How to Sneak Attack in Monster Hunter Wilds

After the tutorial phase is over in Monster Hunter Wilds, fights against large monsters start becoming increasingly difficult. Players will need to not only learn the ins and outs of their chosen weapon but also understand what makes the monsters tick. A key piece of the puzzle for getting a fight started on the right foot is sneak attacks.

Sneak attacks are devastating openers to a fight that can immediately put the monster on the back foot and allow players to quickly build up their weapon-specific resources at the very start of the fight and even inflict Wounds if they’re lucky. Not only that, but performing a successful sneak attack is the only way to obtain the Hunter-Assassin trophy. Here is how they work.

Monster Hunter Wilds Bouncing Attacks Weapons Bounce Off Enemies MH Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds: Weapon Bouncing Explained

If your weapon bounces off of monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds, it might be time to get it back into fighting shape.

How to Sneak Attack in MH Wilds

Players can sneak attack monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds by approaching them while crouched with their weapons sheathed. A prompt will appear when the Hunter is in range—and the monster is unaware—to execute a sneak attack. When the prompt appears, press F (PC), B (Xbox), or Circle (PlayStation) to execute a sneak attack.

When Can You Perform Sneak Attacks in MH Wilds

hunter-assassin trophy for completing a sneak attack on a monster in monster hunter wilds

There are two instances when the Hunter can perform a sneak attack on a monster.

At the Start of a Fight

Sneak attacks can be used to initiate combat with an unaware monster. Take note of the monster’s movement patterns and line of sight before sneaking toward it. Make sure it’s facing away from you when you approach and that you have some sort of cover to hide behind for when it turns its eyes in your direction.

After the Monster Runs Away

After a monster takes a significant amount of damage, it’s very likely that it will run away to a different location. After a monster relocates, it will lose aggro. Now, hunters can approach this monster stealthily, just like at the start of the fight, and re-engage it using a sneak attack.

Following too closely atop a Seikret as the monster is moving away will prevent the monster from becoming unaware.

How to Hide in MH Wilds

A prerequisite to a successful sneak attack is the ability to hide from monsters. There are multiple ways to achieve this.

Hold the crouch key and approach the monster from behind. Doing so reduces the noise you emit while moving and is required for a quiet approach.
Use bushes and tall grass to hide from monster vision. Pressing Crouch inside a bush essentially renders you completely invisible to all monsters nearby. Bushes you can hide in are highlighted with a green glow.
Use a Ghillie Mantle to give yourself partial invisibility for a short duration.