While each hunter has their preferred set of items to take during quests in Monster Hunter Wilds, there are some things you just don’t leave camp without. Here are the contents of my aptly titled “essential goods” Item Pouch loadout.
Healing items are a must
Monster Hunter Wilds always places a couple of Potions, Rations, and First-Aid Meds in your Seikret Pouch at the start of each quest, but it never hurts to have more. Stocking up on healing items like Potions, Mega Potions, Max Potions, and their associated crafting materials (Herbs and Honey are used to make Potions and Mega Potions, while Catalyst (Honey + Bitterbug Broth) and Mandragora make Max Potions) will ensure that you never get caught with low health. To make the most out of your healing items, try to use them only when you are at 50% Health or lower.
Ailment-cleansing items keep you from feeling under the weather
Whether it’s the map’s climate or a monster inflicting you with a status ailment, always be prepared with some ailment-cleansing items. Antidotes, Energy Drinks, Cleansers, and the like can be a lot to take in, so check the Field Guide on what status ailments you can expect to encounter on a particular hunt.
If you’re finding it hard to keep track of all the ailments, keeping a Nulberry in your Item Pouch will give you a “Get Out of Jail Free Card” for almost any status ailment. When it comes to combating harsh weather, a Hot Drink should be used in cold conditions such as the Iceshard Cliffs while a Cool Drink should be used in hot areas like the Oilwell Basin.
Barrel Bombs bring some extra firepower to hunts
Switching over to offense, carrying a few Barrel Bombs and Large Barrel Bombs will allow you to place offensive traps for non-moving monsters (whether they’re asleep, paralyzed, trapped, or unaware of your presence). All it takes is one good strike for a stack of Barrel Bombs to explode, so make sure you aren’t in the blast radius when they go off.
If you happen to be running solo, placing a Barrel Bomb will occasionally prompt your Palico to place a smaller Barrel Bomb next to it. You can then strike one of the Barrel Bombs to start a chain reaction or put away your Barrel Bomb and use your Palico’s free Barrel Bomb instead. It’s not cheap if it’s a game mechanic!
Tranq Bombs and Traps give you the option to capture monsters
Despite the franchise title, not every monster needs to be hunted and killed. Sometimes, it’s better to capture monsters for more experience and better rewards.
This is why you always want to carry Tranq Bombs, Shock Traps, Pitfall Traps, and their associated crafting materials with you. Tranq Bombs require Sleep Herbs and Parashrooms to craft. Shock Traps and Pitfall Traps both require a Trap Tool to craft them, though the Shock Trap needs only a Thunderbug Capacitor as a second ingredient while the Pitfall Trap requires both Ivy and Spider Web to make a Net. Since Shock Traps and Pitfall Traps serve the same purpose of trapping a monster, you would be better off making Shock Traps instead.
Pods are always useful to carry around
Flash Pods, Dung Pods, Bomb Pods, Dragon Pods – there seems to be a limitless number of ammunition types for your handy Slinger. While they aren’t as necessary as the other items mentioned on the list, having ranged options with different effects can give you a leg- up during quests.
For example, using Flash Pods against monsters weak to Stun like the Yian Kut-Ku and Quematrice will give you small openings that would otherwise be unavailable. Likewise, Dung Pods will cause certain monsters to flee, giving you a clear shot at your quarry. While most Pods can be found in the wild, it never hurts to have some in your Item Pouch in case an opportune moment presents itself.
These are just my essential items for hunting monsters. As you progress though Monster Hunter Wilds and take on High Rank hunts, it becomes more important to specialize your Item Pouch loadouts to maximize your chances of success.
Monster Hunter Wilds is out now on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam).
