Monster Hunter Wilds Mount System Guide

The mount system in Monster Hunter Wilds allows hunters to climb onto large monsters and deal massive damage while temporarily controlling the fight.
Mounting has been a core mechanic in the Monster Hunter series since Monster Hunter 4, and in Monster Hunter Wilds the system has evolved with improved animations, new combat mechanics, and smoother transitions between attacks.
If used correctly, mounting can give your team a major advantage during difficult hunts.
This guide explains how mounting works, how to trigger it, and how to maximize damage while riding monsters.
How the Mount System Works
Mounting happens when a hunter successfully jumps onto a monster and begins a struggle sequence.
During this phase:
- The hunter clings to the monster
- The monster attempts to shake the hunter off
- The hunter deals repeated damage
If the hunter successfully maintains balance long enough, the monster will fall to the ground, creating a large opening for attacks.
This mechanic rewards aggressive positioning and precise timing.
How to Mount Monsters
There are several ways to trigger a mount in Monster Hunter Wilds.
1. Jump Attacks
The most common method is performing a jump attack from:
- cliffs
- slopes
- environmental terrain
When the hunter lands a successful aerial hit, it can initiate a mounting sequence.
2. Weapon Skills
Some weapons specialize in aerial combat.
Weapons that traditionally perform well for mounting include:
- Insect Glaive
- Sword & Shield
- Dual Blades (aerial style)
These weapons allow hunters to repeatedly attack from above.
3. Environmental Opportunities
In Monster Hunter Wilds, the open-world environments provide more opportunities to jump and climb.
You can use:
- rocks
- cliffs
- ruins
- terrain slopes
to gain aerial advantage during fights.
The new open-world design greatly improves combat mobility compared to previous games like Monster Hunter World.
What Happens During a Mount
Once the mount starts, the hunter enters a control phase.
During this stage:
Attack the Monster
Hunters can repeatedly strike the monster while mounted.
This deals steady damage and increases the chance of knocking the monster down.
Hold Position
Monsters will attempt to throw the hunter off by:
- slamming into walls
- shaking violently
- jumping
Players must hold their position and move to safe areas on the monster's body.
Final Knockdown
If the hunter survives the struggle long enough, the monster collapses.
This gives the entire hunting party a large damage window.
Tips to Mount Monsters More Often
Mounting isn't purely random. Skilled players can increase their chances.
Use Terrain
Fighting near cliffs or slopes gives you more aerial opportunities.
Coordinate With Your Team
One player mounting while others prepare heavy attacks can quickly turn the tide of battle.
Choose Aerial Weapons
Weapons designed for mobility and jumping attacks have much higher mounting potential.
Study Monster Movement
Understanding monster patterns helps you time aerial attacks more effectively.
Differences From Previous Monster Hunter Games
The mount system in Monster Hunter Wilds builds on mechanics introduced in earlier titles like Monster Hunter Rise.
Key improvements include:
- smoother climbing animations
- more dynamic monster reactions
- better integration with open-world terrain
These changes make mounting feel more natural during hunts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you mount monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds?
You can mount monsters by landing aerial attacks from terrain, jumps, or certain weapon abilities. The most common method is performing jump attacks from cliffs, slopes, or environmental terrain.
Is mounting important in combat?
Yes. Mounting can knock monsters down and create a large damage window for your team, making it a crucial mechanic for difficult hunts.
Which weapons are best for mounting?
Weapons with strong aerial abilities like Insect Glaive, Sword & Shield, and Dual Blades (aerial style) are typically the best choices for mounting.
Can every monster be mounted?
Most large monsters can be mounted, but the success rate depends on positioning and attack timing.
Conclusion
The mount system in Monster Hunter Wilds adds another layer of strategy to hunts.
By using terrain, timing aerial attacks, and coordinating with teammates, hunters can mount monsters and create powerful opportunities to deal massive damage.
Mastering this mechanic can make difficult hunts significantly easier.