The Monster Hunter franchise has introduced dozens of unique monsters for hunters to slay or capture. Each new installment means new additions to the ever-expanding lists of beasts. Alongside the vast expansion of monsters in the latest title, Monster Hunter Rise, a new type of buddy can now join hunters on their journey. These dog-like companions are known as Palamutes.
Palamutes offer hunters a new form of support. Using mouth-held weapons and unique tools, they can deal great amounts of damage to monsters and take pressure off hunters. The role that Palamutes play makes them an important ally that hunters never knew they needed. Yet, their hunting prowess and skill are a few of the only things that we know about the Palamutes — there's a lot we still haven't figured out.
10 Know: They Are Canynes
Palamutes come from an entirely new line of monsters known as Canynes. These creatures big, dog-like monsters can be ridden like horses throughout Kamura. Canynes can also use mouth-held weapons and tools to fight against monsters. Those that train to hunt will be granted the title of Palamute, and will follow their hunters into the jaws of death.
Canynes are one of the few creatures that can work alongside hunters as buddies. They are loyal, smart, and proficient fighters. Palamutes aid their hunters by providing a quick means of transportation, and by going toe to toe with frightening behemoths.
9 Don't Know: Where They Come From
It is unknown where Canynes come from and why they live in human society. It seems that the Canynes have lived in Kamura Village since its establishment, as either Palamutes or pets. Other than this, Canynes history with humans is a mystery.
Much more information is known about Palicoes and their history. Felynes and Melynx once lived in the wild, but decided that living alongside humans was much more beneficial. They then took up jobs as cooks, housemaids, and noble Palicoes. Palamutes are much different than their cat-like counterparts, and there is no evidence of wild Canynes. DLC or future games might explore the background of Palamutes, but for now, fans can only theorize.
8 Know: They Are As Capable As Hunters
Buddies each have an important role to play during battles. Palicoes will use a variety of gadgets to hurt the monster or aid the hunter, while the Palamute takes a direct approach. Rather than utilizing gadgets to deter monsters or help hunters, Palamutes attack monsters head-on. If a monster flees, the Palamute can easily chase them down with their hunter on their backs. This makes them not only effective buddies, but also capable hunters in their own right.
Palamutes are fearless combatants that will face monsters alone if needed. They utilize their mouth-held weapons and tools to deliver devastating blows. Palamutes are capable of strategizing with their hunters to plan their attacks. They can flank, lure, or attack monsters directly to help out their hunters.
7 Don't Know: Whether They Work For The Guild
It is uncertain if Palamutes work alongside hunters as members of the guild or as loyal pets. A hunter's buddies have never been pets, but instead companions who are treated as equals. Hunter's Palicoes work for the guild and are paid for their service with basic necessities. They are independent members of society that can make their own decisions. Palamutes, on the other hand, are very different from their Felyne companions.
Canynes do not display the same level of awareness that the Felynes and Melynx have. They possess the same loyal companionship as ordinary dogs and not much else. Canynes do not seem to have other jobs and they do not hold important positions like Chief Kogarashi. They are only seen as Palamutes or companions to Kamura villagers.
6 Know: They Are As Smart As Palicoes
Palamutes are intelligent creatures that are capable of a variety of things, as described above. Their level of intelligence is clearly on par with their Palico companions.
While they cannot speak or use intricate gadgets, Palamutes can do nearly anything else Palicoes can do. They can operate submarines, take on Meowcenary missions, and utilize various tools against monsters. Palamutes are very smart, and it raises the question of if they are hunter's pets or allies.
5 Don't Know: Whether They Live Independently
Humans, Felynes, and Melynx are equals in Kamura's society and they all function independently. The people of Kamura do not rule over their feline friends or own them as pets. It is unconfirmed if Canynes have the same standing as Felynes and Melynx, or if they are simply pets.
Despite their equal intelligence, Palamutes are very different compared to Palicoes in behavior and standing with their hunters. Palamutes reflect dogs perfectly, and do not have human characteristics like Palicoes do. This supports the idea that they are meant to be pets, unlike Palicoes who are individuals.
4 Know: They Do Not Speak
When a new buddy was announced for Monster Hunter Rise, fans had many questions about its abilities and role in missions. However, one question lingered in the minds of many: can it speak? Fans or haters of Palicoes pun-ny speech wondered if the Palamute would have a similar way of speaking. Unfortunately – or fortunately – enough, Palamutes seem to only bark and woof.
It is a strange detail considering all the fun interactions and puns that could have happened between players and their Palamutes. It is ruff that players will not be able to experience the paw-some dog puns that could have been implemented.
3 Don't Know: Whether They Can Communicate With Palicoes
Hunters can unfortunately not talk to their Palamutes, but they are able to give commands such as Stay, Come Here, and Let's Ride. Despite this, they will never be able to carry a conversation with their hunters, but the same is not certain for Palicoes.
Palicoes can speak a variety of languages and they have even been known to communicate with small monsters. They are essentially the universal translators of Monster Hunter. Thus, it may be possible for Palicoes to communicate with Palamutes with enough practice. Maybe in future DLC or installments, players will see more interaction between Palamutes and Palicoes.
2 Know: They Are Based On Alaskan Malamutes
At first glance, Palamutes seem to be a variety of fantastically large dogs. However, much like their feline counterparts, Palamutes draw inspiration from one particular dog breed. The name Palico derives from pal and Calico (a type of cat), while Palamute comes from pal and Malamute, specifically the Alaskan Malamute.
Alaskan Malamutes are gigantic dogs bred to pull heavy sleds through harsh conditions. These dogs are strong, persistent, and very loving towards their owners. All of these admirable characteristics have been implemented into Palamutes, making them dangerous yet wonderful buddies for hunters.
1 Don't Know: Whether They'll Return In Future Games
Most hunters may never have considered having a buddy like a Palamute before. Yet, now that they're here, it's hard to imagine a world without them. Unfortunately for these Canyne companions, their future in the Monster Hunter franchise is questionable. While it may be difficult to understand, there is a good reason why this may be Palamutes' only appearance as buddies.
As the producers of Monster Hunter have explained, certain features or characters simply do not have a place in future installments. While Palamutes may fit perfectly into Monster Hunter Rise, other games may not follow the same direction. They may not be buddies in future games, but that doesn't mean it's the last that we will see of Canynes in the franchise.