Using an Insect Glaive in Monster Hunter Wilds involves more than just waving a pointy stick around. Good IG users also know how to use their Kinsects effectively, and in order to truly get the most out of this weapon type, you'll need the right Kinsect to pair with your glaive.
Kinsects are very easy to overlook, but using a good one is critical to any Insect Glaive build in MH Wilds. If you don't know which Kinsect you should be using, here's a guide to help you find which one is the best for you.
What to Look For in a Kinsect in MH Wilds
This guide will go over the things that players should consider when choosing a Kinsect. If you're looking for a quick answer, go with the Arkmaiden or Ladypavise from the Mauldrone tree.
Kinsects are generally divided into either Blunt or Severing types. The former can knock monsters out (much like how a Hammer would), while the latter can cut tails and other monster parts by dealing Slashing damage. Blunt Kinsects are generally preferred since the Insect Glaive itself can cut monster parts fairly easily. As such, we recommend starting with the Mauldrone.
Powder Type
Next, you'll want to consider what powder and bonuses your Kinsect has. For example, the default Mauldrone can discharge Recovery powder that will heal players. Other Kinsects discharge either Poison or Blast powders, which will affect monsters instead. This one is up to personal preference, but if you want to deal as much damage as possible, choose a Blast Powder Kinsect.
Kinsect Bonuses
If you want a general-use Kinsect, we recommend going for one with a Kinsect Boost: Harvest Extract. This allows your Kinsect to carry three Essence buffs at a time, potentially powering up your glaive in one fell swoop. Kinsect Boost: Fast Charge also makes your charged Kinsect attacks charge up more quickly, making them more efficient to use in combat.
The Arkmaiden Kinsect from the Mauldrone tree is arguably the best Kinsect in the game. It can stun monsters, deal damage with Blast powder and charged attacks, and it's fairly speedy to boot. Alternatively, you can go with the Ladypavise (also in the Mauldrone tree) if you want to paralyze monsters.
Speed, Power, or Stamina?
In previous games, going for a Kinsect with the highest Speed stat was the go-to choice. Now, since players can use Focus Mode to gather Essences, Kinsects with high Power and Stamina stats have become more viable.
- Power determines the damage dealt by any of your Kinsects attacks. The higher, the better.
- Stamina dictates how long your Kinsect can fight on its own.
- Speed determines how fast your Kinsect can fly out and return to you.
There right answer here depends on your playstyle. If you prefer the classic way of using the Insect Glaive, then a Kinsect with high Speed is the way to go. If you like having your Kinsect deal damage and leave powder clouds around, then go with one that has high Stamina.
Monster Hunter Wilds
- Released
- February 28, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Violence, Blood, Crude Humor
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Publisher(s)
- Capcom
- Engine
- RE Engine
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- Yes, all platforms
- Cross Save
- No
- Franchise
- Monster Hunter
- Number of Players
- 1
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- PC Release Date
- February 28, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- February 28, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- February 28, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
