Monster Hunter Rise: Best Insect Glaive Builds
What's up, fellow hunters! If you're diving into the vibrant world of Monster Hunter Rise and looking to master the Insect Glaive, you've come to the right place, guys. This weapon is seriously awesome, offering a unique blend of aerial combat and melee prowess that can really turn the tide of any hunt. We're going to break down some of the best Insect Glaive builds that will have you soaring through the skies and absolutely dominating your prey. Forget those ground-bound worries; with the right setup, you’ll be a whirlwind of destruction, dancing circles around even the most fearsome monsters. This guide is packed with tips, tricks, and build suggestions to help you get the most out of this incredibly versatile weapon. Whether you're just starting out or looking to fine-tune your endgame strategy, we've got you covered.
Understanding the Insect Glaive: Your Aerial Ace
Alright, let's chat about what makes the Insect Glaive so special. It’s not just about looking cool while you’re in the air – although, let’s be honest, that’s a huge part of the appeal! The Insect Glaive is unique because it allows you to send out Kinsects, which are basically your bug buddies, to gather different essences from monsters. These essences – red, yellow, white, and purple – grant you various buffs. Getting the red essence boosts your attack, yellow gives you earplugs (so you don’t get stunned by roars), white increases your speed and defense, and the coveted purple essence boosts your defense significantly while also allowing you to perform a special attack with your Kinsect. The real magic happens when you combine these buffs. For example, getting red and white essences at the same time provides a massive attack and speed boost, letting you dish out damage like crazy. And don't forget the aerial attacks! You can vault into the air and perform combos, mount monsters more easily, and dodge attacks with unparalleled grace. Mastering the Insect Glaive means mastering the management of these essences and learning when to go aerial and when to stay grounded. It’s a dynamic playstyle that requires a bit of practice but is incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it. The decision on which Kinsect to pair with your glaive is also crucial, as different Kinsects have different effects and can be upgraded to become even more potent. Some excel at gathering specific buffs faster, while others offer more aggressive support. This synergy between your glaive, your Kinsect, and your own hunting skills is what truly defines the Insect Glaive experience in Monster Hunter Rise.
Core Skills for Insect Glaive Builds
When you're piecing together your best Insect Glaive build, there are a few key skills that you absolutely need to prioritize, guys. Think of these as the foundation upon which all your awesome aerial attacks will be built. First up, we have Attack Boost. This one is pretty straightforward – more attack means more damage, and who doesn’t want that, right? Aim for at least level 4 if you can, as that’s where you get a nice 5% affinity boost on top of the raw attack increase. Next, Critical Eye is your best friend for boosting your affinity (your weapon's critical hit chance). Higher affinity means more frequent critical hits, which translates to significantly more damage overall. We're aiming for as high a level as possible here, often maxing it out if we can. Then there's Weakness Exploit. This skill is crucial for hitting those weak points on monsters. When you strike a monster's weak spot, you get a big affinity boost, making critical hits much more likely. It’s a must-have for any damage-focused build. Don't sleep on Critical Boost either. If you're stacking affinity with Critical Eye and Weakness Exploit, Critical Boost will make those critical hits hit even harder. It directly increases the damage multiplier of your critical hits. For the Insect Glaive, especially when you're going airborne, Constitution and Stamina Surge are also incredibly valuable. Constitution reduces the stamina you consume when performing actions like dodging and attacking, while Stamina Surge increases your stamina recovery rate. Since aerial attacks and dodges eat up stamina like nobody's business, having these skills will keep you in the air and in the fight for longer without having to constantly worry about running out of gas. Lastly, consider skills that help with sharpness management, like Handicraft or Razor Sharp, because you don't want your glaive losing its edge mid-combo, especially when you're dishing out maximum damage. These skills ensure your weapon stays sharp, allowing for consistent damage output and preventing frustrating moments where your attacks bounce off a monster.
Early Game Insect Glaive Builds: Getting Off the Ground
Starting out in Monster Hunter Rise with the Insect Glaive can feel a little daunting, but don't worry, we've got your back! The goal in the early game is to get a decent glaive and some armor that gives you essential skills without being too hard to craft. For your weapon, look for a glaive with good raw attack power and decent sharpness. The Bone Glaive line is usually a solid choice early on, offering good attack stats and being relatively easy to upgrade. As you progress, you'll unlock better options, but for those first few Low Rank hunts, it'll do the job. When it comes to armor, focus on pieces that give you Attack Boost and Speed Sharpening. Speed Sharpening is fantastic early on because it lets you sharpen your weapon much faster, which is a lifesaver when you're still learning monster patterns and might need to sharpen more often. The Baggi armor set can be a good starting point, offering some nice skills like Sleep Attack (which can be useful for setting up extra damage) and Constitution. Alternatively, mixing pieces from different monsters can be effective. For example, a piece that gives you Attack Boost combined with another that grants Speed Sharpening can be a great combo. Don't stress too much about getting perfect skills right away; the main thing is to have a weapon that hits reasonably hard and armor that offers some protection and useful bonuses. The Kinsects you get early on might not be the strongest, but focus on upgrading them to gather red and white essences as efficiently as possible. Having that attack buff and speed boost will make a huge difference in your early hunts. Remember, the early game is all about learning the ropes, getting comfortable with the Insect Glaive's moveset, and gradually improving your gear. Don't be afraid to experiment with different glaives as you unlock them; find one that feels good in your hands and suits your playstyle. The journey to becoming an Insect Glaive master starts with these foundational steps, and with a bit of grinding, you'll be ready to take on tougher challenges.
Mid-Game Insect Glaive Builds: Stepping Up Your Game
Alright, guys, now we're moving into the Mid-Game of Monster Hunter Rise! This is where things start to get really interesting, and you can really start to build some powerful Insect Glaive builds. You've probably unlocked some new monsters and have access to better armor sets and decorations. For your weapon, you'll want to start looking at glaives with higher raw attack and potentially some innate affinity or sharpness. The Tigrex Glaive (if you've managed to hunt him down) is a fantastic option for raw damage. If you're looking for something with a bit more balanced stats, the Nargacuga Glaive often provides good speed and sharpness. As you get further into High Rank, you’ll be able to craft even more specialized glaives. For armor, this is where you can really start to mix and match to get those crucial skills we talked about earlier. A popular and effective combination often involves pieces from the Rathalos set for its affinity-boosting skills and Odogaron pieces for sharpness and affinity. You're aiming to stack Critical Eye, Weakness Exploit, and Attack Boost as high as you can. Aim to get Critical Boost to at least level 1 if possible. For QoL (Quality of Life), try to slot in Constitution or Stamina Surge. Decorations become more important here, so start farming those! If you can get decorations that give you points in these core skills, it opens up a lot of possibilities for your armor choices. Your Kinsect should also be a focus. Upgrade your preferred Kinsect to gather buffs faster and hit harder. The Severing Type Kinsects are great for dealing extra damage, while the Support Type Kinsects can provide extra buffs or healing. Experiment with different Kinsects to see which one complements your glaive and playstyle best. The goal in the mid-game is to create a build that allows for consistent, high damage output, whether you're on the ground or in the air. You should feel a noticeable increase in your kill times compared to the early game. Don't be afraid to experiment with different weapon types and armor combinations as you unlock them. The beauty of Monster Hunter is the sheer variety of builds you can create, and the Insect Glaive is no exception. Keep an eye out for monster parts that grant specific skills you need, and don't hesitate to break down monsters for those rare decorations.
Endgame Insect Glaive Builds: Dominating the Apex Predators
Now we're talking about the endgame, guys! This is where you push your Insect Glaive builds to their absolute limits to take down those incredibly tough monsters. You've likely got access to the best weapons, armor, and decorations the game has to offer. For weapons, you'll typically be looking at the highest raw damage glaives available. The Rathalos Tree glaives often shine here for their raw power and potentially blast element, which can be devastating. Some players also opt for glaives with high affinity or specific elemental advantages depending on the monster you're hunting. For armor, the goal is to max out your core damage skills and incorporate utility skills that keep you alive and fighting. A very popular endgame combination involves the Azure Rathalos set for its incredible affinity and attack bonuses, often mixed with other pieces like the Kaiser Crown (Teostra) for its Critical Boost. You're looking to achieve near-max Critical Eye, max Weakness Exploit, max Critical Boost, and high levels of Attack Boost. Aim for 100% affinity if possible – that’s the dream, right? Alongside these damage skills, ensuring you have enough Constitution and Stamina Surge is vital for smooth aerial combat. If you're struggling with survivability, skills like Divine Blessing (which reduces damage taken) or Health Boost are invaluable. Decorations are absolutely key at this stage. You'll be hunting for those rare Level 4 decorations that offer multiple skill points or powerful combinations like Sharpness Exploit, Attack Boost+, or Critical Jewel+. Your Kinsect choice is also critical. A fully upgraded Severing Type Kinsect with a powerful dust effect, like Blast or Paralysis, can add a significant amount of extra damage or utility to your hunts. Consider the specific dust effects and gathering capabilities when choosing your final Kinsect. Endgame builds are about optimization. Every point in a skill matters, and the synergy between your weapon, armor, skills, and Kinsect needs to be perfect. You'll be farming specific monsters repeatedly for parts, decorations, and materials to craft the ultimate gear. This is where all your hard work pays off, allowing you to effortlessly tackle the toughest challenges Monster Hunter Rise throws at you. Remember to tailor your build slightly for each monster – maybe swap out an elemental resistance for more raw damage, or add a specific utility skill if a monster gives you trouble. The journey to the perfect endgame build is ongoing, but incredibly rewarding.
Mastering the Aerial Game: Tips and Tricks
So you've got your killer Insect Glaive build, but how do you truly master the aerial game, guys? It’s not just about spamming the jump button! First off, Kinsect management is key. Always try to maintain at least your red and white buffs. Use your Kinsect Recall (ZL + B on Switch) strategically to gather essences quickly, especially if you're in danger. Don't forget you can manually aim your Kinsect with the right stick to target specific monster parts for different essences. Stamina management is your next biggest hurdle. Those aerial dodges and combos eat stamina like crazy. Use your Constitution and Stamina Surge skills, and don't be afraid to land briefly to let your stamina recover. Learn the timing for your dodges; a well-timed aerial dodge can get you out of sticky situations and even into better positions for an attack. Mounting is another huge advantage of the Insect Glaive. By consistently landing aerial attacks, you build up mount damage faster. A successful mount gives you a huge window to deal damage or use the opportunity to heal up safely. Utilize the environment! Blast away from ledges to perform extra jumps, use Wirebugs to reposition yourself in the air, and use the terrain to your advantage for dodging. The Insect Glaive offers incredible mobility, so use it to your fullest! Finally, practice, practice, practice. The best way to get good is to fight monsters. Learn their attack patterns, understand when it's safe to go airborne, and when you need to stay grounded. Experiment with different combo strings and Kinsect attack timings. Every hunt is a learning opportunity, and the more you play, the more intuitive the Insect Glaive will become. Don't get discouraged if you fall a lot initially; everyone does! Focus on improving one aspect at a time, whether it’s maintaining buffs, managing stamina, or landing more aerial combos. The satisfaction of executing a perfect aerial combo or mounting a difficult monster is unparalleled, and it’s all within your reach with dedication.
Recommended Kinsects for Your Glaive
Choosing the right Kinsect can seriously elevate your Insect Glaive build, guys. They aren't just there for buffs; they're an extension of your combat style. For raw damage and an aggressive playstyle, the Severing Type Kinsects are usually top-tier. Kinsects like the Vortex A or B can deal excellent damage on their own, especially when upgraded. They also tend to have potent dust effects, like Blast, which adds extra damage over time, or Paralysis, which can stun monsters for free hits. If you're looking to maximize your damage output, pairing a strong Severing Kinsect with a high-raw glaive is a classic endgame strategy. On the other hand, if you prefer a more supportive or utility-focused approach, the Support Type Kinsects are your go-to. Kinsects like the Heal-a or B can provide valuable healing over time, which is fantastic for survivability, especially in tougher fights or if you're playing solo. Some Support Kinsects also offer buffs like Speed or Defense boosts, which can complement your own buffs and keep you in the fight longer. For players who are still learning the ropes or want a more balanced approach, a Balanced Type Kinsect can be a good middle ground. They offer a mix of offensive and defensive capabilities, making them versatile for various situations. Ultimately, the best Kinsect for you depends on your playstyle, your glaive choice, and the monster you're hunting. Don't be afraid to experiment! Upgrade different Kinsects as you progress through the game and see which one feels the most effective for you. Some players swear by specific Kinsect dust effects, while others prioritize the speed at which buffs are gathered. The key is to find a Kinsect that synergizes well with your chosen glaive and armor skills, ensuring you're always getting the most out of your Insect Glaive experience. Remember to invest in upgrading your Kinsects through the Kinsect Powder system; it makes a significant difference in their effectiveness.
Conclusion: Soar to Victory!
And there you have it, fellow hunters! We've covered everything from the fundamental skills to the most optimized Insect Glaive builds for every stage of your Monster Hunter Rise journey. This weapon is an absolute blast to play, offering unparalleled mobility and a unique combat experience. Remember to always focus on your core skills: Attack Boost, Critical Eye, Weakness Exploit, and Critical Boost for maximum damage. Don't forget the essential utility skills like Constitution and Stamina Surge to keep you soaring. Whether you're in the early, mid, or endgame, there's a perfect build waiting for you. Keep experimenting with different weapons, armor pieces, and Kinsects to find what works best for your playstyle. Master the aerial game, manage your stamina and buffs effectively, and you'll be unstoppable. So grab your glaive, send out your Kinsect, and get ready to soar to victory in Monster Hunter Rise! Happy hunting, guys!
