Many new fans may not know this but a Palico is just a job that these cat beings have and their greater race is referred to as Felynes. Felynes have existed since the first entry premiered in 2004 and how they were used has changed over time. Their best implementation was inMonster Hunter: Worldwhich proved Capcom is always ready to experiment and evolve.
Monster Hunter Riseis a prime example as it introduced the dog-like Palamutes into existence. They were both battle-ready and animals serving as rideable mounts. Instead of keeping Palamutes around, Capcom decided to create new mounts inMonster Hunter Wildsvia Seikrets. Was this the right move or should they have stuck with Palamutes?
8Palamutes: Looks By A Mile
Hard To Pet A Lizard Bird
If Seikrets were just birds likeChocobos in theFinal Fantasyseries, that would be one thing. However, they are also lizards and when those four legs come out in a run, it can look a bit unnatural. Palamutes look like dogs or wolves pure and simple. Unlike Palicos who have their own language, these beasts are just cute canines who are extra loyal. It’s also a lot easier for players to emulate affection for a Palamute since they know what a dog is compared to a Seikret which is just biology.
7Seikrets: Speed Is Key
And Auto-Running
Those four legs are weird on a Seikret but no one can deny they make them go fast. In terms of speed, it’s impossible to know what animal is quicker since players can’t test them out in either game. However, the one thing Seikrets have over Palamutes in terms of travel is guidance. As soon as a monster is locked in, that lizard-bird will head right to it. The auto-guidance system isn’t perfect but at least 80% of the time Seikrets will make Hunters proud.
6Palamutes: Go On Extra Missions
An Easy Way To Gather Materials
In thepost-game ofMonster Hunter Wilds, players will find a few NPCs who will gather items for them after completing a side mission. It’s useful even if it is a bit late in the game. That feature does not use Seikrets and they are only really useful on missions.
Palamutes are useful outside of missions though because they,along with Palicos, can be sent on gathering missions in Monster Hunter Rise. Players can amass quite the army of both Palicos and Palamutes to send on multiple missions.
5Seikrets: Ride Into Battle In Arms
Fire Arrows From Afar
When players mount Palamutes inMonster Hunter Rise, they can run around and control them to attack monsters. Hunters cannot pull out their own weapons though. The developers at Capcom seemingly listened to fans because that is now a feature of Seikrets. Players can use their weapons while riding around although attack patterns are limited. The most useful weapons are ranged ones likeBows inMonster Hunter Wilds, which are useful against monsters in more open areas.
4Palamutes: They Attack By Your Side
From One To Two Good Boys
Palamutes aren’t good for saddle-based attacks but they will contribute in battle once players hop off. Seikrets will not do anything when players hop off. Sometimes, they even get in the way of the camera as battles intensify. Thankfully monsters just clip through Seikrets so there is no need to worry about their health. Anyway, Palamutes are as battle-ready as Palicos are for battle and players can mix and match who they want to take into battle from the equip menu. They can have two Palicos, two Palamutes, or a balance of the two.
3Seikrets: They Have Side Saddles
Carry More Items And An Extra Weapon Into Battle
It’s great that players have access to all fourteen weapons in both games without having to worry about being locked into their choice. Players can swap out weapons back at camp, even on a mission, but that gets tedious.
Monster Hunter Wildsintroduced a new featurethat revolutionized combat via the Seikret’s side saddle. Inside are items HQ sends along like extra potions and traps. Players can also manually attach one extra weapon that is a breeze to swap out without having to worry about going back to camp mid-mission.
2Palamutes: They Can Equip Gear
Saddle Up These Doggos With Armor And Weapons
Players cannot attach items or weapons to Palamutes to bring into battle. They can, however, arm them with gear just like a Palico. Palamutes can wield daggers in their mouths to attack enemies and they can get some basic armor too. Again, since Seikrets don’t have health and don’t contribute in battle, they don’t need weapons or armor. It would make them more useful though. Players can at least customize their Seikret’s colors and beak armor which is something but players naturally have more options with Palamutes inMonster Hunter Riseto make them look cute and cool.
1Verdict: Palamutes
Bring Back The Ninja Puppies
Palamutes are some of thecoolest dogs to ever get into a video game. Seikrets, of course, have their uses too and many of their features should transfer over to Palamutes like being able to fire weapons from their backs. However, Palamutes are just more cuddly and don’t have that weird uncanny factor to them, unlike Seikrets. It’s great that players can bring two into battle and send them on missions. Hopefully, Capcom will listen and bring Palamutes back instead of Seikrets.
