Monster Hunter Wilds has followed in the footsteps of its predecessors by collaborating with another franchise. Though the series is no stranger to crossovers, the current collaboration in Monster Hunter Wilds has some players in a tizzy. The monster of choice added to the game this time was the robotic Omega Weapon designated Omega Planetes. The fight against this automaton beast is certainly an uphill battle, but like any other monster it is conquerable.

The quest has three versions: the initial investigation, the optional quest, and the event quest. The investigation and the optional quest are functionally the same monster. The difference for the first two comes from the quest timer. Your first encounter with Omega Planetes gives you a standard 50-minute clock to finish the hunt. However, the optional quest after succeeding in the investigation cuts the time down to 35 minutes. Last of all the event quest—called Savage to honor its Final Fantasy roots—keeps the limited timer, increases the robot’s health, damage output, speed, and variety of attacks. The Savage Omega Planetes amps up everything immediately, and can get overwhelming.

Many players have been able to best the standard version of the Omega fight. The Savage version is causing players grief that they are sharing about online. It takes me back to the addition of Behemoth and also Alatreon in Monster Hunter World. It’s clear that the developers have laid out more strict MMORPG tactics for this hunt. While not a necessity, the fight is certainly much more manageable with folks following dedicated roles. Having a tank to hold emnity and prevent arena-wide attacks keeps everyone else safe. Having a support player who keeps an eye on everyone’s buffs and health is crucial. Of course the party rounds out with at least two heavy-hitting DPS players.

The state of online quests is in shambles. Players join without regard to their potential role or the role of others. Some folks have resorted to playing alone and getting assistance from the NPC hunters. So despite the massive amount of players looking for help, it’s not likely that you’ll end up with a coherent party. And to top it off the fight is grueling. Even if you make it to the third phase DPS check, you might not pass, and it’s back to square one. But does all of this make the fight itself bad?

Omega Planetes requires something more than a standard monster hunt: actual team coordination. The average player typically restocks on items and ships out with their favorite weapon and meta-approved armor set without a second thought. Omega Planetes laughs in the face of this. For the first time in a long time, it’s necessary to upgrade and reinforce your armor to withstand the hits a monster deals. It’s also vital that you observe and learn all of the monster’s moves—so you know how to respond to each of them appropriately. Omega Planetes has a knack for throwing full parties into disarray, then capitalizing on the pressure to knock out panicky players. The core focus of Monster Hunter has always been to learn to read your opponents moves and react accordingly. Omega Planetes is no exception. Those who take the time to study, practice, learn and adapt are the folks who will succeed. Using teamwork as well as every trick, trap, and tool you have as a player is not only encouraged but required to succeed. That’s what makes this fight so good.

I’ve suffered my fair share of losses to Savage Omega Planetes. I’m not it’s biggest supporter, but from a critical standpoint its fight is as well designed as any other. With a handful of victories under my belt I’m grateful to never have to tackle it again. Comparatively soloing the standard fight is a walk in the park. What do you think? You can let us know over on the Boss Rush Network’s Discord!

Featured Image: Capcom