Monster Hunter Stories 2: Nergigante Guide

Alright, fellow monster hunters! Today, we're diving deep into the world of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin to talk about one of the most anticipated and formidable foes you'll encounter: the Nergigante. This absolute unit of a monster is notorious in the main series, and its appearance in Stories 2 brings that same level of challenge and excitement. If you're wondering how to take down this spiky behemoth, whether it's in the wild or as a Monstie you want to add to your team, then you've come to the right place, guys. We'll break down its weaknesses, best strategies, and even how to get your hands on its awesome genes. So, buckle up, grab your Kinship Stone, and let's get ready to face the elder dragon that never rests!

Understanding the Nergigante's Strengths and Weaknesses

So, what makes the Nergigante such a pain in the tail? Well, for starters, it's a powerhouse. In Monster Hunter Stories 2, it primarily uses Dragon and Physical attacks. This means you'll want to have Monsties that can resist or deal super-effective damage against these elements. When it comes to weaknesses, Nergigante is particularly vulnerable to Thunder and Ice attacks. These are your go-to elements when you see those black, razor-sharp spikes emerging. Its head is also a prime target for damage, especially when it's enraged. However, be warned: as Nergigante takes damage, its spikes will break off, and it can regenerate them. This is part of its signature move, the 'Nergigante's Roar,' where it unleashes a devastating area-of-effect attack. Understanding this cycle of attack and regeneration is key to surviving and thriving in a fight against it. Don't just go in swinging blindly; observe its patterns, learn when to strike, and when to play defense. Remember, patience is a virtue, especially when dealing with an elder dragon as aggressive as Nergigante. Its speed is also considerable, so fast attacks can catch you off guard if you're not prepared. The game mechanics in Stories 2 are built around rock-paper-scissors with attack types (Slash, Pierce, Blunt) and elemental weaknesses, so layering these into your strategy is crucial. For Nergigante, while it can be weak to certain attack types depending on its current state (like hitting its head with Blunt attacks), its elemental weaknesses to Thunder and Ice are generally more reliable and impactful. Always check your Hunter Notes if you're unsure; they're your best friend in this game, providing detailed info on monster behaviors and vulnerabilities. Getting a good understanding of its attack types – Speed, Power, and Technical – will also help you predict its moves and counter effectively. Nergigante tends to favor Power attacks, but it can mix things up, especially when enraged. So, stay sharp!

Strategies for Battling the Nergigante

Alright, when you finally lock horns with the Nergigante, you need a solid game plan, guys. Your primary goal is to exploit its Thunder and Ice weaknesses. This means bringing Monsties that excel in these elements. Think Boltreaver Astalos for Thunder or Legiana for Ice. Having a Monstie with a strong Thunder or Ice attack in your active party is essential. When Nergigante goes into its enraged state, it becomes even more dangerous, but also more vulnerable to these elements. Keep an eye on those regenerating spikes; they are the key to its power, but also its potential downfall. If you can consistently break them off with well-timed attacks, you'll significantly reduce its offensive capabilities. Use Kinship Skills wisely. These powerful abilities can turn the tide of battle, especially when Nergigante is about to unleash a devastating attack. A well-timed Kinship Skill can interrupt its ultimate move or deal massive damage. Don't forget about your own attacks as the Rider. Using skills that inflict status effects like blight can also be incredibly helpful. Nergigante can be susceptible to certain blights, which can debuff it and make it easier to manage. Always be ready to switch out Monsties if one is low on health or if the situation calls for a different elemental advantage. The turn-based combat system in Monster Hunter Stories 2 rewards tactical thinking. Don't just spam the same attacks; mix it up based on Nergigante's behavior. If it's using a lot of Power attacks, switch to a Monstie that can counter with Technical attacks. If it's favoring Speed, use Power. If it's using Technical, bring out Speed. This dance of attack types is crucial. Furthermore, leveling up your Monsties and ensuring they have good genes is paramount. High-level Monsties with optimized gene builds will make a significant difference. Consider using skills that boost your party's defense or speed when Nergigante is charging up its powerful attacks. The environment also plays a role. Sometimes, you can use environmental hazards to your advantage, though Nergigante is quite robust and might not be easily affected. The key takeaway here is adaptability. Nergigante is a tough fight, but with the right preparation, a balanced team, and smart combat decisions, you can absolutely emerge victorious. Remember to heal up when necessary and don't be afraid to retreat and regroup if things get too hairy. Your Rider's gear also matters – ensure you have armor and weapons that provide good resistance and offensive power against Nergigante's elemental types.

Obtaining Nergigante Genes for Your Monsties

Now, for the really exciting part, guys: getting your own Nergigante genes to power up your Monsties! To do this, you'll need to find Nergigante eggs in the wild. These are typically found in high-level monster dens, often associated with specific post-game areas or challenging exploration zones. Keep an eye out for those distinctive Nergigante eggs – they usually have a spiky, aggressive look to them, fitting its nature. Once you have an egg, head back to the Pukei-Pukei or your other main base and get it hatched. The resulting Nergigante Monstie will come with its own set of genes. But here's where the real magic happens: gene-fication. You can use the genes from your hatched Nergigante to strengthen other Monsties. The goal is to transfer Nergigante's powerful abilities onto your favorite companions. Nergigante is known for its high attack power, its unique skills like Dragon Dive (which deals massive Dragon damage), and its ability to regenerate health or boost its own power. When aiming to get the best genes, focus on its signature moves and any passive abilities that enhance its offensive capabilities. You'll want to be strategic about which Monstie you're transferring these genes to. A Monstie that already has a good base for physical or Dragon attacks might benefit the most. For example, transferring Nergigante's genes to a Rathalos or a Deviljho could create an absolute terror on the battlefield. Pay attention to the gene slots. You want to fill those empty slots with Nergigante's best genes, and ideally, replace weaker genes on your Monstie with stronger Nergigante ones. Look for genes that boost attack power, critical hit rate, or elemental damage, especially if they complement your Monstie's natural strengths. Some of Nergigante's exclusive genes also provide passive buffs like increased resistance to certain elements or improved survivability, which can be invaluable. Experimentation is key here. Don't be afraid to try different combinations to see what works best for your playstyle. The higher the rarity of the gene you obtain, the more potent its effect will be. So, keep hunting for those rare eggs and rare Nergigante variants, as they often yield the best gene material. The Nergigante egg itself is a prize, and the genes it provides are even more so. Mastering gene-fication is one of the deepest and most rewarding aspects of Monster Hunter Stories 2, and obtaining Nergigante's power is a significant step towards becoming a truly legendary monster rider. Happy hunting for those eggs, everyone!

Nergigante's Signature Moves and Abilities

Let's talk about the moves that make the Nergigante so terrifying and iconic, guys. The first one you absolutely need to know about is its Spike Barrage. This is where it launches those sharp, black spikes it grows all over its body at incredible speed and force. It can be a single volley or a spread, often hitting multiple targets. The key here is evasion and defense. Try to dodge to the side or use a Monstie with high defense. Another signature move is the Dive Bomb. Nergigante will leap into the air and then crash down with immense force, creating a shockwave that deals massive damage. This is often telegraphed by it rearing up. When you see this, it's your cue to either dodge out of the impact zone or prepare a powerful counter-attack if you can time it right. Then there's the infamous Nergigante's Roar. This is its ultimate attack, where it causes all its broken spikes to violently erupt from its body in an area-of-effect explosion. This is devastating and can often spell doom for unprepared parties. You'll want to use your Kinship Skill to interrupt this or have Monsties with high enough health and elemental resistance to survive the blast. If you're caught in it without preparation, it's likely game over. Nergigante also has a passive ability tied to its spikes: Regenerating Spikes. As it fights, it sheds spikes, but it can regrow them. These regenerated spikes boost its attack power and defense. Breaking these spikes off is crucial, as it not only deals damage but also temporarily weakens Nergigante and prevents it from unleashing its most powerful forms. Its enraged state often coincides with it having fully regenerated spikes, making it a critical moment in the fight. Understanding the visual cues for these attacks is paramount. The way it stands, the glow of its spikes, the sound cues – all these tell you what's coming. Master these signals, and you'll be much better equipped to handle the Nergigante's relentless assault. Its attacks are primarily Power and Speed based, meaning you'll often want to counter with Technical or Power attacks respectively. However, it can mix in Technical attacks, especially when enraged, so staying vigilant and adapting your attack type is vital. Don't underestimate its basic attacks either; they are incredibly powerful and can stagger your Rider or Monstie easily. It's a true test of your combat prowess and strategic depth in Monster Hunter Stories 2. So, study its moves, practice your counters, and you'll eventually conquer this magnificent beast!

Post-Game and Rare Dens for Nergigante

For those of you who have conquered the main story, you might be wondering where to find the most challenging versions of the Nergigante, and potentially, the best genes. This is where post-game content and rare monster dens come into play, guys. After you've beaten the main campaign, new areas and high-level monster dens will unlock. These dens are where you'll find the toughest monsters, including variant Nergigantes and sometimes even Super Rare eggs. Look for dens that are specifically marked as high-level or those that appear in the later exploration zones, like the Terga Volcano Region or the special post-game Super Rare monster dens. The visual appearance of a den can sometimes hint at its difficulty or rarity. Keep an eye out for those with a distinct glow or a higher star rating on the map. When you find a Nergigante den, be prepared for a tough fight. These post-game Nergigantes often have higher stats, new move sets, or enhanced abilities. They are essentially the 'apex' predators of the game. The rewards, however, are equally impressive. You're more likely to find Nergigante eggs with superior genes, and even eggs of variant Nergigantes, which possess unique color schemes and potentially even better gene pools. Rare dens, often called Super Rare monster dens, are your best bet for encountering these elite monsters. These dens have a lower spawn rate, so it requires patience and persistence to find them. Some players have reported finding Nergigante in specific late-game optional quests or by using a specific type of ticket that guarantees a rare monster encounter. Always make sure you have your best Thunder and Ice-element Monsties ready, as these post-game Nergigantes will be significantly stronger. Don't forget to equip your Rider with the best gear available, focusing on resistances that Nergigante exploits, like Dragon resistance, though its primary offensive elements are physical and Dragon. Its weakness to Thunder and Ice remains, so exploit that relentlessly. If you're hunting for Nergigante genes, focus your efforts on these high-level dens and rare spawns. The quality of the genes you obtain from post-game Nergigante will be significantly higher, making your Monsties even more formidable. This is where you'll farm for those perfect genes to complete your ultimate builds. Remember, persistence is key. Some rare dens might require multiple attempts to spawn the desired monster. Keep exploring, keep fighting, and you will eventually find the legendary Nergigante in its most challenging form. Happy hunting, and good luck in the endgame, everyone!

Conclusion: Mastering the Might of Nergigante

So there you have it, guys! We've covered the ins and outs of the Nergigante in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin. From its devastating attacks and elemental weaknesses to the best strategies for taking it down and the coveted genes you can obtain, hopefully, you feel much more prepared to face this elder dragon. Remember its vulnerability to Thunder and Ice, exploit its regenerating spikes, and utilize your Kinship Skills effectively. Whether you're battling it in the wild or aiming to make it a part of your Monstie team, understanding its patterns and preparing accordingly is the key to victory. The Nergigante is a true test of a rider's skill and strategy, pushing you to adapt and overcome. Don't get discouraged if you fail a few times; each battle is a learning experience. Keep honing your skills, optimizing your Monstie builds, and exploring those rare dens. With persistence and the knowledge gained here, you'll soon be able to defeat the Nergigante with confidence and maybe even make it your own ultimate weapon. Happy hunting, and may your Kinship Stones always shine bright!