Monster Hunter Wilds is, in many ways, similar to its predecessor Monster Hunter World and brings back some features. However, MeinMMO editor Alexander is particularly glad that it will probably not be part of the new monster hunt, even though he actually liked the idea behind it.
What feature are we talking about? The Clutch Claw was one of the tools in Monster Hunter World that was almost indispensable for effective gameplay. In the form of a hook, which could be used either for movement in certain places or in combat against monsters, it is part of every monster hunter’s equipment.
In particular, it was perfect in combat in Monster Hunter World to save time and maximize damage. With it, one could climb on monsters, deal increased damage at targeted spots, or steer monsters into walls and parts of the environment.
A actually useful tool
So why was the Clutch Claw so annoying? While the idea was generally well received by the community, many fans were disturbed by its implementation – I felt the same way. The concept of flying through the area with a grappling hook and hooking onto monsters was fundamentally quite fun – if it weren’t for the fact that I felt almost forced to use it at a certain point. Aside from the fact that the handling was somewhat stiff and not intuitive, there was another problem.
Especially with the start of the Iceborne expansion, I could hardly avoid incorporating the hook into my combat style. This was partly because Iceborne introduced a new mechanic for the Clutch Claw. This made it possible to specifically attack monsters with the hook and temporarily create weak points where one could deal increased damage. To use this mechanic, one had to first weaken the monsters.
Generally a good thing – if only this very mechanic didn’t disrupt my combat flow so much. Instead of relying on my usual flows, I often found myself focusing more on good opportunities to pull out the Clutch Claw and increase damage than on my previous tactics. Additionally, once the mechanic was introduced, the claw was used so inflationarily by other hunters that I felt that fighting without it was hardly conceivable.
So if one decided not to use the claw in that form, one had more disadvantages than if one simply conformed. Everyone seemed to be playing with the tactic of using the claw as often as possible to maximize damage.
So why use it? If you think: “Yeah, if you find it annoying, just don’t use it,” you’re fundamentally right, but there are the following catches to the matter:
The monsters in Iceborne have a drastic increase in hit points, which makes good damage management particularly important if you don’t want to hang on to a monster for what feels like eternity. So if you use the Clutch Claw mechanic, you have the opportunity to temporarily increase damage and thereby reach your goals much faster. Alternatively, monsters can also be directed into walls, which also causes a lot of damage – but again only through the use of the claw.
Additionally, a new behavior pattern has been introduced whereby monsters pause for a brief moment when wounded and start drooling. This short window is designed for using the Clutch Claw and creating weak points.
The new monsters are explicitly designed for players to be able to use the mechanic. Coupled with the fact that more monster parts than before provided an additional “protection,” this led to an even greater incentive to use the Clutch Claw as often as possible.
The community feels similarly
What are others saying about the topic? With this feeling, I am obviously not alone, as countless discussions on Reddit show many fans expressing their frustration.
Many share my perception that Monster Hunter World practically urges players to use the “new” mechanic of the Clutch Claw. The advantages of incorporating it into one’s combat tactics certainly outweigh the downsides from the community’s perspective – even though the implementation is not very enjoyable.
It feels too much like an obligation and slows down the flow of combat significantly, depending on the weapon used. Reasons the community cites when discussing why they don’t particularly like the Clutch Claw.
However, there are also some opposing voices who liked the Clutch Claw very much. These mainly come from players who hunt primarily with heavy weapons. They have the advantage of being able to weaken monsters much faster to create opportunities for increased damage, making it somewhat easier to apply the mechanic.
No Clutch Claw in Monster Hunter Wilds
Fortunately, the Claw was already history in Monster Hunter Rise and made way for the Palamute. Although the latest installment, Monster Hunter Wilds, is clearly based on Monster Hunter World in terms of features, it thankfully omits the claw. While I would have been completely satisfied if they had simply revised it, I am also glad that they decided against it and chose a fresh approach with the Focus Mode.
The new feature felt, at least in the beta, much less like an obligation and definitely more intuitive than the ability to temporarily enable more damage with the Clutch Claw. Additionally, the Focus Mode felt somewhat easier to incorporate into the combat flow, especially since there are also options outside of the mode to inflict wounds on the monster. Just because of that, I already felt I didn’t necessarily need it.
How this will all develop starting February 28, 2025, when Monster Hunter Wilds is released, remains to be seen. For my part, I am glad that I no longer have to fear a Clutch Claw spam and look forward to thoroughly testing the Focus Mode starting in February.
Another new feature in Monster Hunter Wilds is the ability to take two weapons on the hunt and switch them while on the go. The community has been wondering what situations this could be useful for: Players love a new feature in Monster Hunter Wilds, but wonder: What is it actually good for?
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