be stingy about using them.
A final note about basic healing items, as well as other consumable items, is that players are locked into a drinking animation when using them. During the animation, the hunter moves much slower until the item is fully consumed or the player cancels the animation prematurely. It's important to always find an opportune moment to heal, or else the situation can quickly become even direr.
Healing with Endemic Life
Knowing the lay of the land really pays off in Monster Hunter. Players who know where to find various forms of Endemic Life across the map will enjoy useful temporary buffs. Endemic Life also provides a free opportunity to get some healing in the form of Vigorwasps. These are insects that can be found at various locations, recognizable by the large green sacs that they carry. Interacting with a Vigorwasp causes a mist to be released, healing any hunters nearby.
Healing with Group Tactics
There are a number of ways that NPC or player companions can provide healing to the party. For example, the Palico NPC possesses a skill that releases large healing bubbles into the air. A player that touches these bubbles will recover some HP. When multiple hunters are playing together, each player will have to choose to bring either a Palamute or a Palico on the quest. Many players might be tempted to all bring Palamutes for their traversal capabilities, but excluding Palicoes will hinder a group's survivability.
Players can also take on a support role in a party. The Hunting Horn is a capable support weapon, and in Monster Hunter Rise its abilities to heal or buff a party are more useful than ever before. Masterful horn users will be very successful at keeping their friends healthy. Bowgun wielders can also replenish the party with certain ammo types that recover HP. It takes precision, but a hunter who shoots their comrades in the back could be a big help.
Monster Hunter is a far cry from hack-and-slash games where all-out aggression can win the day. Players have to be mindful of positioning, timing, and their own HP bar. Though it sounds obvious, it shouldn't be understated that getting a grasp on how and when to heal is a vital step to hunting success. Mastering a few basic techniques will lead to a highly satisfying experience that can be enjoyed with hunting companions the world over.
Monster Hunter Rise is available now for Nintendo Switch, with a PC release scheduled for early 2022.