Capturing monsters in Monster Hunter World is both a rewarding and strategic way to complete hunts. Unlike slaying, capturing gives you faster completion times and often results in extra quest rewards. Here’s a comprehensive guide on capturing monsters, covering everything from the required items to recognizing the best moments to act.
Essential Tools for Capturing
To successfully capture a monster, you’ll need two key items: traps and tranquilizers. Specifically, players should carry a Shock Trap or Pitfall Trap and Tranq Bombs. Shock Traps can be crafted by combining a Trap Tool with a Thunderbug, while Pitfall Traps require a Trap Tool and a Net. As for Tranq Bombs, you can make these with Sleep Herbs and Parashrooms. These items are often available in supply boxes during specific capture quests, so remember to check before heading out.
When to Capture a Monster
The trick to capturing is knowing when a monster is weak enough. You’ll usually notice signs like limping, which indicates it’s close to exhaustion. Other visual cues include a skull icon on the minimap, representing a critical health level, or a change in heartbeat displayed near the minimap. Monsters sometimes drop Slinger Ammo without being hit when they’re on the verge of defeat. If you see these signs, you’re ready to capture!
The Capture Process
- Set the Trap: When the monster is weak, place either a Shock Trap or a Pitfall Trap on the ground. Each type works on all monsters, but some specific monsters, especially in the Iceborne expansion, react differently to certain traps. For example, Rajang can break out of Pitfall Traps quickly, so opt for a Shock Trap for better results in such cases.
- Lead the Monster into the Trap: Once the trap is set, lure the monster over or wait until it returns to its nest if it’s already limping away. The best strategy is to wait for the monster to fall asleep, which commonly happens when it returns to its den after a long chase. This way, you avoid the risk of it escaping mid-trap.
- Use Tranq Bombs: As soon as the monster is trapped, quickly throw two Tranq Bombs near its face. If done right, the monster will immediately fall asleep, completing the capture. Tranq Bombs can be deployed even before it enters the trap if you’re aiming for a smooth, instant capture.
Pro Tips for a Successful Capture
- Prepare Beforehand: If you plan to capture, always stock up on traps and Tranq Bombs before setting out. These items are essential and can make the difference between a failed capture and a successful one. You can also craft additional traps and bombs if you run low during a quest by gathering resources in the field.
- Time Your Capture for Efficiency: Some hunters prefer capturing over slaying for quicker hunt completions. Capturing saves time because the quest ends as soon as the monster is subdued, allowing you to skip the final battle stage. This makes it a great tactic for farming materials or completing timed missions.
- Be Mindful of Environment: In some areas, like the Ancient Forest, monsters may move to hard-to-reach spots, especially flyers like the Rathalos family. When they try to escape, a Flash Bomb can ground them temporarily, giving you enough time to set a trap.
- Adapt to Monster Types: Most monsters in Monster Hunter World can be captured except Elder Dragons. Some creatures, like the Zinogre, might become temporarily immune or even gain strength from Shock Traps. In these cases, switch to Pitfall Traps if possible, or plan your attacks carefully to avoid wasting traps.
Why Capture Instead of Slay?
Capturing offers distinct advantages. For one, it often yields additional quest rewards compared to slaying, though it may not always provide the rarest items. In addition, capture rewards tend to include extra resources that are essential for crafting advanced gear. Beyond rewards, capturing helps hunters complete quests faster and return to base sooner, making it ideal for farming or progressing quickly through quests.
