Palico’s are OP

OMG, fellow hunters, can we just talk about our Palicos in Monster Hunter Wilds for a minute? I swear, sometimes I feel like I’m the sidekick, and my Felyne companion is the true hero of the hunt! If you’ve ever thought, “Palicos are OP,” you’re not wrong! They truly are, and once you learn how to maximize their potential, your hunting life will never be the same. I've had so many close calls turned into triumphs all thanks to my furry friend. Why Your Palico is Your Best Felyne Friend Palicos aren't just cute mascots; they're vital members of your hunting party. They distract monsters, heal you, apply status ailments, and even gather materials. The difference between a well-optimized Palico and a neglected one is astounding. Trust me, I've been in hunts where, if my Palico wasn't there, I'd have been asking, "How cooked are you?" – because I'd definitely be done for! Choosing Your Palico's Support Type: The Ultimate Game Changer This is where the real strategy comes in, and honestly, if you're asking “what support type should my Palico be,” you’re already on the right track! It's not just about picking what looks cool; it's about creating synergy with your playstyle and adapting to the monster you're hunting. Here's a quick rundown of what I've found works best for each type: Healer: My absolute go-to for almost every challenging hunt or when I’m learning a new monster. Those timely Vigorwasp sprays have saved my hide more times than I can count! They keep you topped up, letting you focus more on attacking and less on chugging potions. Essential for aggressive hunters. Fighter: Great for aggressive hunters who want extra damage and knockdowns. I love seeing my Palico land a perfect setup for my big attacks, creating openings for my strongest moves. They really pull their weight in terms of direct combat support. Gatherer: Perfect for farming runs! They'll grab extra materials, which is super helpful when you're trying to craft that new armor set or upgrade your weapons. While not ideal for tough boss fights, they make resource gathering a breeze. Protector: If you find yourself getting hit a lot, or just want some breathing room, a Protector Palico is your best friend. They excel at drawing aggro and can even place defensive structures. They really help take the heat off you. Bombardier: So much fun for explosive damage, especially against monsters weak to blast. If you're looking to add some fiery chaos to your hunt, this is the type for you! Personally, I usually swap between Healer and Fighter depending on the monster and my weapon. For an aggressive, hard-hitting monster, more healing is key. For a slower, more predictable monster, a Fighter Palico speeds up the hunt significantly. Don't Forget Palico Armor! ("Select your Palico's default armor") Just like us, our Palicos need good gear! The prompt to “Select your Palico's default armor” is there for a reason – it makes a huge difference. Don't just slap on the highest defense; consider elemental resistances for specific monsters. If you go into a fiery fight with ice armor, both you and your Palico are seriously going to be “cooked”! I always make sure my Palico's armor matches the elemental threat of the monster. A living Palico is a helpful Palico! High defense and appropriate elemental resistances ensure they stay in the fight longer, providing consistent support. Look for armor pieces that also grant useful skills, like increased healing or faster gathering – every little bit helps! Gadgets & Skills for Maximum Effect Beyond their support type and armor, remember to equip them with the right gadgets and pay attention to the passive skills they learn. A Vigorwasp Spray gadget for a Healer Palico, or a Shock Trap for a Fighter, can amplify their chosen role immensely. These little additions can turn the tide of a difficult battle. The Synergy with Your Hunter Think about your main weapon and playstyle. A fast, aggressive weapon user might benefit immensely from a Healer Palico to keep them topped up amidst the flurry of attacks. On the other hand, a slower, heavy-hitting weapon might love the extra openings a Fighter Palico creates by knocking down monsters or dealing extra damage. My Personal Palico Strategy For most hunts, I lean towards a Healer Palico with maxed-out defense and elemental resistance tailored to the monster. The constant healing allows me to play more aggressively without worrying about chugging potions every five seconds. For specific farming, I switch to a Gatherer, as their added material collection is invaluable. It’s all about preparation! If you go in unprepared, you’ll be asking "How cooked are you?" pretty quickly after failing the quest! Investing in your Palico is investing in your own success. Seriously, don't underestimate your Felyne friends. Invest in them, understand their strengths, and they'll turn challenging hunts into triumphs. A well-equipped and strategically chosen Palico truly makes you feel unstoppable in Monster Hunter Wilds!