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Capture Novice
Monster Hunter: World

Capture Novice

Don't get lost in the Ancient Forest! This guide breaks down the 'Capture Novice' quest in Monster Hunter: World, helping you track and capture your first monster.

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Don't get lost in the Ancient Forest! This guide breaks down the 'Capture Novice' quest in Monster Hunter: World, helping you track and capture your first monster.

Alright, so you've just started your journey in Monster Hunter: World and the game's throwing a lot at you, huh? Don't sweat it, we've all been there. This first real quest, 'Capture Novice,' is all about teaching you the ropes of tracking and, you guessed it, capturing a monster. It's super important for progressing and understanding the core gameplay loop. Think of it as your first real test!

This guide is going to walk you through exactly what you need to do, step-by-step, so you can get that capture done smoothly and move on to bigger and badder things. We'll cover where to go, what to look for, and how to actually nab that monster without turning it into jerky.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Head to the Ancient Forest: Your main objective is to find and capture a monster. The game will usually point you in the right direction, but you'll be starting off in the Ancient Forest area. Keep your eyes peeled for tracks and signs of monster activity.
  2. 2
    Track Your Target: This is where the 'Hunter' part of Monster Hunter really kicks in. Look for monster footprints, slashes on trees, or even droppings. When you find these, your Scoutflies will light up and guide you. Follow them! They're your best buddies for tracking.
  3. 3
    Find the Monster's Lair: The Scoutflies will lead you closer and closer. Eventually, you'll find the monster resting or patrolling its territory. Don't rush in just yet! Observe its behavior from a safe distance.
  4. 4
    Prepare Your Traps: Before you engage, you need to set up a trap. The game will likely give you a Tranq Bomb and a Shock Trap (or similar). Place the trap strategically where the monster is likely to walk. A good spot is often in a narrow passage or near its usual path.
  5. 5
    Engage and Weaken: Now's the time to attack. You don't need to defeat the monster entirely, but you do need to weaken it. Hit it until it starts to limp or shows signs of distress. This usually means it's close to being ready for capture.
  6. 6
    The Capture: Once the monster is sufficiently weakened, lure it into your trap. When it steps on the trap, it'll be immobilized. Quickly toss your Tranq Bombs at it. Two or three should do the trick. You'll see a notification confirming the capture!
Tips
  • Don't kill the monster! If you deplete its health bar completely, you'll fail the capture objective and have to restart the quest. Focus on weakening it enough to trigger the capture prompt.
  • Pay attention to the monster's movements. If it starts limping, that's a clear sign it's ready to be trapped.
  • Use your environment to your advantage. Lure the monster into areas where you can easily place traps or where it might be cornered.
  • Scoutflies are your best friend. Make sure to follow their guidance; they're designed to lead you directly to your objective.
  • If you mess up the trap or tranqs, don't panic. You can often reposition or try again as long as the monster isn't dead.

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