Delving into the rich world of Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, players often seek to optimize their gear for the toughest hunts. Among the myriad of decorations available, Edgemaster jewels are conspicuously absent, leaving many to wonder why Capcom decided to exclude this particular gem from the game's arsenal. Let's explore the reasons behind the absence of Edgemaster decorations, examine the alternatives, and understand how this affects gameplay strategy.
What are Edgemaster Decorations?
Edgemaster decorations are known from previous games in the Monster Hunter series where they were used to:
- Increase the affinity of your weapon.
- Boost weapon sharpness.
In games like Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, these decorations were pivotal in crafting builds focused on increasing the affinity or sharpness of weapons, thus allowing hunters to dish out damage more effectively.
Why They Were Not Included in MH4U
Several factors might have influenced Capcom’s decision to omit Edgemaster decorations:
- Gameplay Balance: With the introduction of new mechanics like aerial style hunting and guild quests, the game’s balance was shifted. Including Edgemaster decorations might have tipped the scales too far in favor of affinity and sharpness, potentially making some fights less challenging.
- Design Philosophy: Capcom might have wanted to encourage more variety in player builds. Without Edgemaster decorations, players are pushed to explore different types of skill combinations and strategies.
- Resource Distribution: Developing and balancing new weapons, armor, and skills for MH4U might have led to a reallocation of development resources, prioritizing other features over Edgemaster decorations.
Alternative Skills and Strategies
To adapt to the absence of Edgemaster jewels, players can focus on:
- Handicraft: This skill extends weapon sharpness, indirectly mimicking the benefits of Edgemaster.
- Critical Eye: For affinity, players can equip skills that increase affinity through armor or other decorations like Critical Jewel.
- Sharpness+1: Providing a sharpness boost, which is crucial for maintaining weapon effectiveness over time.
| Skill | Effect | Decoration |
|---|---|---|
| Handicraft | Extends weapon sharpness | Sharpness Jewel |
| Critical Eye | Increases affinity | Critical Jewel |
| Sharpness+1 | Increases weapon sharpness level | Attack Jewel+ |
🛡️ Note: Adapting to the game's mechanics can lead to more creative and varied builds, encouraging players to experiment with different playstyles.
Impact on Hunter Strategies
The absence of Edgemaster decorations forces hunters to:
- Adopt different tactics for managing weapon sharpness.
- Prioritize armor skills that enhance weapon performance indirectly.
- Balance between different types of damage increases like raw damage boosts, elemental damage, or status effects.
Final Reflections
In conclusion, while the lack of Edgemaster decorations in Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate might initially seem like a setback, it actually encourages diversity in build creation. The game promotes strategic thinking and adaptation, pushing players to explore beyond the conventional affinity and sharpness buffs. The absence of these decorations forces hunters to think more critically about their equipment choices, making each hunt an opportunity to learn and innovate. This shift not only enhances gameplay but also ensures that every player’s journey through the vast and challenging world of Monster Hunter is unique.
Why would Capcom exclude popular decorations from a game?
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Exclusion of certain decorations can be part of Capcom’s efforts to balance gameplay, encourage diverse build strategies, or align with their design vision for that particular entry in the series.
Can you replicate Edgemaster effects in MH4U?
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While you can’t directly replicate the exact effects of Edgemaster, skills like Handicraft, Critical Eye, and Sharpness+1 offer similar benefits in different ways.
How does this affect endgame builds?
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Endgame builds might lean more towards balanced stat distribution or focus on other combat mechanics introduced in MH4U, providing a different challenge and reward structure.
