How to Tame and Ride Mounts in Monster Hunter: Wilds

Monster Hunter: Wilds introduces a bold new frontier—not just in landscapes or beasts, but in how you interact with the world itself. One of the most thrilling innovations in this entry is the mount system. No longer are you merely chasing monsters on foot.

Now, you can tame, bond with, and ride majestic creatures to traverse the terrain and engage in hunts with newfound mobility.

But taming a wild mount in the brutal ecosystems of the Wilds isn’t simple. These creatures don’t respond to brute force or casual interaction. They demand respect, skill, and a deep understanding of their behavior.

In this article, we’ll walk you through every aspect of mount taming and riding in Monster Hunter: Wilds—from how to identify tamable beasts to riding them into battle like a seasoned hunter.

What Are Mounts in Monster Hunter: Wilds?

Mounts are tameable creatures found in specific regions of the Wilds. They vary by biome—desert, forest, tundra—and each offers unique abilities. Some are swift sprinters, ideal for fast traversal, while others are tanky beasts that can tank damage during large hunts.

These aren't traditional Palicoes or NPC-controlled companions. They are wild animals that you, the hunter, can bond with, command, and customize for combat and exploration.

Where to Find Tamable Mounts

Not every creature in the Wilds is tameable. However, certain species exhibit behaviors that suggest they can form a bond with hunters. Look for:

• Herd-based creatures that show curiosity instead of aggression.
• Solitary beasts that observe you from a distance rather than attacking.
• Environmental clues—like scratch marks, scent trails, or nests—that reveal mount behavior cycles.

Tameable creatures tend to appear in low-conflict zones of the map. These areas are quieter, with fewer apex predators, allowing mounts to roam more freely. Pay attention to your scoutflies, they’ll often react to the scent of a mount, just like they would a target monster.

Preparing to Tame a Mount

Before you try to tame anything, preparation is crucial. You’ll need the right gear, bait, and a solid plan.

1. Equip a Mount Kit:

You’ll unlock your first Mount Kit during the early-mid stages of the story. It contains binding ropes, calming herbs, and special bait. Always keep one in your inventory.

2. Gather Mount Bait:

Each mount type has different preferences. Desert runners might favor cactus nectar, while forest gliders might prefer fermented mushrooms. Learn their diet by observing them, or by reading the field guide after tracking their trail.

3. Clear the Area:

Other monsters or hostile creatures can interrupt the taming process. Use traps, smoke bombs, or distractions to give yourself uninterrupted time to bond.

How to Tame a Mount Step by Step

Taming is not just a “press X to tame” event. It’s a multi-stage interaction that blends stealth, observation, and timing. Here's the general approach:

1. Approach Slowly:

Mounts spook easily. Use crouch-walking and cover to get close. Avoid loud actions like weapon swapping or sprinting.

2. Throw Bait Near Their Path:

Don’t throw bait directly at the mount. Place it where they’re already heading. Let them discover it naturally to avoid suspicion.

3. Let Them Feed:

Patience is key. When the mount begins eating, a prompt will appear for calming interaction, usually a non-lethal action like a whistle or soothing call. Time it correctly.

4. Initiate the Bonding Mini-Game:

If the creature accepts your presence, a short bonding sequence begins. You’ll need to match rhythms or respond to behavioral cues, similar to rhythm-based mechanics or QTEs. Mistakes will agitate the mount, but success builds trust.

5. Mount and Hold On:

Once bonded, you’ll be prompted to mount the creature. The first ride is often unstable, expect bucking and resistance. Stay balanced using analog stick controls or motion cues (depending on the platform). Once the mount calms, it’s officially yours.

Customizing and Upgrading Your Mount

After taming, mounts can be summoned from your camp or whistle-equipped item wheel. While you can’t ride them in tight areas or caves, they’re perfect for fast travel or long-distance chases.

Mount Customization Options:

• Saddle Gear: Boosts stamina, speed, or defense.
• Command Gestures: Teach mounts specific commands like dodge, sprint, or flank.
• Armor Platelets: Crafted from monster materials, these offer protection for mounted combat scenarios.

Customization is handled via the Stablemaster, an NPC located in major camps. Over time, your bond with a mount grows stronger, unlocking new abilities and allowing more precise commands during hunts.

Combat While Mounted

Mounts aren't just for getting around. In Monster Hunter: Wilds, mounted combat adds another layer to the fight.

• Ride-By Attacks: Use light weapons (like sword and shield or dual blades) while riding. You can slash as you pass monsters.
• Dismount Slams: Leap off your mount to deliver devastating plunging attacks.
• Trample Attacks: Some mounts can ram or trample small monsters when commanded, making crowd control easier.

That said, mounts have stamina and can take damage. If overused or wounded too often, they’ll retreat and refuse to engage until healed or rested.

Mount Bond Levels and Affinity

Mounts have a hidden Affinity meter. This is affected by how well you treat them, how often they succeed in tasks, and whether you ride them into dangerous situations unnecessarily.

High Affinity unlocks:

• New tricks or traversal options (e.g., wall running, water skipping).
• Advanced commands.
• A loyalty perk where the mount may protect you from a finishing blow.

Low Affinity, on the other hand, might result in disobedience or them fleeing mid-battle.

Tips for Mastering Mount Mechanics

Use Environmental Interactions: Mounts can sense hidden paths or danger zones. Trust their instincts.

Stay in Practice: Like any skill, mount control gets easier the more you use it. Don’t stash them just because you’re hunting solo.

Experiment: Not all mounts are best for every biome. Some glide better in open spaces; others excel in tight, rocky climbs.

Taming and riding mounts in Monster Hunter: Wilds isn’t just a flashy gimmick; it’s an integrated system that rewards patience, observation, and respect for the ecosystem.

The Wilds are dangerous, yes, but they also offer allies in the form of these loyal creatures. If you take the time to understand them, they can transform your experience, making you not just a hunter but a true master of the wild.

So the next time you find yourself staring across a windswept plateau at a beast grazing peacefully, don’t reach for your weapon. Reach for your bait. And begin a partnership that could turn the tide of your next great hunt.