-Monster Rancher DS FAQ/Walkthrough-
|Written By: Michelle L. Meyer                          |
|E-mail: stormdragon7777@msn.com                        |
|Guide Version 3.5 (September 24, 10)                   |
Version Changes-
Version 1.5:
Added more info to nearly all sections of the Guide.
Corrected some errors. Put names in Credits;
included their info. Created How to Unlock section.
Version 2.0:
Fixed errors. Finished Walkthrough.
Added more info again; started on Item List.
Version 2.5:
Finished Errantry (Obtainable Items). Added
Other Battles section, more info.
Version 3.0:
Organized IX. Item List and fixed an error.
Added B-1 Grand Prix.
Version 3.5:
Corrected a spelling error. Edited
and added to the VII. Monster Creating List.
Added to VI. Breeding and Battle Talents and
info for Henger.
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Table of Contents:
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I. Introduction
II. The New (and Some of the Old)
A. Creating Monsters
B. Combining
C. Drills
D. Errantry
E. Anything Else I Should Know About?
III. The Basics
A. Hints and Tips
B. Battle Tech. Symbols
IV. Walkthrough
A. First Steps to Ranching
B. The Prime of Your Life
C. The Official S Class Cup
D. The Four Heavenly Kings
V. Other Battles
A. Rising Dragon
B. B-1 Grand Prix
C. Icicle Battle
D. Battle Royal
VI. Breeding and Battle Talents
VII. Monster Creating List
A. Magic Field
B. Magic Spell
VIII. How to Unlock
IX. Item List
X. FAQ
XI. Credits
XII. The Legal Stuff
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I. Introduction
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Welcome fellow Monster Ranchers to my little guide! Currently it's
completed, although I may add more (namely the Creating List).
There are spoilers, though I can't really call it that; hint: this
game doesn't have much in storyline, but that's usually how the MR
games are. Instead it's about the gameplay- a little bit dated given
how unchanged the majority of it is and tedious at times, but still
good never the less.
Feel free to contact me (my email is up there) if you have questions,
suggestions, spot any errors, etc. Any info you can give for this guide
is much appreciated, and I'll add you to the credits section (just
tell me the name to write).
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II. The New (and Some of the Old)
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A. Creating Monsters:
There are now three new methods of making monsters,
the only one same method is by the Encyclopedia.
I should warn you that these new methods are very picky- even
drawing the same object in a different angle or area will result
in a different monster.
1. Magic Field: Draw anything you want in the field.
2. Incantation: Say a word or even make a sound.
3. Magic Spell: Write down words. Note that I
unlocked this after beating the Rising Dragon Cup. I'm not
certain if this can happen just by getting any of the locked
Monsters.
WARNING: From what I've been hearing, the Magic Spell has a nasty
glitch if you use it too frequently at once, causing game crashes and
errors. Make sure you save before using this method, just to be on the
safe side.
B. Combining:
No longer are combinations based on chance. You basically choose what
you want, however be aware that only the main types of the monster can
be either main or sub-types, while sub-types are only allowed for the
sub slot.
For example, if you take a Tiger/Lesione and combine it with a
Suezo/Tiger, you cannot make a Lesione main type.
When you do pick the species, the top screen shows the resulting
stats (Lifespan, Stat Ratings, Guts Recovery, Movement, etc.).
Ratings are like those for the Techs, except you may notice an X.
X is worse than the Triangle.
Inherited Techs and Talents are random.
1. How to Make Unique Monsters
First you need to make an -ish Monster. You've probably seen one
in some of the battles: completely light blue, with no other
features. In order to make one, you need to combine one main-type
with a specific sub-type. The sub-type depends on the main-type.
For example, combining and choosing a Mocchi main-type and abyss
sub will make a Mocchi-ish. Or a Ducken main and a Tiger sub
will make a Ducken-ish.
Next, take the -ish Monster and combine it with the main-type
species you want. So let's say you want a unique Ducken. Use
the -ish Monster's sub for the sub slot, and the Ducken for
the main-type slot. Congrats, you just made a unique Ducken,
Duck Fever!
*Note: The -ish Monster does not have to be the same type
as the other one used in combining for uniques.
C. Drills:
Just like the previous games, it costs 2000 for drills (except for sale
dates, then its 1000), it lasts a month, and it's how you mainly learn
techs. But now when you go to train, you use a board game. Basically
you roll a die and land on one of these spots:
1. Parameters Up: Your stats increase; indicated by the blue guy
symbol-thing.
2. Parameters Down: Stats go down; same as above, except with an X over
it. On the bright side, your stats decrease by only a fraction compared
to increases.
3. Rolls Up: # of rolls increases by 2; look for the green die.
4. Rolls Down: # of rolls down by 1; green die with an X.
5. Monster Encounter: You encounter a wild monster and (what else) beat
the crud out of it. How difficult the wild Monster is, is based on your
Monster's rank. If you win, you gain stats but if you lose, it
goes down (or you lose a roll).
6. The ?: Named obviously after the symbol; you'll either lose or
gain stats or rolls or fight a wild monster.
As you can guess, you can get tons of points if you're lucky,
or get squat if not so lucky.
Note: Press the start button during the Parameter scenes to skip them.
Note #2: The older your Monster is, the more number of
rolls you get.
Note #3: Each area is unlocked after reaching a higher Breeder Rank.
After getting Rank S, all areas are now available to all of your Monsters.
How to get the best out of Drills:
Rolls Up and Parameters Up are the ones to go for. Monster encounters
are not worth it, unless you're trying to avoid Rolls Down and
Parameters Down, or you picked the Wild Monster to get the bounty
beforehand. Also, pay attention to the different paths: see how many
numbers are left on the count to decide which path would have you land
on the best spot. Tap the direction button that you want to go twice
to move.
Do Drills at the prime of a Monster's life, which starts around 9-12
months. Your gains are much higher around this time.
One more thing to note: try not to overdue it with the Drills. Your
monster will be exhausted or tired and might get stressed out, as Cleo
will tell you. Try to use Drills once between two to three months at
most, to avoid hurting lifespan (albeit the effect is small).
D. Errantry
Errantry is how you get all sorts of items, some of which you cannot
get anywhere else in the game. The previous Monster Rancher games
had you focusing on Life and Intelligence (and to a lesser degree,
Power) to do well in Errantry. Here Life plays the most important
part, with Power being the second.
In Errantry, your Monster will be shown at the top exploring the
field with a Life bar above, while the bottom shows it's icon and
a map of the area. Bring out your stylus and tap where you want
them to go, or you can use the control pad and press A instead.
If your Monster listens, a lightbulb will appear above their head
and they will run to where you clicked (Or close enough). You'll
probably need to click multiple times for them to listen.
When you see a blue crystal, click on it to receive an item. If you
come across a red crystal, you'll fight a wild Monster or get an item.
Yellow crystals are what you need for unlocking new Monsters.
Be aware that fighting Wild Monsters, clicking on crystals,
trying to open up new paths, searching for items, and moving all
drain Life. Do your best to conserve health so you can unlock the
Monster in the area first.
*The house symbol is the entrance. Click on this and lead
your Monster to the edge of that path, and Cleo will ask
you if you want to go back to the Ranch.
*Press start to pause.
Note: Each Errantry area is unlocked, indicated by the Rank beside
Danger. This refers to your Breeder Rank NOT the Monster Rank, so
once you hit Rank S, it is always available.
Note #2: Some of the Errantries have paths to open, which means you
need Power. Getting above 600 or 700 for the tougher Errantry areas
should work.
Obtainable Combining Items:
1. Murmouge Coast: Beaclon
Wait until Summer to do this Errantry. Head to the beach on
your left- a yellow crystal is there near the water. A Beaclon
shows up to challenge you to arm wrestling. Make sure you have
high Power (400 should work). Winning gets you the Pupa item.
2. Kalaragi Jungle: Zan
Head southeast of your starting position until you reach the broken
tree. A yellow crystal will appear; if you have enough Power,
you'll break the tree (or with multiple tries). Follow this opened
path and click on another crystal. Cleo will ask if you saw
something, say yes. Continue on and break another fallen tree.
Take the route on your left and head directly north until you find
another yellow crystal. Cleo will whine, say no to her question.
Go to the fallen tree closest to you and destroy it. Another
crystal appears as you come through- this time Cleo shrieks like
a banshee. Take care of the last tree.
Head south, then go right (your right, not the Monsters; at the top
of the lake). Click the crystal, and tell Cleo yes. Now go straight,
in the direction your Monster is currently facing. This crystal is
close to the bottom of the second waterfall. You'll stop to rest,
with Cleo babbling so much it puts the Monster to sleep (can't
say I blame them...).
Zan finally shows itself...only to dash away. Head southwest- the
crystal is hugging the wall, above the entrance (house symbol) and
slightly above the patch of hill (or whatever it is). Go back to
the base of the waterfall- the tenth crystal is right between the
two.
Thankfully that's the last crystal. The Zan gives you the Ninja Sword
item for your effort.
3. Papas Alps: Durahan
The first yellow crystal is the northwest wall, directly west of the
hill with two trees. A scene shows Durahan walking across the
mountain. Head straight to the top, where the narrow path is as
well as another crystal. Have your Monster inspect the area, and
you'll find an Old Sword.
Southeast of your position (south of the tree on your right hand
side), a crystal is near the hole. You'll receive an Old Sheath.
Go back to the location of the first crystal, and click another
one. Durahan (or his ghost, according to Cleo) shows up, and the
Sheath and Sword become Twin Edge.
4. Volk Magma: Phoenix
This one is straighforward, as there is only one direction to
follow. However, you need a lot of Life for this one- at least
650. Also high Intelligence is not necessary for the Peach,
although it would take less tries. My Tiger had barely
100 Int, and I got the Gold Peach after just 10 tries.
The first crystal is straight ahead of you, shows the
Phoenix flying overhead. Continue to the right, until you reach
the right corner. Say yes, as your Monster will make a path to
the tree.
Go forward and check another crystal here to receive an item
that comes out of the geyser. Another crystal is closeby-
inspect the burnt tree. This is where you get the famous Gold
Peach, an item that increases your Monsters Lifespan. Note that
you HAVE to get a Peach, in order to get the Phoenix and
have the next crystal show up.
Now continue back down the path you were
originally on and go south to another crystal in that corner. The
Phoenix is there, injured. You give it the Peach, and it flies
away, but leaves a Fire Feather combo item.
Now that you got the Phoenix item, you can take a shortcut back
to the entrance. Find another yellow crystal to the west. You'll
create a rock bridge, courtesy of your Monster. Click another crystal,
and it will take you right back to the entrance.
*Glitch Warning: If you try to exit after taking this shortcut,
it might not let you leave. If this happens, have your Monster go
north for several steps, then head back to the entrance. This time
Cleo will ask if you want to leave.
5. Promias Ruins: Xenon
First inspect a yellow crystal in the northwestern room, and receive
a piece of slate. The second one is in the middle room, the one
directly above the bigger middle "chamber". Receive another piece.
Head to the last crystal (southeastern room) and a Xenon will appear
after clicking the crystal. Defeat it and you'll get the King's Proof
item.
6. Angsworth Way: Joker
Wait until Spring. Simply follow the road to each bridge and
push it down. Continue onto the last section of road, and a Joker
will fly (literally) at you. If you had an easy time with A Class
battles, this will be a piece of cake. Afterwards you get the
Cursed Mask.
E. Anything Else I Should Know About?
1. Multiple items can be fed to a monster in a week, rather than
just one.
2. You can ask Cleo how your Monster is doing (under Data/Health).
3. A crystal will sometimes appear at the Ranch, represented by a
sparkle on the bottom screen. Tap the sparkle with your stylus to have
the Monster check it- you'll get an item.
4. Notes about Upgrading: for the House, each time unlocks more item
capacity and two new Training methods. For the Stable, it allows you to
have bigger Monsters and also your Monster recovers more energy (in
other words, less days having to rest).Occurs on the 1st week of Oct.
The first upgrade costs 4000G for each, and the second time
is 8,000G (House) and 12,000G (Stable), and the third costs
24,000G (?).
5. BEWARE of the Magic Spell glitch; check the A.Creating Monsters
section at the top for more details.
6. The Drill maps change each season.
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III. The Basics
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A. Hints and Tips
Watch your Monster's status. If it's tired, let it rest; if stressed
out, give it a Monster Candy or other Stress-relieving item. To check
their status, pick Data, then Health, and Cleo will tell you.
Checking your Journal (under Data) will give you a recap of what you've
done with your Monster, represented by symbols. Zzz means rest, VS means
a battle, Training symbols show up for what type you did (and a circle
besides it means Success, while a donut means Excellent), and a Monster
species symbol flashing means the date of creating it.
Try to keep the Monsters' Discipline Even or at least Soft, but never
below that. Also make sure it's Shape stays Normal.
For Battles:
Based on the foe's Offense stats, stay in the range of
weaker techs (either Int or Pow). This will let them waste Guts while
doing less damage to you, with the benefit of giving you time to build
up Guts.
Avoid an enemy's tech if it steals Guts.
Life for Guts sacrifices a certain percentage (somewhat less than 1/3)
of your Life and gives you up to 80 Guts in return. How do you know if
your Tech has this property? Select a Tech and it will say "Life for Guts".
Used at the right moments, this can be helpful (especially in the later
ranks, when most enemies will not go down with just one or two hits).
-Which stats should you focus on?-
Three of them, at least. First off, decide on the type of offense,
either Power or Intelligence. Usually looking at your Monsters beginning
stats will tell you what they prefer, but you also need to consider what
Techs they use (since Techs will either be based on Power (yellow) or
Intelligence (greenish-blue). Both Pow. and Int. affect the damage
caused by opponents. In other words, if you have high Int., the
enemy's Int. attacks will do less to you.
Next is protection- Speed, Life, and Defense. I generally don't fret
about Life (at least for battles), since Drills increases that, although it
doesn't hurt to do some Training now and then. Speed decreases the
percentage that your opponent will hit you, however it won't be as useful
if your opponent has Skills levels to match. Defense of course reduces
damage amounts.
Skill is something you should focus on, regardless of what else you pick.
One-hit kills are nice, but they won't be useful if it can't hit your
opponent.
Choose whichever strategy you like, but I would not recommend trying to
boost all your stats instead of focusing on a few.
B. Battle Tech. Symbols
These symbols are next to Life Damage (L-DMG), Guts Damage (G-DMG),
Skill Rate (Skill Rt), and Critical Rate (CT Rt), and represents
the rating of each.
1. Triangle: Poor
2. Circle: Medium
3. Donut: Good
4. Star: Excellent
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IV. Walkthrough:
----------------------
A. First Steps to Ranching
After you put in your name and ranch name, Cleo will waltz in and be
your assitant. And yes, the BOMBA president has taken one too many blows
to the head. After all the talking, you can create your monster by two
choices. You haven't created any monsters yet (obviously), so you can't
use the Encyclopedia, and the Magic Letter method will be available
later.
Once you've gotten your monster, more talking takes place and now you'll
have your first fight (after the battle tutorial). Don't worry though,
it's easy. Afterwards your enemies will run off. Before you head to the
Ranch you should buy a few items from the Market, mainly for
stress-reduction. Do whatever else you want, then choose Ranch. Right now
your stable is small, so larger monsters can't fit (meaning you can't raise
them). Anyway, Cleo will introduce you to Hootie (guess what animal that
is XD).
Time to train! If the course you pick causes a note symbol to appear
above it's head, that means this stat gains more at each training then
the others. If a sweatdrop appears, it is lower than regular. Picking
a course you did the previous week will have the "..." appear. This
means your gains won't be as good- you'll have to use another course
this week for the ... to vanish. And one more thing- if your Monster
cheats, punish it. Cheating isn't worth it, as the gains will be lower.
Once done, a familiar face will show up from MR 2. Colt delivers your
mail, giving you your breeder card and rank certificate. The Rookie Cup
she mentions is soon; go, as it's easy and you could use the cash. Also
take note that you have to fight in the Official cups in order to rise
to the next rank. There are three of them each year.
On week 4, another character will pop out, who thinks Cleo is "h-hot".
He's Errick (I know, odd name) and instantly decides to be the best
breeder...too bad you'll have to crush his dreams.
Next week (and every first week of the month after), you pick what
your Monster eats. Using an item once won't have much impact on them,
but do it occasionally and your Monster could end up fat, thin, or
stressed out (if you feed it nothing or something it doesn't like).
There are also stress and fatigue reducing food, but you should stick
with Potato for now (most of the time, unless the Monster hates it).
Off you go to the Rookie Cup. The first Monster is weak, then you fight
Errick and his Mew called Katz. If you happen to lose, don't worry.
Regardless of the outcome, Errick comes out again. And the next week
another (annoying) character comes around, admiring Hootie, and telling
Cleo about Star Rock which supposedly grants your wish. Also Cleo is
some sort of Owl-Whisperer. If you haven't noticed by now, I'm not too
enthralled by the story of the game (or most of it's characters)...
May Week 4- now back to the training. Colt will come around and tell
you that next month the Town Guide will finish being built. That means
you'll be able to do Drills. Make sure your Monster is rested up for
next month, then head to the Town Guide. Its only 1000g (sale time),
and you could use a new Tech. Note that most of the other Drill
areas are not avaliable until you get higher ranks.
Don't bother with anymore drills after this one; the gains aren't
worth it until your Monster gets out of it's "baby" stage (about 7-10
months). Anyway in the first week of Oct., Bancho will show
up, telling you that next year (same date) he'll come back to
upgrade the Stable and House (each for 4000g, so 8000g total).
Whenever you're ready, enter the Official E Cup (and yes, Errick
is there). Your opponents are no threat: beat them down, and Colt
will come next week- congrats on entering Class D. Now two of the
Errantry areas will be opened: Angsworth Way and Murmouge Coast.
Errick will jabber as usual, then you'll meet another person, Torr.
Oddly enough he'll ask if you want to buy his rare items, but says
he's out of them when Cleo says yes. He runs off, but will come back
later with an actual item for sale.
Next week, you guessed it, another person comes along. Ross,
another breeder, tells you about Errantry. When you enter the
Official D Cup, you'll be fighting him (his Tiger/Abyss) instead
of Errick. Before you do, raise your Skill and whichever offensive
stat you picked to at least 200.
B. The Prime of Your Life
Being at the C level, you'll get more areas for Drills and the
Kalaragi Jungle Errantry as well. The pair who were chasing Cleo
earlier turn out to be....DUN DUN DUH- her father (Mr. Amino...I
kid you not) and his assitant. Defeat them again, and Cleo will
berate them. I could go on, but let's face it- they're not important.
Tackle the Official C Cup; I had 482 Power, 426 Skill, and 285 Life at
this point, but it was pretty much overkill. You just need over 300
for your offense stat and at least 250 Life. I would get at least 350
Skill, given Pran (Cleo's father's assistant) has a Monster with nearly
300 in Speed. It would also help to have a Tech with decent accuracy.
Being defeated doesn't sit well with Cleo's father, and he's planning
something. Not really surprising, eh?
Welcome to the B Rank! Now the only areas locked in Errantry and Drills
are the desert and the volcano. The following week Crysta will show
up,asking for directions to the Alps. Then two seconds later she comes
back again, lost and confused, asking for directions again, then
talking about breaking some seal.
At the B Cup, your strongest opponent this time is Crysta, and
she has a Zan/Dragon: 563 Pow, 227 Int., 445 Skill, 319 Spd.,
319 Def., and 444 Life. This thing hits hard, so make sure you
hit harder. By this point, you should have at least one 45 (Guts)
attack that can do the job.
Crysta stops by afterwards, telling you she won't lose
next time (not if we can help it ^_^). Then Pran and Mr. Amino stop
by, with him whining about Electra (the BOMBA president)
concocting schemes that ruined his life...or so he says. Cleo tells
him about the Star Rock granting wishes, so that he won't cause trouble.
Not really a wise idea, as you'll see later on.
Now there is just one spot left for Errantry and Drills. Expect Holly
to stop by soon...yes, that Holly. Now would be a good time to get your
strongest Technique (usually the one costing 45 Guts) in case you didn't
get it earlier, in preparation for the Official A Cup. Get your offense
over 500, Life over 400, Skill over 550,and the other stat around 400.
Ross is back, this time with a Durahan/Abyss: 629 Pow, 530 Int, 553
Skill, 630 Spd, 340 Def, and 430 life. To make things more annoying,
you'll have to fight Cleo's dad next: his Beaklon/Durahan has slightly
better stats than the previous opponent. Having at least 700 for both
you offense and Skill will make this Cup much less frustrating.
On the second week of the following month after your Official Cup win,
the BOMBA president visits. Her pendant is the Star Rock,
and she tells you if you beat the Official S Class Cup, she'll give
you the Rock. Meanwhile a scene shows Errick having a "sweet idea"...
cue the evil Mandark laugh.
C. The Official S Class Cup
Tackling this cup, not to mention what will follow after, won't
be that easy with your first Monster. It's not impossible though.
Or, if you want, you can freeze your current Monster (that is if
Cleo told you it's too old), raise another, and combine the two
to have a Monster with much higher starting stats.
Whatever you decide, make sure you prepare yourself. I had 999 Pow,
966 Skill, and 786 Life when I won this Cup.
A little tip: if you get a tech that has Life for Guts, it can
be a big help here. I used this (Force techinique) in conjuction
with Combo and Somersault for my Tiger, whenever I knew my opponent
would not die in one hit.
1. Your first threat is Mr. Amino. He's brought a Dragon/Golem, and
holy jells, does it have some impressive stats: 1137 Pow, 992 Int,
422 Skill, 715 Spd, 822 Life. If you take a hit, and you don't have
a very high Defense, you'll take quite an amount of damage.
However he has an Achilles' heel, only 282 Defense. Bring out a
Tech that has a star Life Damage rating and kill him fast. And an
FYI- this thing has Grits.
2. Crysta's Monster has more rounded stats: 944 for Pow and Int,
over 700 for Def, and over 600 for the other stats. It's attacks
deal less damage than your previous foe, but has a higher chance
to hit you. It's Last Resort tech has a low chance of hitting,
so you could try staying at long range if you need to build
up guts. But do this only if your Int. is high to keep the
damage down.
Also, be aware this thing has attacks that take away
your guts (mostly the Power attacks).
D. The Four Heavenly Kings
After winning, a scene takes place with Cleo celebrating
(but no party?!), then the credits roll. Don't think it's over
yet. The BOMBA president comes by...with no Star Rock.
Errick stole it; sadly, you can't strangle him. He summons the
Star Spirit, but thanks to his speech problem (and the not so
intelligent Spirit), his wish is misinterpreted.The 4 Heavenly
Kings land on the planet via a meteor: a Naga, Gali, Centaur, and
Monol.
The Centaur (named Centauros >_