Capture vs Kill

Learn the ins and outs of capturing monsters in Monster Hunter Generations. Discover when and how to use traps and Tranq Bombs for a successful capture and better rewards.

Hey there, Hunter! So, some quests in Monster Hunter Generations aren't about outright slaying the big baddies, but about bringing them in alive. Capturing a monster might sound a little trickier than just going for the kill, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, it's a super handy trick to have in your arsenal.

Here’s the lowdown on how to pull off a successful capture:

First off, you'll want to make sure you've got the right gear. Stock up on at least one Shock Trap and/or one Pitfall Trap. Don't forget your Tranq Bombs or Tranq S ammo too! When you finally get face-to-face with your target, fight it like you normally would. Keep a close eye on the monster for any signs that it's getting worn out. The biggest clue? It'll start limping. That's your cue!

When you spot that limp, follow the monster and get ready to lay down your trap. You gotta be quick, but also smart about it. Traps take a moment to set up, so make sure you've got a clear opening and won't get smacked while you're placing it. You don't want to get interrupted and have to start all over!

Now, if you're lucky enough to have the armor skill Capture Guru, this gets even easier. If you've marked the monster with a Paintball, its icon on the map will flash the exact moment it's ready to be captured. This can actually happen *before* the monster starts limping, saving you precious time. Plus, for those smaller monsters, it can stop you from accidentally chasing them too far and ending up slaying them when you meant to capture!

To get the monster into your trap, just lure it close by standing near the trap. Once it's stuck, it's time for the tranqs! If you're not moving, you'll just drop the Tranq Bomb right in front of you. But if you want to toss it, you'll need to move forward with the left c-stick while pressing Y. Two Tranq Bombs should do the trick, and bam! Quest complete. Just remember, you can't just toss Tranq Bombs at a monster out in the open; they only work when the monster is caught in a trap.

Why bother with capturing? Well, it's incredibly useful because you can actually use it to clear any slaying quest. If a hunt isn't going your way and you're struggling to finish off the monster, capturing it can save you a ton of time and frustration, and the quest still counts as cleared. Plus, capturing usually nets you more rewards, and sometimes gives you a better shot at those super rare items. But, and this is a big one, if the quest specifically requires you to capture, then killing the monster will automatically fail the quest, so be careful!