Monster Hunter has always been a series about hunting monsters. That’s in the series’ name itself. However, eventually, the capturing mechanic started to catch on and became more popular. It’s not a typical monster-catching mechanic like in Pokemon. 

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Although interesting enough, Capcom finally tried that exact method of gameplay style via Monster Hunter Stories on 3DS. There is even a sequel coming soon to Switch this summer. With that notion aside, one might be confused as to why one should catch a monster versus slaying one in the game. Let’s go over how to do it, why to do it, and when to do it, along with some handy tips. 

The most important thing to remember before going on a hunt in the game is getting the gear right. This applies to any mission where one wants to hunt monsters, capture them, or just explore. Having two types of healing potions is a must along with something to help regain stamina and or healing other status ailments like poison. It’s also not a bad idea to bring extra ingredients for the healing potions especially. 

As for the traps themselves, there are two key ones to consider: pit traps and shock traps. A pit trap can be made with a net and a trap tool whereas the shock trap needs a Thunderbug and a trap tool. Only one of each can be in one’s stock at a time so grab both, and like the potions, bring extra ingredients for both. The other item one needs is a tranq bomb. These can either be bought or created by combining a para shroom and a sleep herb. As the max is eight, that’s probably enough for the job. With the prep work out of the way, let’s begin the hunt. 

Catching monsters in this game is much easier than Monster Hunter World for several reasons. First of all, monsters did, and still do, not have a health bar. Monsters can only be captured when weakened and even though they may have limped, it still wasn’t easy to tell when a monster was ready for a trap or not in that game.

Thankfully it is crystal clear in Monster Hunter Rise. In the top right corner of the screen are the three monsters occupying the current map. The monster, or monsters, the party is fighting will be highlighted. When a monster is ready to be captured then, a blue skull will appear underneath their icon. 

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The tricky part is trying to get the monster to hit either of those two traps placed. Using teamwork should make it easy enough though if they distract it long enough. Once caught, all one needs to do is throw one, or two tranquil bombs and the monster will then be captured, just like that. 

Certain parts from a monster are easier to obtain when capturing a monster versus skinning it. That’s the way it has been for most of the series. Technically, either way should be sufficient. What does it matter if one carved a beast asleep at home base rather than in the field other than the threat of other monsters? It doesn’t make a lot of sense but just go with it.

In order to understand what has a better chance of dropping, go to the notes in one’s menu. Everything will be calculated and laid out in an easy-to-understand table. For example, the Great Wroggi’s Toxin Sac will only drop through carving, whereas its Monster Bone+ can only be obtained through capture in the game. However, both can also get acquired through Target Rewards so it’s not a precise science but it is something to look into. As a blanket statement, capturing usually gives out more loot even if everything a monster has cannot be acquired this way. 

The easy answer to this is exactly what was just stated. To example it out again, if one wants to get the Great Wroggi’s Toxin Sac, it’s a wise move to kill it rather than capturing it. Besides gaining the wanted loot though, there is another time when capturing is favored over killing. That would be time. 

Once that blue skull appears, the monster is near defeat. It could die within a few hits, or it could last out even longer. It’s really hard to say. If one is pressed for time in either the real world, or in the game, as most of these missions except exploring have time limits, then capturing the monster is the best way to end a mission quicker. 

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Fifty minutes is usually way more than enough time to finish off one monster. With a full party of four, it should only take fifteen minutes or so. However, some missions require players to slay two, or even more monsters, which can really be a time sink. Capturing on these missions is a must.

Another rule of thumb to live by is to always capture monsters when alone, like on the story missions for the town. This again ends a mission quicker, but it also keeps the player safe. Once that blue skull appears it may make players feel cocky like they have nothing to lose. This mentality can make them slip up on occasion. Don’t get into that habit. There’s nothing worse than being within an inch of victory to then have it slip away as if Thanos snapped his fingers. Just capture the monster and be done with it, as there is no shame in the easy way out in this game, since there are no easy modes. 

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