The Insect Glaive in Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is an aerial powerhouse, offering unparalleled mobility and unique buff management. Its Iceborne iteration further refines its aerial combat and introduces new ways to interact with monsters.
Kinsect and Dust Mechanics
The core of the Insect Glaive lies in its Kinsect. You can send your Kinsect out to gather essences from monsters, which grant you buffs. Red essence increases attack, white essence increases speed, and orange essence increases defense. The most crucial buff is the Triple Up, achieved by gathering all three essences consecutively, significantly boosting your attack and defense.
Aerial Combat Mastery
The defining feature of the Insect Glaive is its ability to perform extended aerial combos. After an initial jump (X+A/A+B), you can perform aerial attacks (Triangle/Y and Circle/B). The Vaulting Slash (Circle/B in the air) allows you to chain jumps, keeping you airborne for extended periods. In Iceborne, the Kinsect Attack (Triangle/Y after a Kinsect recall) can be used in the air, adding another layer to aerial offense.
Ground Game Importance
While aerial combat is flashy, a strong ground game is essential for consistent damage and buff management. The standard sword-and-dagger combos are fluid and can be used to gather essences or set up aerial attacks. The Advancing Slash (Triangle/Y forward) is a good way to close distance and initiate combos.
New Iceborne Moves
Iceborne introduces the Kinsect Divebomb (R2+Circle/RT+B while airborne), a powerful attack where your Kinsect dives onto the monster, dealing significant damage and applying status effects if your Kinsect has them. This is a fantastic way to deal burst damage from the air. Additionally, the Clutch Claw can be used after a successful aerial attack to latch onto the monster, allowing for repositioning or a free attack.
Essential Combos and Techniques
- Buff Gathering: Send Kinsect -> Recall Kinsect (Triangle/Y) -> Gather Red Essence -> Gather White Essence -> Gather Orange Essence (Triple Up)
- Aerial Combo: Jump (X+A/A+B) -> Aerial Attack (Triangle/Y) -> Vaulting Slash (Circle/B) -> Repeat
- Kinsect Divebomb Setup: Jump (X+A/A+B) -> Aerial Attack (Triangle/Y) -> R2+Circle/RT+B (Kinsect Divebomb)
- Ground to Air Transition: Triangle/Y (x2) -> R2+X/RT+A (Vault) -> Aerial Attack (Triangle/Y)
Effective Insect Glaive play revolves around maintaining your Triple Up buff and seamlessly transitioning between aerial and ground combat. Utilize the Kinsect Divebomb for burst damage and the Clutch Claw for strategic positioning.