Returning To IG After Weapon Swapping: A Hunter's Dilemma

Hey guys! So, I've been on a bit of a weapon-swapping spree in my favorite monster-hunting game. I've been trying out different weapons, experiencing all the cool movesets, and getting a feel for how they all work. But now, I'm trying to return to my main, my beloved Insect Glaive (IG), and... well, it's not going as smoothly as I'd hoped. Anyone else ever feel this way? It's like your brain and muscle memory have to completely rewire themselves. It's tough, but it's also a fun challenge! It's kind of like that feeling when you first started playing IG and you were getting used to all of the aerial maneuvers and the kinsect management. This time around, the issue is that I'm used to the slower, more deliberate playstyles of weapons like the Greatsword or the heavy-hitting charge attacks of the Hammer. Switching back to the fast-paced, aerial dance of the IG feels like a whole new learning curve. I'm sure some of you can relate, right? Let's dive into some of the struggles, the adjustments, and how we can get back to those smooth IG hunts!

I think the core issue here is muscle memory. When you spend a lot of time with a weapon, your brain builds these neural pathways that control how you react in combat. Those are essentially the moves you've practiced over and over until they're ingrained. The timing for dodges, the combos, the way you position yourself – it all becomes second nature. Switching weapons means breaking down those pathways and building new ones, and that's not always easy or quick. For instance, when I was using the Greatsword, I got used to waiting for the perfect opening, the one big hit to maximize my damage. Now, with the IG, it's all about constant movement, the small hits, and staying airborne. I find myself hesitating, waiting for openings that never come, and then getting punished for it. It's a humbling experience, to say the least! Furthermore, different weapons have different ranges and attack speeds. Greatswords and Hammer have a limited range and slower attack speeds, which leads you to be close to the monster and make sure every hit lands to make it worth it. On the other hand, the IG has great range and attack speed. You get used to it after a while, so when you switch from other weapons, you will definitely struggle. It really is a big deal to switch weapons and feel like you have to relearn the whole game. I'm slowly but surely getting back into the swing of things, though. I've been focusing on getting my aerial attacks down again, practicing my kinsect management, and remembering how to chain those combos together. It's a fun process, though, even with the frustrations. It reminds you how much you love the IG when you finally get that perfect hunt and feel that freedom of the battlefield!

The Struggles of Re-Adapting to the Insect Glaive

Alright, so let's get into the nitty-gritty of what makes returning to the IG so challenging. When you've been playing other weapons, there's a bunch of things that throw you off when you switch back. First off, positioning is huge. With the IG, you're constantly moving, weaving in and out, and staying in the air. The other weapons I've been using, you are always on the ground, always in the same place. Then you get used to the movement style, and you may find yourself getting hit a lot more than you used to. It's a really different way to play the game, and when you are used to the other weapons, it really messes with you. Getting used to it takes time and getting hit a lot! In contrast, when you are using the Greatsword, you're more grounded, waiting for those perfect openings, and your positioning is very different. This is the first thing you need to focus on when you switch back to IG!

Then there's the whole kinsect thing. Managing your kinsect, getting the right extracts, and keeping it active is a constant balancing act. If you have been playing with other weapons for a while, you may have forgotten about it! It's not as simple as just hitting the monster; there is a lot more nuance to it than that. With other weapons, you don't have this extra layer of complexity. You don't have to worry about buffs, extract colors, or any of that jazz. Going back to it takes some effort to remember all the intricacies.

And let's not forget the combos. The IG is all about chaining together those fluid, aerial attacks. You gotta remember the timing, the button presses, and how to transition between them smoothly. When you've been using a simpler weapon, like the Sword and Shield, that has fewer combos, it takes a bit of time to get back into the rhythm of the IG. It’s like learning a whole new dance again. It’s a lot of fun, though! Once you get back into the groove, the IG's combos feel so satisfying.

Overcoming the Learning Curve

Okay, so we've identified the struggles. Now, how do we overcome them and get back to enjoying the IG? First and foremost, patience is key. Don't get discouraged if you're not instantly back to your old form. It takes time to rebuild that muscle memory and get comfortable again. Maybe start with some low-rank hunts to get your feet wet. It helps to ease back into the gameplay, to not get stressed, and to build that muscle memory!

Practice is also super important. Spend some time in the training area practicing your combos and getting your kinsect timings down. Then, move on to some hunts against easier monsters to build up your confidence. I've found that just replaying some of the quests I know well helps me get used to everything again. The training area is also a great place to test out different builds and playstyles, so that you know what works best for you and your preferences.

Focus on the fundamentals. Make sure you are gathering extracts properly and keeping your kinsect active. Focus on landing your aerial attacks and chaining your combos. When I first returned, I was getting distracted by the flashy moves and trying to do too much. Remembering the core of the weapon is the best way to get back into it. Don't worry about trying to be a speedrunner or doing crazy things right away. Focus on the basics, and the more advanced techniques will come back naturally.

Adapt to the monster. The IG is a versatile weapon, so you have to be ready to change your approach depending on the monster you are fighting. Some monsters are easier to fight in the air, while others require more ground-based attacks. The best way to know is to try different techniques and see what works best! Watch for openings, learn the monster's attack patterns, and adjust your strategy accordingly. The IG allows for such freedom and creativity! Keep that in mind, and you will have fun experimenting.

The Joy of the Insect Glaive

Returning to the Insect Glaive after playing other weapons isn't always easy, but it’s so rewarding. When you finally get back into it, the freedom of movement, the aerial attacks, and the overall style are unlike any other weapon in the game. It is something special that you can feel as you play. There's just something incredibly satisfying about dancing through the air, dodging monster attacks, and raining down damage from above. I'd forgotten how much I loved the feeling of launching myself into the air and controlling the battlefield. Being able to easily reposition, evade attacks, and mount monsters is just amazing. If you love this weapon, you will never get bored. This is what makes the IG so unique and fun.

There's a sense of flow and fluidity that's just unmatched by other weapons. It's like you are a part of the battlefield, not just a participant. The kinsect adds another layer of depth and strategy, and it’s super fun to manage. When you get a good hunt, and everything clicks, it's an incredible feeling. That feeling is the reason that we all play these games. It's what keeps me coming back to the IG. You just need to re-learn, re-adapt, and remember how much you love it.

Embracing the Journey Back

So, if you're like me and struggling to return to your favorite weapon after a little weapon-swapping adventure, don't worry! It's a natural part of the process, and it’s a fun experience. Embrace the challenge, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the journey back to your old IG glory. And who knows? Maybe you'll discover some new techniques or build ideas along the way. That's part of the fun of playing any game. The Insect Glaive is an amazing weapon, and it’s worth the effort to master it. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep having fun! Happy hunting, everyone!