The weapon was first introduced in Monster Hunter 4, and many players chose to wield the Insect Glaive in Monster Hunter: World most recently. It is most known for being a highly mobile and aerial attack-focused weapon, along with having a special secondary mechanic in the form of the Kinsect. This slashing-type weapon will let players weave in and out of combat, evading monster attacks before closing back in, all the while collecting buffs with their Kinsects.

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Insect Glaive Moveset and Controls

The basic commands for the Insect Glaive are as follows:

Basic Moveset

X - Rising Slash A - Wide Sweep ZR - Kinsect: Mark Target ZR + R - Kinsect: Fire ZR + X - Kinsect: Harvest Extract ZR + A - Kinsect: Recall ZR + B - Vault X in midair - Aerial Attack B in midair - Midair Evade A in midair - Jumping Advancing Slash

Silkbind Attacks

ZL + X - Silkbind Vault ZL + A - Recall Kinsect

The Insect Glaive in Monster Hunter Rise will have players zipping around the air to deal blows to monsters more often than not, but there are enough ground moves that players can use as well. Rising Slash is a great starting move, and a Wide Sweep can help hit several smaller monsters as the same time. While there is a learning curve to using the weapon just because of its aerial component, dedicated players can get the hang of it in no time flat. Using Vault will launch players into the air, and will end up being a main move players will need to master. Vaulting at the right time can let players dodge damaging monster attacks, and will often set up big damage combos later on.

Insect Glaive Kinsect Mechanic

A huge part of the Insect Glaive is the Kinsect, a companion that can be launched out to “harvest” different extracts from the various monsters depending on which body part it hits. The Red Extract is a must-have since it buffs a player’s damage and moves, and can typically be harvested from the monster’s head. The White Extract increases a player’s speed and jump height, and can typically be collected from a monster’s underside or wings. The Orange Extract will give the player extra knockback protections, and can typically be harvested from a monster’s legs.

Collecting buffs is integral to gameplay with the Insect Glaive, and having all three buffs up at the same time will truly unlock the weapon’s potential. Upgrading Kinsects in Monster Hunter Rise has also been simplified, as players will be able to purchase higher level Kinsects from the blacksmith as the game progresses.

Insect Glaive Combos and Tips

Some combos for the Insect Glaive are as follows:

Basic Combo

X, X, A

Leaping Slash

L Joystick + A

Double Slash

L Joystick + X, X, X

Tornado Slash

(With Red Extract) L Joystick + A, X, A

Jumping Advance Slash

ZR + B, A

Getting hits in while harvesting different extracts is how players will need to start any monster fight. Leaping Slash is great for initiating, and a Tornado Slash will be great for doing damage on the ground. When players are in the air, they can perform the Jumping Advance Slash in any direction. As long as the last hit connects with a monster, players will be able to reset the aerial combo with a Vaulting Dance. The Insect Glaive in Monster Hunter Rise also has Switch Skills that can alter certain moves, and these become available as the game progresses.

There are several cool versions of the weapon to choose from in its weapon tree, too, like the Magia Pitareen Insect Glaive. For any players that want a challenging but rewarding weapon in Monster Hunter Rise, the Insect Glaive is a great option to try out.

Monster Hunter Rise is now available for the Nintendo Switch and a PC port is expected to launch in early 2022.

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