Monster Hunter Wilds – Offset Attacks, explained
Monster Hunter Wilds introduces a new combat mechanic called Offset that rewards precise timing and aggression. This technique lets hunters uniquely counter enemy attacks, and if you want to make use of it, here's everything you need to know about them. What are Offset Attacks in Monster Hunter Wilds Mastering Offset Attacks in Monster Hunter Wilds can significantly enhance your combat prowess by allowing you to counter monster attacks and momentarily throw them off balance. Unlike defensive maneuvers such as Perfect Guards or Power Clashes, Offset Attacks require hunters to actively strike their target, functioning more like a 'parry' than a traditional guard. When timed correctly, intercept and counter a monster's attack using an Offset attack, causing the creature to stagger and become vulnerable for a few seconds. This is incredibly powerful, as this mechanic rewards precise timing and an aggressive playstyle, allowing you to continuously attack a monster rather than going on the defensive during an encounter. Screenshot by Destructoid Successfully executing an Offset Attack not only prevents incoming damage but also creates an opportunity to unleash further attacks while the monster is off-balance. You'll know when you've performed an Offset attack when you glow white during an attack or a monster is thrown off-balance by your attack. Weapons that can perform Offset Attacks Not all weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds can perform Offset Attacks, as many do not need them. Offset attacks tend to only be available for slower weapons, but this is not always the case. Here's a list of weapons that use this unique technique and that move in their kits to enable it: Greatsword - Charged Rising Slash Hammer - Upswing, after the third swing only Switch Axe - Offset Rising Slash, Axe morph only Hunting Horn - Offset Melody Heavy Bowgun - Ignition Insect Glaive - Strong Descending Slash, first swing only Offset Attacks Tips and Tricks If you've ever intentionally attempted an Offset attack, then you know it's a lot easier said than done. This is because the timing for Offsets is different for each weapon and each monster, meaning there's a ton to practice if you're looking to make use of this mechanic. Here are a few tips to get your mind in the right place. Screenshot by Destructoid Practice Timing: Regular practice in timing your attacks to coincide with the monster's offensive moves will improve your success rate with Offset Attacks. The training room has a 'monster' that you can use to practice landing Offset Attacks in general. This can help you learn the timing of using your Offset attack, but you'll still need to practice against different monsters. Learn Monster Attack Patterns: Understanding the timing and cues of a monster's attacks is crucial for anticipating when to execute an Offset Attack. Screenshot by Destructoid Maintain Weapon Readiness: Ensure your weapon is always prepared for a quick counter, as hesitation can lead to missed opportunities. Stay Aggressive: Adopting an offensive mindset keeps you poised to capitalize on Offset Attack opportunities, maintaining pressure on the monster. Don't stand around waiting for an opportunity, and you'll miss out on damage potential if all you're trying to do is land an Offset. The timing will arrive through aggressive gameplay. By building the muscle memory needed for Offset Attacks and integrating them into your hunting strategy, you can turn the tide of battle for your squad, transforming enemy aggression into openings for critical strikes. While not required to reach the status quo, embracing this mechanic will turn you into a more deadly hunter in Monster Hunter Wilds. The post Monster Hunter Wilds – Offset Attacks, explained appeared first on Destructoid.
Monster Hunter Wilds introduces a new combat mechanic called Offset that rewards precise timing and aggression. This technique lets hunters uniquely counter enemy attacks, and if you want to make use of it, here's everything you need to know about them.
What are Offset Attacks in Monster Hunter Wilds
Mastering Offset Attacks in Monster Hunter Wilds can significantly enhance your combat prowess by allowing you to counter monster attacks and momentarily throw them off balance. Unlike defensive maneuvers such as Perfect Guards or Power Clashes, Offset Attacks require hunters to actively strike their target, functioning more like a 'parry' than a traditional guard.
When timed correctly, intercept and counter a monster's attack using an Offset attack, causing the creature to stagger and become vulnerable for a few seconds. This is incredibly powerful, as this mechanic rewards precise timing and an aggressive playstyle, allowing you to continuously attack a monster rather than going on the defensive during an encounter.
Successfully executing an Offset Attack not only prevents incoming damage but also creates an opportunity to unleash further attacks while the monster is off-balance. You'll know when you've performed an Offset attack when you glow white during an attack or a monster is thrown off-balance by your attack.
Weapons that can perform Offset Attacks
Not all weapons in Monster Hunter Wilds can perform Offset Attacks, as many do not need them. Offset attacks tend to only be available for slower weapons, but this is not always the case. Here's a list of weapons that use this unique technique and that move in their kits to enable it:
- Greatsword - Charged Rising Slash
- Hammer - Upswing, after the third swing only
- Switch Axe - Offset Rising Slash, Axe morph only
- Hunting Horn - Offset Melody
- Heavy Bowgun - Ignition
- Insect Glaive - Strong Descending Slash, first swing only
Offset Attacks Tips and Tricks
If you've ever intentionally attempted an Offset attack, then you know it's a lot easier said than done. This is because the timing for Offsets is different for each weapon and each monster, meaning there's a ton to practice if you're looking to make use of this mechanic. Here are a few tips to get your mind in the right place.
- Practice Timing: Regular practice in timing your attacks to coincide with the monster's offensive moves will improve your success rate with Offset Attacks. The training room has a 'monster' that you can use to practice landing Offset Attacks in general. This can help you learn the timing of using your Offset attack, but you'll still need to practice against different monsters.
- Learn Monster Attack Patterns: Understanding the timing and cues of a monster's attacks is crucial for anticipating when to execute an Offset Attack.
- Maintain Weapon Readiness: Ensure your weapon is always prepared for a quick counter, as hesitation can lead to missed opportunities.
- Stay Aggressive: Adopting an offensive mindset keeps you poised to capitalize on Offset Attack opportunities, maintaining pressure on the monster. Don't stand around waiting for an opportunity, and you'll miss out on damage potential if all you're trying to do is land an Offset. The timing will arrive through aggressive gameplay.
By building the muscle memory needed for Offset Attacks and integrating them into your hunting strategy, you can turn the tide of battle for your squad, transforming enemy aggression into openings for critical strikes. While not required to reach the status quo, embracing this mechanic will turn you into a more deadly hunter in Monster Hunter Wilds.
The post Monster Hunter Wilds – Offset Attacks, explained appeared first on Destructoid.
