Exhaust is a Status Ailment in Monster Hunter Wilds that tires the monster and slows it down, and makes it weak to attack. Its one of those mechanics that expert hunters swear by, but new players might not fully understand at first. Unlike Fire or Ice, Exhaust is more subtle—but when used right, it can cripple a monster, leaving them sluggish and vulnerable.
Exhaust isn’t only about knocking monsters silly; it’s a source for stamina control. Tired monsters attack less, move slower, and even drop their guard, giving you good openings to land big hits. Here’s how Exhaust works, what weapons and attacks apply it, and why you should consider adding it to your hunting game in Monster Hunter Wilds.
What is Exhaust in Monster Hunter Wilds?
Exhaust in MH Wilds reduces a monster’s stamina, making them slow and prone to miss attacks. Unlike elemental damage which directly chips away at a monster’s health, Exhaust wears them down over time. Exhaust effects last for a short period before dinosaurs turn back to normal. The staggered monsters have an icon on them that indicates this status.
When enough Exhaust damage builds up:
- The monster loses stamina, causing slower movements and weaker attacks.
- They might stagger with a special animation, showing they’re fatigued.
- Some monsters drool or pant, indicating they’re running out of energy.
- If they get exhausted mid-attack, they can collapse or trip, leaving them wide open.
However, Exhaust doesn’t work the same way on every monster. Some creatures burn through stamina faster than others, and certain fights (like Elder Dragons) might not show fatigue as noticeably. But for stamina-dependent enemies, it’s a good one.
How Do You Inflict Exhaust?
There are a few ways to apply Exhaust in Monster Hunter Wilds, depending on your weapon choice and playstyle. Weapons that deal Blunt Damage naturally inflict Exhaust:
- Hammer – Repeated hammer strikes to the head build up KO damage and drain stamina fast.
- Hunting Horn – Like the hammer, but with extra buffs. Good Exhaust buildup, especially with repeated hits.
- Blunt Attacks from Other Weapons – Some weapons, like the Sword and Shield, Charge Blade, and Insect Glaive, have specific attacks that count as blunt damage, like shield bashes or aerial smacks.
With Switch Axe, Exhaust Phials let you apply Exhaust damage even with cutting attacks, means you get stamina drain without having to rely on blunt hits. Both Light Bowguns (LBG) and Heavy Bowguns (HBG) can use Exhaust Ammo, which applies Exhaust damage at range. This is especially useful for ranged hunters to tire and slow down aggressive monsters without getting close.
Further, Bows can equip Exhaust Coating, which applies Exhaust with every shot. While not as strong as melee blunt damage, it’s still a great way to sap a monster’s stamina from a distance.
Why Should You Use Exhaust?
Exhaust is often overlooked because it doesn’t deal direct damage. But its benefits in battle are where its value shines through. When a monster is exhausted, it moves slower and attacks less often. That gives you more time to dodge-and-weave and set up a counterattack. And if you can catch them off-balance, they might stagger or trip, and then you’ve got them right where you want them. That’s especially true for the tough, high-level monsters like Tigrex or Nargacuga.
A blunt weapon to the head, landing Exhaust-inflicting hits, can not only knock out the monster but also drain its stamina. That makes a Hammer or Hunting Horn an incredibly strong weapon to use. Exhausted monsters are less likely to flee to another area since they lack the stamina to run. It will keep the fight contained, saving you time.
Though not as flashy as raw damage or elemental builds, Exhaust is one of the most underrated mechanics in Monster Hunter Wilds. A tired monster is a vulnerable creature to attack, and whether you’re using a hammer to keep them sluggish or a bowgun to apply ranged stamina drain, Exhaust can completely change the flow of a hunt.
