For hunters venturing into the vast and dangerous landscapes of Monster Hunter Wilds, the journey no longer has to be a lonely one. The game's revolutionary Support Hunter system has fundamentally changed the solo hunting experience, offering a robust and strategic alternative to teaming up with random players online or relying solely on a trusty Palico. This system allows players to recruit a diverse roster of AI-controlled hunters, each with their own distinct combat styles and personalities, to provide invaluable backup during challenging hunts. It's like having your own elite squad on speed dial, ready to jump into the fray when things get dicey. The addition of notable characters like Mina and the legendary Guild Leader, Fabius, has only expanded the tactical possibilities, making 2026 the best time yet to master this feature.
What Are Support Hunters? 🤔
Support Hunters are precisely what the name implies: AI companions designed to support your primary hunter during expeditions and quests. They are perfect for players who prefer to hunt solo or in smaller groups but still want the strategic advantage and reduced pressure that comes with a full hunting party. Think of them as your "ride-or-die" NPC buddies who've got your back through thick and thin. Their primary function is to fill out your hunting party when you don't have three other human players, ensuring you're never outnumbered by the game's formidable monsters. As you progress through the main story and complete specific side quests, your roster of available Support Hunters will grow, with each character bringing a unique weapon and playstyle to the table.
How to Recruit & Deploy Your Support Squad 🚀
Getting these hunters to join you on a quest is a straightforward process, but knowing the nuances can save you precious time. The key tool is the SOS Flare. You can summon Support Hunters by manually firing an SOS Flare at the start of or during a mission using your ability wheel. However, for hunters who want a seamless, "set it and forget it" experience, there's a fantastic automation option.
To configure automatic summons, you need to visit either Alma (or Erik, if he's your Handler) or head to the Quest Counter in the Grand Hub. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:
-
Navigate to the 'Settings' option at the top of the menu.
-
Select 'Multiplayer Settings'.
-
Choose your preferred party composition:
-
'Players & Support Hunters': Allows both human players and Support Hunters to join your SOS.
-
'Only Support Hunters': The perfect choice for solo purists who want guaranteed NPC backup without random player interference.
-
-
For ultimate convenience, go to 'Automatic SOS Flare' and toggle it 'On'. This ensures a flare is automatically launched at the beginning of every mission, so you never have to worry about remembering to call for help.
A major quality-of-life improvement introduced in Title Update 2 is the ability to hand-pick your team. From the mission departure menu, you can now select the 'Select Support Hunters' option. This lets you choose specific hunters from your unlocked roster for the upcoming quest, allowing for tailored team compositions based on the monster you're facing.
Meet the Hunters: Mina & Fabius 🛡️⚔️
The Support Hunter roster boasts some impressive names, but two stand out in 2026: Mina and Fabius.
Mina, the Agile Sword & Shield Specialist
Mina is a fierce and agile hunter who wields the versatile Sword & Shield. She became a permanent fixture in the Support Hunter lineup with the release of Title Update 2.
How to Unlock Mina:
-
Progress through the main story until you reach Chapter 1-4.
-
Successfully complete the main mission titled "A Hunter's Pride."
-
Once this quest is cleared, Mina will be automatically added to your available Support Hunters, ready for recruitment from that point forward in your story.
Mina excels in fast, relentless attacks and can quickly apply status effects or mount monsters, making her an excellent all-rounder for any hunt.
Fabius, The Legendary Guild Leader
Fabius needs no introduction for veteran hunters. As the esteemed leader of the Hunter's Guild, he commands respect and brings immense defensive prowess to the battlefield with his weapon of choice: the mighty Lance.
Important Note on Fabius (2026 Update):
Unlike Mina, Fabius's availability is currently tied to special in-game events. As of now, he is not a permanently unlockable Support Hunter. He was first made available during the limited-time 'Festival of Accord: Flamefete' event. Capcom has indicated that Fabius and other legendary hunters may return in future seasonal festivals or title updates. Hunters should keep an eye on official announcements for chances to recruit this powerhouse. When he is available, he typically requires completing a specific event quest related to the festival to add him to your team temporarily.
Pro-Tips for Using Support Hunters Effectively 🧠
To truly master the system, go beyond just summoning help. Here’s how to get the most out of your AI companions:
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Weapon Synergy | Pay attention to your Support Hunters' weapons. Pair a heavy-hitter like a Great Sword user with a support-focused Hunting Horn user for a balanced team. |
| Aggro Management | Support Hunters are excellent at drawing monster attention. Use this to your advantage to safely sharpen your weapon, heal, or set up traps. |
| Event Hunter Grind | Don't sleep on limited-time event hunters! When characters like Fabius are available, prioritize unlocking them, as they often have unique gear or abilities. |
| Automatic SOS is Your Friend | For hunters who always want a full party, turning on the Automatic SOS Flare is a total game-changer. It removes the micromanagement and lets you focus purely on the hunt. |
| Experiment with Compositions | Use the 'Select Support Hunters' feature to try different team builds against the same monster to find the most effective strategy. |
The Support Hunter system in Monster Hunter Wilds is a testament to the game's commitment to accessible yet deep gameplay. Whether you're a lone wolf who appreciates a reliable AI partner or a strategist looking to craft the perfect hunting party, this feature offers unparalleled flexibility. With the roster continuing to expand through title updates and events, the ways to conquer the wilds are only getting more diverse. So gear up, configure your settings, and head out with your customized squad—the ultimate hunting experience awaits.