How to use Special Skill in Monster Hunter (MH Now)

Monster Hunter Now is a massive departure from the formula that series veterans know and love. That said, the transition to mobile is far better than many expected, offering a simple gameplay loop and decent progression options. If MH Now has any glaring weakness, it would be that it doesn’t explain things very well. After watching gameplay footage, you may be wondering why some Hunters have a fancy Special Skill button and you don’t. If that sounds like you, let me show you how to use the Special Skill in Monster Hunter (MH Now).

How to use Special Skill in Monster Hunter (MH Now)

Image: PC Invasion

MH Now likes using terminology that may sound a little confusing. To unlock a Special Skill, you must Overgrade a weapon to level 2. This is a fancy way of saying you must level up the item up to Grade 2. Here’s how to do it:

Choose your weapon in the equipment screen and level it up five times. At this point, you can Overgrade the weapon to Grade 2, unlocking the Special Skill. Beware that this can take a decent amount of resources, so I recommend taking your time to make sure it’s the weapon you want. A great weapon to use at the start is the Jagras Edge Sword and Shield, as its Water Element is strong against many early-game targets.

Once your Special Skill is unlocked, it will appear at the bottom of the screen whenever you fight large monsters. The ability is on a timer and is different for each weapon type. 

It’s important to remember that obtaining the Special Skill on one weapon doesn’t unlock it for any others, even in the same class. Because of this, it pays to be sparing with your upgrades as they become very costly later. 

When should I use my Special Skill?

Your Special Skill is a powerful ability, but you’re not invincible when you use it. Practice against weaker monsters to see what your Special Skill does, as they can leave you exposed and open to attack. For example, the Sword and Shield’s Perfect Rush Combo is a rapid flurry of attacks, but it’s mobile and can put you in harm’s way if you’re careless.

A safe way to use Special Skills is when a monster falls down, as you can deal a ton of free damage. As you progress through the ranks, clever use of your Special Skill can mean the difference between victory and defeat. If you’re a new player and are wondering how to change weapons, check out our guide, which covers everything you need to know.