
Table of Contents
Understanding the Goal: The Sub-4:20 Pace
The target time of 4 minutes and 18.58 seconds isn't just a random number; it represents the pinnacle of optimization for this specific quest. "Adv.Wheel of History" is a demanding event, and pulling off a 4-player bow run at this speed requires near-flawless execution. The core idea is to apply overwhelming, continuous damage to the target monster. This means maximizing damage output per second (DPS), minimizing downtime, and ensuring every hunter is contributing effectively. It’s about understanding the monster's AI, its attack patterns, and exploiting its openings with pinpoint accuracy. This speedrun category is a testament to how deeply the speedrun community can dissect and master game mechanics.Team Composition and Key Roles
As the name suggests, this run demands a full squad of four players, all wielding the mighty bow. But simply having four bow users isn't enough; specialization is crucial for hitting such demanding times. Here's a typical breakdown of roles:- Primary Damage Dealer (x2): These are your heavy hitters. Their focus is pure, unadulterated DPS. They'll be using the most optimized damage builds, aiming to land critical hits consistently on the monster's weakest points.
- Support/Buffer: This player's role is to amplify the team's damage output and survivability. They might focus on skills like Wide-Range to share healing and buffs, or provide utility like status effects (though less common in pure damage speedruns, it can be viable).
- Aggro/Distraction Specialist: This hunter's job is to draw the monster's attention, manipulate its positioning, and bait out specific attacks that create openings for the damage dealers. High mobility and evasion skills are key here, ensuring they can stay alive and keep the monster focused without taking too much damage.
In my experience running this specific quest, the aggro role is often underestimated. A well-placed distraction can mean the difference between a clean damage phase and a panicked scramble.
Essential Gear and Builds for Bow Users
The right equipment is non-negotiable. For this gaming speedrun, builds will revolve around maximizing raw damage and critical hit potential.- Damage Dealers:
- Armor: Look for sets that offer high Attack Boost, Critical Eye, Weakness Exploit, and Critical Boost. Skills like Bow Charge Plus (if using a charge-level boosting bow) and Spread/Pierce Up (depending on the bow's shot type) are vital.
- Weapon: A bow with high raw attack power and good affinity is paramount. Consider bows that excel with Pierce or Spread shots, depending on the monster's hit zones and the team's strategy.
- Decorations: Prioritize filling in missing damage skills.
- Support/Buffer:
- Armor: Skills like Wide-Range, Buddy Rally (if using palicos), and potentially Stun Resistance are important. You still need decent damage, so don't neglect attack skills entirely.
- Weapon: A bow with good raw damage, potentially with a useful status effect if incorporated into the strategy.
- Aggro/Distraction Specialist:
- Armor: Focus on skills that enhance mobility and survivability, such as Evade Window, Evade Extender, Constitution, and Stamina Surge. Even Guard skills can be useful if you plan on using certain bow attacks defensively.
- Weapon: Similar to damage dealers, but survivability takes a slight edge.
The Speedrun Strategy in Action
Execution is where the magic happens. Here’s a general flow of how a successful run unfolds:- The Pull: The run begins immediately. The aggro specialist needs to quickly get the monster's attention and position it favorably.
- Damage Phases: The damage dealers unleash their full might, focusing fire on weak points. The support player ensures buffs are active and potentially uses items or skills to keep the team topped up.
- Monster Movement & Baiting: The aggro specialist baits specific attacks that create large, vulnerable windows for the damage dealers. This requires precise positioning and understanding of the monster's tells.
- Coordination: Constant, albeit brief, communication is key. Callouts for monster attacks, positioning changes, or when a monster is about to transition to a new area are vital.
- Stagger/Mounts: While not always the primary focus in raw damage speedruns, exploiting staggers or even successful mounts can provide critical damage opportunities.
The initial engagement is crucial. Getting the monster into an optimal fighting position within the first 30 seconds can set the tone for the entire run.
Optimizing the Route
Within "Adv.Wheel of History," there's a specific flow. The goal is to minimize travel time and maximize engagement time.- Immediate Engagement: Don't waste a second after spawning. Move directly to the monster's predicted starting location.
- Zone Control: If the monster moves between zones, the team needs to anticipate this and position themselves efficiently. The aggro player leads the chase, ensuring the monster doesn't stray too far or engage in unwanted behaviors.
- Weak Point Focus: Always aim for the monster's highest elemental or raw weak points. This maximizes your damage per arrow.
- No Detours: Avoid picking up optional items or engaging in any activity not directly contributing to defeating the monster as fast as possible. Every second counts.
Crucial Elements for Success
Beyond the builds and strategy, several factors are make-or-break:- Team Synergy: This is paramount. Practice together to build unspoken understanding.
- Monster Knowledge: Deeply understanding the target monster's AI, attack telegraphs, and weak spots is essential for every player.
- Execution Consistency: Hitting those combos, landing critical shots, and executing dodges perfectly, time after time.
- RNG Management: While you can't control everything, understanding how to react to favorable and unfavorable world record conditions (like critical hits landing more often or specific monster attacks triggering) is part of high-level play.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
* Arrow Types: Ensure your chosen bows align with the monster's weak points (e.g., Pierce for long bodies, Spread for close-range crits). * Dash Juice/Speed Sharpening: These are often built into speedrun kits to maintain optimal stamina and sharpness. * Wirebug Management: Efficient use of Wirebugs for repositioning, evasion, and quick attacks is vital. * Callouts: Practice concise callouts like "baiting," "opening," "mount ready," etc.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest bow speedrun category in Monster Hunter Rise?
The 4-Player Bow Speedrun in specific event quests like "Adv.Wheel of History" often yields some of the fastest times due to high coordinated damage potential.
How much practice is needed for a sub-4:20 run?
Achieving a sub-4:20 time typically requires dozens, if not hundreds, of hours of dedicated practice, especially when coordinating with a team.
Are there specific Palico support types that are best for this run?
While not strictly necessary, Palicos with the "Assist" type can provide useful buffs and healing via their Gadgets, complementing the team's strategy.
Can I do this solo?
This specific category is designed for 4 players. Solo bow speedruns exist for other quests but follow entirely different strategies and time targets.
Where can I find the most up-to-date strategies and builds?
The best resource is speedrun.com, specifically the Monster Hunter Rise section, where top runners share their routes and techniques.
In conclusion, mastering the 4-Player Bow Speedrun in "Adv.Wheel of History" for Monster Hunter Rise is a monumental achievement. It demands peak performance, intricate teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of optimization. But the satisfaction of shaving off those milliseconds and seeing your time tumble down the leaderboards is unparalleled. So, gather your squad, hone your skills, and get ready to execute the perfect run. The hunt for the ultimate time awaits!
What are your best times on this quest? Do you have any killer strategies or build tips for fellow hunters? Drop them in the comments below or join our Discord community to discuss all things news and speedrunning! Let's get faster, together!