A problem that a lot of players, both beginners and veterans, face in Monster Hunter Wilds is understanding the vague terminology being used in the game for Skill descriptions. While the in-game menus do detail what a skill does, the wording is often confusing, as unfamiliar terms are used to describe the effects, and there is a general lack of transparency that forces players to either go in blind or do extensive testing of their own.
The Flinch Free Skill is one such example. The skill description states it prevents knockbacks and tripping, but what knockbacks or tripping are is not explained. Here is how it works.
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Monster Hunter Wilds: Weapon Tier List
Make sure you’re using the best weapon for your Monster Hunter Wilds hunts.
What Does the Flinch Free Skill Do in Monster Hunter Wilds
The Flinch Free Skill has the following description:
Prevents knockbacks and other reactions to small damage.
There are three levels to Flinch Free, each making the hunter a little less prone to being interrupted.
- Level 1: Prevents knockbacks.
- Level 2: Prevents knockbacks. Tripping is reduced to a knockback instead.
- Level 3: Prevents knockbacks and tripping.
Flinch Free interacts with two Monster Hunter Wilds mechanics: Knockbacks and Tripping. Due to the phrasing of these effects, players may be confused about what the difference between the two is.
Flinch Free does not work to prevent interruptions from other players in online play. Only the Shock Absorber Skill (Shockproof Jewel I) can achieve this effect.
What is Knockback
Knockback, or Flinching, is when a player receives a small amount of damage that results in them being pushed back a small amount. A knockback will only push you back; it won’t force you to the ground.
What is Tripping
Tripping is when a player receives a small to medium amount of damage that pushes them down to the ground until they have to get back up. At level 2 Flinch Free, this means an attack that would trip a player normally will now only knock them back instead.
Tripping is different from Heavy Knockback/Sliding Knockback, where you are sent flying after a major hit from a monster. The Flinch Free Skill Level 3 does not prevent this from happening.
Is Flinch Free Worth Using in Monster Hunter Wilds
Flinch Free is a really useful skill for beginner hunters who are not too familiar with how the Monster Hunter franchise works. However, it is a double-edged sword as using it consistently means players get in the bad habit of ignoring most monster attacks in favor of dealing DPS. Learning how a monster moves, memorizing its tells when it is about to launch an attack, and figuring out the proper response to that is what the game is all about.
Flinch Free removes a lot of that, which can be good in the short term, but bad in the long term, since players using it will become more efficient in their hunts as the interruptions during the fights become less frequent. But once they reach Endgame and monster attacks become so powerful that the Flinch Free skill cannot protect them, it becomes that much harder to learn the attack patterns.
Weapons that can Guard have the least need of Flinch Free skill, as Perfect Guarding nullifies all forms of knockback entirely.
How to Get Flinch Free in Monster Hunter Wilds
Flinch Free is an equipment skill that can be equipped at various levels using the following gear.
- Released
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February 28, 2025
- OpenCritic Rating
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Mighty