Simplify Monster Hunter Wilds Combat with This Focus Mode Adjustment

You’re probably wondering why Focus Mode in Monster Hunter Wilds is a bit finicky. As you take on numerous gargantuan beasts, this mechanic is one that enables you to track targets and land devastating blows. However, making use of it is a bit cumbersome… at least until you make a small tweak to the controls. Our guide tells you just what you need to do to alleviate combat-induced migraines in your playthrough.

How to make combat easier with the Focus Mode toggle in Monster Hunter Wilds

Focus Mode is a game mechanic that’s supposed to make combat easier. First, it requires you to hold the button prompt–i.e. L2/LT on a gamepad, Left Alt on a keyboard, or the Mouse 4 button on a mouse. This lets you aim and track a target as it moves around the area.

More importantly, it makes wounds easier to discern. When you repeatedly hit a monster’s body parts, these wounds appear as bright red gashes while Focus Mode is active. Then, when you press the button prompt for a Focus Strike, your character will perform a devastating blow.

Unfortunately, the system itself is quite cumbersome to use. Imagine having to hold down a button most of the time throughout a fight, all while switching between items and dodging blows, and the whole thing turns into quite a hassle. Worse, certain armaments, such as the bow–which we consider one of the best weapons in the game–become unwieldy since you have to alternate between two ability sets/firing modes.

Fortunately, there’s a quick fix for Monster Hunter Wilds’ Focus Mode. All you need to do is open the menu and go to the Options screen. Take a look at the Controls tab and go to page 2. You should see the following:

• Aim/Focus Mode Controls
  • Melee Weapons
  • Ranged Weapons
• The default setting is “Activate Mode,” but you should change it to “Toggle Mode.”
• You can switch to Toggle Mode for either melee or ranged weapons, or both, depending on your control preference.

With this tweak, you simply need to press the Focus Mode button/keybind. As long as your weapon is drawn, Focus Mode will remain active and you won’t have to hold the button down anymore. If you want to deactivate it, just press the same button or sheathe your weapon to disengage swiftly.

That does it for our guide on how to use the toggle for Focus Mode in Monster Hunter Wilds. If you’re keen on learning about other quick fixes, you can take a look at our Seikret mount controls guide.