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Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate made a significant impact on players with its unique gameplay, stunning graphics, and challenging difficulty. However, these elements alone don’t fully explain its widespread success. The true magic lies in the multiplayer experience. While solo hunts offer a distinct allure and challenge, nothing compares to joining forces with three comrades to confront formidable monsters. This article delves into the captivating multiplayer aspect that propelled Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, and the Monster Hunter series as a whole, to greatness.

alt text: Four hunters battling a large monster in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate.

As the name suggests, Monster Hunter revolves around hunting monsters (or being hunted by them, depending on your skill level!). The game’s depth stems from its diverse weapon selection, monster variety, and extensive item collection. Becoming a true Hunter requires dedication and practice. Interestingly, even skilled solo Hunters face new challenges when joining a multiplayer hunt.

alt text: A hunter using a large sword against a monster in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate.

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate supports up to four players in a single quest, creating dynamic and unpredictable hunts. You might breeze through a quest in under three minutes without taking a scratch. Conversely, you could find yourself carted back to the village in the same amount of time. Success hinges on individual skill, weapon choice, teamwork, and even player attitude.

Multiplayer Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts

Here are some essential tips for a successful multiplayer hunt in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate:

Do’s

• Prepare adequately with traps, bombs, cool drinks, and other necessary items.
• Coordinate weapon choices with your team for optimal synergy.
• Cooperate with status ailment, bomb, and trap strategies.
• Eliminate smaller monsters that can disrupt teammates, especially if wielding Dual Blades, Longsword, or Sword & Shield.
• Share Advance quests with teammates if needed.
• Focus on fulfilling your weapon’s role within the team.
• Be supportive and helpful to less experienced players.
• Utilize Flash Bombs, Dung Bombs, and Lifepowders to assist teammates in dangerous situations.

Don’ts

• Avoid using Pellet S ammo unless everyone is proficient with it.
• Refrain from using wide-ranging attacks like Bow’s Arc Shot, Switch Axe’s Elemental Discharge, Gunlance’s Wyvern Fire, Lance’s Joust, and Hammer/Hunting Horn’s Golfswing without precise control.
• Don’t rush to carve materials from a downed monster.
• Avoid using support-focused weapons when playing with strangers.
• Don’t throw Flash Bombs unless you can guarantee accuracy.
• Avoid healing, sharpening, reloading, or sheathing your weapon unless you’re certain the monster is targeting someone else.
• Don’t get angry if a teammate faints, causing a quest failure.
• Refrain from boasting about rare item drops for your own safety.
• Don’t hog the monster’s head unless using a Hammer or Hunting Horn.

Success in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate depends on teamwork, not individual prowess. Therefore, avoid overly solo-oriented weapons like Lance and Gunlance.

alt text: A hunter using a bow and arrow in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate.

Weapon Variety

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate offers 12 distinct weapon types, each with its unique playstyle. Mastering them all is a significant undertaking. A well-rounded Hunter should be proficient with at least three different weapons to adapt to various team compositions and monster matchups. This variety contributes significantly to the game’s longevity and replayability.

alt text: Hunters fighting a large monster in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate.

Greatsword and Hammer reward careful timing and precision, demanding familiarity with monster attack patterns. Dual Blades, Sword & Shield, and Longsword offer agility and accessibility, suiting action-oriented players and beginners. Switch Axe combines speed and power, allowing skilled hunters to dominate aerial combat.

alt text: Hunters surrounding a downed monster in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate.

Lance and Gunlance provide defensive security for cautious players while offering offensive potential for seasoned hunters. Hunting Horn combines offensive capabilities with unique support abilities, boosting team stats and providing healing.

alt text: A hunter using a hunting horn in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate.

Bow and Light Bowgun excel at hit-and-run tactics, inflicting significant damage and status ailments from a distance. Heavy Bowgun, while slow, delivers devastating damage, especially against Elder Dragons.

Network Connectivity

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate offers two multiplayer modes: local Multi (LAN) for up to four 3DS systems or a combination of 3DS and Wii U, and Network Mode (Wi-Fi) for Wii U.

alt text: The multiplayer menu screen in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate.

Multi (LAN)

Local play is generally seamless, with minimal connection issues unless there are firmware discrepancies between systems. Consider comfort, affordable refreshments, and charging solutions for extended play sessions.

alt text: The online lobby screen in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate.

Network Mode (Wi-Fi)

Wii U’s Wi-Fi connectivity can sometimes be inconsistent. However, Capcom has maintained stable servers, supporting a consistent online player base even years after release.

alt text: Four hunters facing a large monster in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate.

Network Mode offers various Worlds, each accommodating up to 1000 players distributed across ten lobbies. Players can create or join rooms with specific objectives, such as free hunts, rank progression, or item farming.

Interface and Controls

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate’s dual-screen interface on both 3DS and Wii U allows for extensive customization. Players can utilize the bottom screen for maps, player lists, item shortcuts, target lock-on, gestures, crafting, and more, maximizing the main screen for gameplay and visuals. The map, while simple, clearly depicts terrain features and marks monster locations using Paintballs or the Auto-Tracker skill.

alt text: A hunter using a large sword in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate.

The customizable item shortcuts allow for strategic gameplay without pausing. The target lock-on and automatic camera adjustments greatly improve the hunting experience. A virtual D-Pad on the touchscreen aids camera control, particularly for ranged weapons. The 3DS Circle Pad Pro accessory provides an additional analog stick for enhanced control.

alt text: Four hunters celebrating after a successful hunt in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate.

One minor drawback is the fixed control scheme, which can be challenging for new players transitioning between weapon types.

The Multiplayer Advantage

The multiplayer aspect elevates Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate to new heights. While some veterans may find four-player hunts less challenging, it’s essential to remember the inherent difficulty of the game. Even seasoned hunters can spend considerable time soloing tougher monsters. Multiplayer offers a social and efficient way to tackle difficult hunts and acquire rare materials.

alt text: Four hunters battling a large monster in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate.

The online experience fosters camaraderie and unforgettable moments, uniting players of all skill levels. Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate’s multiplayer is a testament to the power of cooperative gameplay, offering a unique and rewarding experience that solidifies its status as a true gaming gem.