Pitfall vs Shock Trap: Which Should You Use In Monster Hunter Wilds?

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In this piece, we’re taking a look at the Shock Trap versus the Pitfall Trap, helping you decide which one is best for hunting monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds.

In Monster Hunter Wilds, setting traps can significantly boost your chances against various monsters. These traps momentarily immobilize the monster, giving you an opportunity to inflict substantial damage. Both Pitfall and Shock Traps function similarly, but they do have certain distinctions.

In Monster Hunter Wilds, you may find yourself wondering whether to opt for the Pitfall Trap or the Shock Trap. While they are equally potent in their effectiveness, choosing between them depends on the specific situation. This article aims to break down the unique applications of each trap to help guide your decision-making process.

Pitfall vs Shock Trap in Monster Hunter Wilds: Main Difference

In Monster Hunter Wilds, the main distinction between a Pitfall Trap and a Shock Trap lies in how they temporarily incapacitate monsters.

In Monster Hunter Wilds, Shock Trap momentarily petrifies the monster, resembling a stone sculpture for several seconds. Despite this statue-like state, the monster remains vulnerable throughout, allowing attacks as if it were a regular foe. There’s no need to adjust your fighting style during this time. Additionally, you can strike any visible wound on the monster with Focus Strike at your convenience.

Instead, when the monster encounters a Pitfall Trap, it tumbles down below ground level, leaving only its upper body exposed for attacks. This significantly reduces the area you can attack from, and as a result, most of your strikes will land on the monster’s head once it falls into the trap.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that the beast isn’t completely stationary; instead, it’s temporarily fixed, and can still move around. In this case, you can only employ Focus Strikes if the injury is on the monster’s head. This rule for the Pitfall Trap applies to monsters of all sizes in Monster Hunter Wilds, including airborne creatures like Rathalos. You will be limited to striking the upper part of the monster’s body during combat.

When to Use Pitfall Trap in Monster Hunter Wilds?

As a dedicated Monster Hunter Wilds fan, I can’t help but sing the praises of the Pitfall Trap! It’s simply brilliant when you need to snip off parts from a monster’s head to grab those hard-to-get items. The trap’s placement on the head makes it an ideal target for every weapon in our arsenal. This is particularly beneficial for Dual Blade or Sword and Shield users, who often find themselves up close and personal with their monstrous foes, relying on swift melee attacks to survive.

You might find it useful to set this trap when dealing with airborne creatures; it momentarily causes them to land. Typically, after a monster escapes from a Pitfall Trap, they tend to stay on the ground for some time before leaping up again.

Pitfall trap is also the only option against these monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds:

  • Rey Dau
  • Gypceros

These two creatures are entirely resistant to Shock Traps, but they can be defeated by a Pitfall trap.

When to Use Shock Trap in Monster Hunter Wilds?

The Shock Trap is particularly useful if you aim to target and sever a monster’s tail for further processing in Monster Hunter Wilds. Monsters often drop valuable Gems when their tails are carved, but this can be challenging against larger or more aggressive creatures. In these situations, the Shock Trap can momentarily immobilize them, giving you ample time to concentrate all your attacks on the tail.

There is one monster who are only affected by Shock Trap in Monster Hunter Wilds:

  • Jin Dahaad

In the Monster Hunter Wilds base game, you’ll come across a colossal beast hailing from Iceshard Cliff – this Apex monster is unrivaled in size among all monsters you’ll face. Interestingly, Jin Dahaad possesses an unusual resistance to Pitfall Traps, so Shock Traps are the only traps proven effective against it.

Should You Use Shock Trap or Pitfall Trap in Monster Hunter Wilds?

As a seasoned Monster Hunter Wilds gamer, I’d say the Shock Trap is usually my go-to choice for immobilizing monsters. Once they’re frozen solid, I can focus on any part of their anatomy I desire. However, remember that the optimal trap can vary significantly depending on the specific beast you’re pursuing and your intended target area.

If your goal is to defeat a monster by beheading it, opt for the Pitfall Trap. Conversely, if you aim to cut off its tail, the Shock Trap would serve your purpose more effectively. Additionally, the monster’s resistances should be taken into account when selecting the trap that will work best against the one you are pursuing.

In Monster Hunter Wilds, consider taking along both Shock Traps and Pitfall Traps for your hunt. Use whichever trap fits the specific circumstances of the situation.

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2025-03-01 08:55