In Monster Hunter Wilds, players can either opt to capture or slay their targets. In this article, we will go over the pros of capturing over killing a monster, the steps for successfully capturing a monster, and tips to not kill your prey during the capture attempt.

• What are Advantages of Capturing Monsters Over Killing Them?
• How to Monsters Capture Monsters Effectively
• 1. Gather The Necessary Items
• 2. Inflicting Damage To Monsters and Waiting For Their Capture State
• 3. Setting Traps and Using Tranquilizers
• Key Considerations Regarding Traps and Monsters
• What Happens After a Successful Capture?
• Final Tips for Aspiring Monster Hunters

↖ What are Advantages of Capturing Monsters Over Killing Them?

There are certain advantages only capturing monsters can provide. Compared to the process of killing, capturing a monster will yield more generous rewards which include rare materials, and it will also shorten the duration of a successful hunt considerably. When capturing, you only need to weaken the monster instead of completely depleting its hp.

It is worth mentioning that some rare materials can only be obtained through the death of specific monsters. Although capturing is helpful in a lot of scenarios, there are still cases in which slaying a monster for certain items is necessary.

To ensure a successful capture of a target, it is essential to follow all provided steps and tips.

↖ How to Monsters Capture Monsters Effectively

↖ 1. Gather The Necessary Items

Before embarking on a hunt, make sure to check if the following items are ready in your inventory:

• Traps: Obtain either a Shock Trap or a Pitfall Trap.
• Tranquilizing Tools: Depending on your weapon type, use Tranquilizer Bombs, Tranquilizer Knives, or Tranquilizer ammo for Bowguns.

Several items can be crafted based on the materials available in the game world. 

The requirements include:

• Pitfall Trap: Trap Tool + Net (crafted with Spider Web + Ivy)
• Shock Trap: Trap Tool + Thunderbug Condenser
• Tranquilizer Bomb: Sleep Herb + Parashroom
• Normal Ammo: Basic ammunition for firearms.
• Tranquilizer Knife: Made of a Thanquilizer Bomb and a Throwing Knife.

Buy Trap Tools at the supply camp for 200 Zenny each. To craft these items, go to the tent, head to the "Crafting List" menu, and select the "Tent" option to check the recipes, which will be available on page 6 of the crafting menu.

For optimal performance, store the items from your inventory or add them to your radial menu. This makes the hunt more efficient since timing is critical after the monster has been tamed. Keep in mind that there is a limit to the number of traps the player can carry; only one of each type can be brought at a time. If a trap has not been placed or is left unused, it can be picked up and moved.

↖ 2. Inflicting Damage To Monsters and Waiting For Their Capture State

Defeating a monster will take a long time; capturing one requires significantly more effort. The inflictable damage has to be permanent from the game's perspective so the player can effectively achieve the desired outcome. While taking damage, a number of features are accessible to help the player determine whether or not the monster can be captured. 

These features include:

• Minimap Icon: as the monster gets close to the player's intended range, a small skull icon will appear on the minimap near the monster's typical icon.
• Team Behaviors: as the monster nears the intended capture location, teammates such as the player's Palico or other hired hunters give verbal signals such as Almost done indicating they are near the limit of capture.
• Blatant Changes: Monsters who have received sufficient damage tend to go back to their nests given they are able to move and require resting to heal. Their movement speed will also be reduced.

The player has to keep track of these signs to prevent killing the monster.

↖ 3. Setting Traps and Using Tranquilizers

After making sure the monster is ready for capture, do the following:

Traps Set Up: Set a Shock Trap or Pitfall Trap along the monster's route. If the monster is aggressive, standing behind the trap can lure it toward you. If it has retreated to its nest, it may already be asleep, allowing you to set the trap nearby undisturbed.

Luring or Waiting: For monsters who are aggressive, they are quite likely to move toward you on their own. For sleeping ones, just set the trap close to them so it gets triggered.

Tranquilizer Application: When you have the monster trapped, use your tranquilizing equipment (bombs, knives, or ammo). In most cases, two tranquilizers are more than enough to render the monster unconscious and seal the capture.

↖ Key Considerations Regarding Traps and Monsters

Compatibility Clause: Not all traps work on every monster. For example, Rey Dau is shock trap proof and Jin Dahaad cannot be encased whatsoever. Make sure to research your traps in advance to know which ones are effective.

Timing Matters: After the trap is set off, there is a very limited time to subdue the target with tranquilizers. Missing this window will guarantee that the monster evades or recovers.

↖ What Happens After a Successful Capture?

According to the steps said before, upon successful capture of the monster, your hunt is expected to end. You will receive what is known as a Rubbed-Off quest timer, where you are given a on-screen countdown clock which lasts for 20 seconds that will last until you head back to the camp. After this, a reward screen comes up displaying all the materials that you obtained from the monsters capture.

↖ Final Tips for Aspiring Monster Hunters

In Monster Hunter Wilds, capturing monsters provide you with the utmost importance as they reward you in unique ways and offer new strategies while hunting. With proper attention to detail, waiting for the right sign of a beaten monster, and farm executing plans, one can achieve maximum rewards whilst shrinking the time needed per hunt.