Small Monster Bones are an essential crafting component in many monster-hunting games, often required for upgrading early-game weapons, armor, and crafting various items. Obtaining them efficiently can significantly accelerate your progression and equip you for tougher challenges. This guide will delve into the most effective methods for acquiring Small Monster Bones, focusing on strategies, target monsters, and optimal farming locations.
Understanding Small Monster Bones And Their Importance
Small Monster Bones are generally acquired by defeating smaller, less threatening monsters. These bones serve as a stepping stone, allowing players to upgrade their initial gear and create consumables that aid in hunts against larger, more dangerous creatures. They are not usually obtained from carving large monsters, making them a distinct resource category.
They are frequently used in the creation of entry-level weapons, providing increased attack power or elemental affinities. Armor crafted with Small Monster Bones offers enhanced defense and often includes beneficial skills. Beyond gear, they’re incorporated into crafting crucial items like traps, potions, and ammunition, providing strategic advantages during hunts. Ignoring the importance of amassing a supply of Small Monster Bones can severely hamper early-game progression.
Targeting The Right Monsters For Efficient Farming
The key to efficiently farming Small Monster Bones lies in identifying and targeting the monsters that have the highest drop rates. Different games will feature varying monster rosters, but some archetypes consistently offer Small Monster Bones.
Common Monster Types That Drop Small Monster Bones
Bird Wyverns, such as Jagras, Velociprey, and similar raptor-like creatures, are frequently reliable sources. These monsters are often relatively weak and appear in large numbers, making them ideal targets for quick farming sessions. They usually inhabit early-game areas and are easily dispatched with basic weaponry.
Herbivores, such as Aptonoth, Kelbi, and other docile creatures, occasionally drop Small Monster Bones, especially when hunted rather than captured. While less common than Bird Wyverns, hunting these can supplement your bone supply, especially if you need other resources they provide, such as meat or hides.
Small Insects, like Hornetaur or Vespoid, can drop Small Monster Bones, although this is often a rarer occurrence. These insects are often found in specific areas and can be challenging to hit due to their erratic movements. Prioritizing other monster types is generally more efficient.
Identifying Specific Monster Drop Rates
Consulting online resources, such as wikis and community forums, is crucial for identifying the exact drop rates of Small Monster Bones from different monsters in a specific game. Understanding the probabilities will allow you to optimize your farming strategy by focusing on the most rewarding targets.
These resources also often provide information on the best methods for increasing drop rates, such as utilizing specific skills or consumables that boost item acquisition.
Optimal Farming Locations And Strategies
Beyond identifying the right monsters, selecting the best locations and employing effective farming strategies is crucial for maximizing your yield of Small Monster Bones.
Choosing The Right Hunting Grounds
Focus on areas that feature a high density of your target monsters. Early-game zones are generally the most fruitful, as they are specifically designed to contain weaker creatures. Explore different areas within these zones to identify hotspots where monsters frequently spawn.
Consider environmental factors, such as time of day or weather conditions, that might influence monster spawns. Some monsters might be more prevalent during specific times or in certain weather, impacting your farming efficiency.
Effective Combat Strategies For Quick Kills
Employ weapon types and combat styles that allow for quick and efficient monster elimination. Fast-attacking weapons, such as dual blades or swords, are often ideal for dispatching smaller monsters quickly.
Utilize traps and environmental hazards to your advantage. Trapping monsters can immobilize them, allowing for concentrated attacks. Exploit environmental features like falling rocks or explosive barrels to deal significant damage.
Consider using poison or paralysis weapons, as these status effects can significantly reduce the monster’s ability to fight back, speeding up the farming process.
Maximizing Item Acquisition
Certain skills and consumables can boost your chances of obtaining Small Monster Bones. Look for skills that increase item drop rates or reward additional materials upon monster defeat.
Consume items like Lucky Vouchers or similar boosts that enhance item acquisition. These temporary buffs can significantly improve your yield of Small Monster Bones, making them a worthwhile investment for extended farming sessions.
Consider capturing monsters instead of killing them, as capturing often yields different rewards that may include Small Monster Bones. However, verify if capturing increases the drop rate for your target monster.
Questing And Expeditions For Small Monster Bones
While directly farming specific monsters is a primary method, quests and expeditions can offer alternative pathways to acquiring Small Monster Bones.
Undertaking Relevant Quests
Undertake quests that specifically require you to hunt or gather materials from monsters known to drop Small Monster Bones. These quests often provide bonus rewards, increasing your overall yield.
Consider repeating quests that are relatively easy and quick to complete. Efficiently completing these quests repeatedly can be a reliable source of Small Monster Bones, especially if they offer bonus materials.
Exploring Expeditions For Resources
Embark on expeditions to areas teeming with target monsters. Expeditions allow you to freely explore and hunt monsters without time constraints, offering ample opportunities to gather resources.
Collect bonepiles and gather points during expeditions, as these can occasionally yield Small Monster Bones. Even if the drop rate is low, collecting these resources can supplement your bone supply.
Use expeditions as an opportunity to explore different areas and identify new monster spawn locations. This knowledge can be invaluable for future farming sessions.
Trading And Other Acquisition Methods
In some games, alternative methods beyond direct hunting exist for obtaining Small Monster Bones.
Trading With NPCs Or Other Players
Certain NPCs may offer trades where you can exchange other materials for Small Monster Bones. Evaluate the exchange rates to determine if this is a cost-effective method.
If the game allows it, consider trading with other players. This can be a quick way to acquire a large quantity of Small Monster Bones, especially if you have excess materials that other players need.
Utilizing Palico Or Companion Abilities
Your Palico or other AI companions may have abilities that can assist in resource gathering. Some abilities may increase the chance of finding Small Monster Bones or provide additional rewards after hunts.
Equip your Palico with gear that enhances their gathering abilities. This can improve their efficiency in collecting Small Monster Bones and other resources during hunts.
Optimizing Your Farming Setup
A well-optimized setup can significantly improve your farming efficiency and overall yield of Small Monster Bones.
Gear And Skills Optimization
Prioritize gear that boosts item drop rates or provides additional rewards after hunts. These skills can significantly increase your yield of Small Monster Bones, making them a worthwhile investment for extended farming sessions.
Utilize charms and decorations to further enhance your item acquisition skills. These can provide additional boosts to drop rates or other beneficial effects.
Consider using armor sets that offer skills related to gathering or resource acquisition. These sets can provide a comprehensive boost to your farming efficiency.
Inventory Management
Maintain an organized inventory to maximize the amount of Small Monster Bones you can carry. Regularly sell or store excess materials to free up space.
Utilize the game’s storage system to store large quantities of Small Monster Bones. This will allow you to accumulate a substantial supply for future crafting needs.
Persistence And Patience
Farming for Small Monster Bones can sometimes be tedious, requiring persistence and patience. Don’t get discouraged by low drop rates; continue hunting consistently, and you will eventually accumulate a substantial supply. Remember to take breaks to avoid burnout.
By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can efficiently acquire Small Monster Bones and accelerate your progression. Remember to adapt your approach based on the specific game you are playing and continuously refine your farming techniques for optimal results.
Where Can I Reliably Find Small Monster Bones Early In The Game?
Small Monster Bones are most commonly found by hunting Jagras and Kestodon in the Ancient Forest. Focusing on these monsters early on is the best way to accumulate the necessary bones for crafting and upgrading your gear. Remember to carve the monsters after defeating them for a guaranteed chance at obtaining the bones.
In addition to hunting, keep an eye out for bonepile gathering spots in the Ancient Forest. These spots are often marked on your map and can yield a variety of bone materials, including Small Monster Bones. Gathering from bonepiles provides an alternative source if you’re short on time or simply want a break from monster hunting.
What Impact Does My Hunter Rank Have On Finding Small Monster Bones?
Your Hunter Rank (HR) doesn’t directly influence the drop rate of Small Monster Bones themselves. However, as you progress and your HR increases, you unlock access to new monsters and regions. While you might be tempted to focus on higher-ranked monsters, remember that Small Monster Bones are primarily dropped by low-rank creatures.
Therefore, while your HR doesn’t directly increase the chance of finding them, it can indirectly impact your efficiency. Higher HR allows you to equip stronger gear, enabling you to hunt low-rank monsters like Jagras and Kestodon more quickly and efficiently, thus gathering more Small Monster Bones in a shorter amount of time.
Is There A Specific Weapon Or Armor Skill That Increases My Chances Of Finding Small Monster Bones?
No, there is no specific weapon type or armor skill that directly increases the drop rate of Small Monster Bones. The drop rate is inherent to the monster and affected by luck modifiers. Focus on using a weapon you are comfortable with to quickly and efficiently defeat the monsters that drop them.
While there isn’t a specific skill for Small Monster Bones, skills that increase overall luck, such as “Good Luck” or “Great Luck”, can slightly improve your chances of obtaining more rewards from hunts, potentially increasing the number of Small Monster Bones you receive per hunt. However, the effect is generally minimal compared to simply hunting more monsters.
Can I Meld Small Monster Bones At The Elder Melder?
In the initial game, Small Monster Bones are not typically meldable at the Elder Melder. The melder focuses on providing more efficient ways to obtain rarer materials later in the game. Early-game materials like Small Monster Bones are meant to be obtained through hunting and gathering.
However, depending on specific game updates or expansions, this might change. Always check the Elder Melder’s options after major updates to see if the recipe has been added. If it becomes available, it could offer a more convenient alternative to hunting low-rank monsters, especially later in the game.
What Is The Fastest Way To Farm Small Monster Bones?
The fastest way to farm Small Monster Bones is to repeatedly hunt Jagras and Kestodon in the Ancient Forest. These monsters are relatively easy to defeat and have a high chance of dropping the desired bones. Consider creating a dedicated armor set for hunting low-rank monsters to speed up the process.
Equipping gear that prioritizes damage and allows you to quickly dispatch these monsters is key. Also, utilize the game’s fast travel system to minimize travel time between Jagras/Kestodon spawn points. By combining efficient hunting strategies with optimized gear, you can maximize your bone farming rate.
Are There Any Quests That Offer Small Monster Bones As A Reward?
Yes, certain early-game quests, especially those focused on hunting or gathering in the Ancient Forest, often offer Small Monster Bones as a reward. Check the quest details before accepting them to see if they include these bones in the reward pool. These quests can provide a good initial supply of bones.
Furthermore, investigation quests targeting Jagras or Kestodon may also offer Small Monster Bones as part of the reward pool. Investigations often provide bonus rewards, so prioritizing these quests can be a more efficient way to farm bones compared to simply undertaking assigned quests.
Can I Use Small Monster Bones For Anything Besides Crafting Weapons And Armor?
While Small Monster Bones are primarily used for crafting weapons and armor, they might also be required for certain item crafting recipes, such as traps or consumable items. Check the crafting list at the Smithy to see if any items you need require Small Monster Bones as an ingredient.
Additionally, depending on the game version and any available DLC, Small Monster Bones may be required for certain resource requests or deliveries to the Resource Center. Fulfilling these requests can unlock new features or items, so it’s worth checking the Resource Center regularly.