The world of Monster Hunter is filled with intricate systems and complex interactions, often leading players down a rabbit hole of experimentation and optimization. One such topic that frequently sparks debate is the effectiveness of Elementless Jewel on Hunting Horn (HBG) builds. While the concept might seem straightforward, the reality is far more nuanced and dependent on various factors. Let’s dive into the intricacies of Elementless Jewel on HBG and explore whether it truly lives up to the hype.
Understanding the Mechanics: Elementless Jewel and HBG
Before diving into the effectiveness debate, it’s crucial to understand the mechanics behind Elementless Jewel and how it interacts with the HBG’s unique playstyle.
What is Elementless Jewel?
Elementless Jewel is a highly sought-after gem in Monster Hunter. It grants the Elementless skill, which increases the damage of any weapon that doesn’t inherently possess an element by 20%. This means weapons like the Charge Blade, Hunting Horn, and some Dual Blades can benefit significantly from this skill.
HBG: A Versatile Weapon
The Hunting Horn (HBG) is a unique weapon known for its ability to provide both offensive and support capabilities. It boasts a diverse arsenal of ammunition types, ranging from standard bullets to elemental shells. Additionally, the HBG offers the option of playing melodies that provide buffs to the hunter and their allies.
The Potential Benefits of Elementless Jewel on HBG
On the surface, the combination of Elementless Jewel and HBG might seem like a winning formula. Theoretically, Elementless Jewel could boost the damage output of non-elemental HBG ammunition types like Normal Ammo, Pierce Ammo, and Spread Ammo. This could lead to significant damage increases, particularly against monsters with high elemental resistances.
The Realities of Elementless Jewel on HBG: A Closer Look
While the concept of increased damage sounds tempting, the practical application of Elementless Jewel on HBG is far from straightforward. Several factors come into play that can drastically influence its effectiveness.
The Role of Elemental Ammunition
One of the most significant factors to consider is the HBG’s access to powerful elemental ammunition types. Fire, Water, Ice, Thunder, and Dragon shells offer substantial elemental damage and can effectively counter a monster’s weaknesses. This means that even with Elementless Jewel, the HBG might be better served utilizing elemental ammo instead of relying solely on non-elemental options.
Elementless Jewel’s Damage Boost vs. Elemental Ammunition
To illustrate the potential limitations, let’s consider a specific example. A monster might have a high resistance to Fire but be vulnerable to Ice. While Elementless Jewel might boost the damage of Normal Ammo, Ice Shells will likely deal significantly more damage due to the monster’s weakness. This scenario highlights the importance of understanding a monster’s weaknesses and choosing ammunition accordingly.
The Importance of Melodic Support
Another crucial aspect of HBG play is the utilization of its melodies. Hunting Horns excel at providing buffs, such as increased attack, defense, and even elemental resistance. These buffs can be more valuable than a small damage increase from Elementless Jewel, especially when considering the broader team dynamics.
Skill Slot Considerations
Elementless Jewel requires two skill slots, which can be a valuable resource for HBG builds. These slots could be used to acquire other essential skills like Weakness Exploit, Attack Boost, or even additional support skills like Earplugs or Artillery. The decision to invest in Elementless Jewel needs to be weighed against the benefits of these alternative skills.
When Elementless Jewel on HBG Might Be Worth It
Despite its potential drawbacks, there are scenarios where Elementless Jewel on HBG can be a viable option.
Monsters with High Elemental Resistance
When facing monsters with incredibly high resistance to all elements, relying on non-elemental ammunition becomes a more appealing strategy. In these situations, Elementless Jewel can provide a tangible damage boost, particularly when paired with skills like Weakness Exploit and Attack Boost.
Specific HBG Builds
Certain HBG builds might benefit from Elementless Jewel, depending on their focus and the intended playstyle. For example, a build focused on spamming Spread Ammo or utilizing a specialized non-elemental HBG might find Elementless Jewel to be a valuable asset.
Personal Preference and Playstyle
Ultimately, the decision to use Elementless Jewel on HBG comes down to personal preference and playstyle. If a player prefers a non-elemental approach and enjoys maximizing the damage output of standard ammunition types, Elementless Jewel can be a valid choice. However, for those who value the strategic use of elemental shells and the support capabilities of the Hunting Horn, focusing on other skills and builds might be more effective.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act of Skills and Strategies
The question of whether Elementless Jewel works on HBG doesn’t have a definitive yes or no answer. Its effectiveness depends on a complex interplay of factors, including monster weaknesses, ammunition choices, build composition, and personal preferences. While it can potentially increase the damage output of non-elemental ammunition, the value of elemental ammo, melodic support, and other crucial skills needs to be carefully considered. Ultimately, the decision to utilize Elementless Jewel on HBG is a balancing act of maximizing damage output while maintaining strategic flexibility and optimizing the full potential of this multifaceted weapon.
FAQ
1. What is an Elementless Jewel and how does it work?
An Elementless Jewel is a special type of gem that can be slotted into weapons to grant them the ability to use various elements without needing a base element. This allows for greater versatility in combat, enabling you to utilize different elemental attacks based on the situation. The Jewel functions by channeling the user’s energy, allowing them to infuse their attacks with different elements on demand.
However, it’s important to note that the Elementless Jewel does not increase the inherent elemental power of the weapon. It merely grants the ability to use multiple elements, with the effectiveness of each element depending on the user’s skill and the specific elemental attack chosen.
2. Can an Elementless Jewel be used on a Heavy Bowgun (HBG)?
Yes, an Elementless Jewel can be used on an HBG. However, it’s important to understand that the HBG’s inherent nature heavily influences how the Elementless Jewel functions. While the Jewel allows for elemental flexibility, the HBG’s design and ammunition type play a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of elemental attacks.
For example, an HBG that specializes in piercing shots will see greater benefits from utilizing Pierce-based elemental attacks, whereas a HBG focused on spread shots will benefit more from spread-based elemental attacks. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the Elementless Jewel on an HBG depends on the specific weapon and ammunition used.
3. Does the Elementless Jewel increase the HBG’s elemental damage output?
No, the Elementless Jewel does not directly increase the HBG’s elemental damage output. It only allows the weapon to utilize different elements based on the player’s choice. The actual elemental damage inflicted will depend on factors such as the HBG’s base elemental power, the chosen ammunition, and the monster’s elemental weaknesses.
However, by enabling the use of multiple elements, the Elementless Jewel can potentially increase the overall damage output against monsters with varying elemental weaknesses. This allows for more strategic gameplay, enabling players to capitalize on specific weaknesses and maximize their damage potential.
4. What are the best elements to use with an Elementless Jewel on an HBG?
The best elements to use with an Elementless Jewel on an HBG will depend on the specific weapon, ammunition, and the target monster. Some popular choices include:
- Fire: Effective against monsters weak to fire, like Diablos and Rathalos.
- Water: Effective against monsters weak to water, like Anjanath and Barroth.
- Thunder: Effective against monsters weak to thunder, like Tigrex and Nergigante.
- Ice: Effective against monsters weak to ice, like Barioth and Velkhana.
Ultimately, the choice of element should be based on maximizing damage output against the chosen target monster.
5. What are the limitations of using an Elementless Jewel on an HBG?
While the Elementless Jewel offers flexibility, it also has some limitations when used on an HBG. Firstly, the Jewel does not increase the weapon’s base elemental power. This means that the elemental damage output might be lower compared to HBGs with inherent elemental bonuses.
Secondly, the effectiveness of the Elementless Jewel heavily depends on the chosen ammunition. Some ammunition types might be more effective with certain elements, while others might be better suited for non-elemental attacks. Players need to experiment and find the best combination of elements and ammunition for their specific weapon and playstyle.
6. Is it worth using an Elementless Jewel on an HBG?
Whether it’s worth using an Elementless Jewel on an HBG depends on your playstyle and the specific weapon you are using. If you enjoy using different elements and adapting to various monster weaknesses, then the Elementless Jewel can be a valuable asset.
However, if you prefer focusing on non-elemental attacks or using a specialized elemental HBG, the Jewel might not be necessary. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual preferences and the way you choose to play the game.
7. What are some tips for using an Elementless Jewel effectively on an HBG?
Here are some tips for maximizing the effectiveness of an Elementless Jewel on an HBG:
- Choose the right ammunition: Match your elemental attacks with the appropriate ammunition type.
- Learn monster weaknesses: Identify the target monster’s elemental weaknesses and choose the most effective element.
- Utilize status ailments: Some elements, like Poison and Sleep, can be very effective in conjunction with elemental attacks.
- Experiment and find your style: Try different combinations of elements and ammunition to find what works best for you.
By following these tips, you can make the Elementless Jewel a powerful tool in your HBG arsenal.