So, you’re trekking through the Windward Plains, and your Palico won't stop nagging you about a "Gutsy Move." It’s basically the Monster Hunter version of a grocery run, but instead of milk, you’re looking for a bug that’s the size of a beach ball.
The Giant Vigorwasp MH Wilds is a little different than the green blobs you remember from World. While the regular Vigorwasps are basically the game’s way of handing out free Band-Aids, the giant version is the key to unlocking the Vigorwasp Revival move. Honestly, if you aren't hunting this thing down early, you’re making the game way harder for yourself. Imagine having a free insurance policy that brings you back from a faint once per hunt. That’s what’s on the line here.
Where Most People Get Lost Hunting the Giant Vigorwasp
The biggest mistake I see hunters make is assuming these bugs are just rare spawns. They aren't just rare—they are picky. If the weather isn't right, you can run in circles around the Oasis for hours and find nothing but sand and standard insects.
To find a Giant Vigorwasp in MH Wilds, the environment absolutely must be in the Plenty season.
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This is a specific mechanic in Wilds where the map basically goes into "super bloom" mode. Everything is lush, food is everywhere, and the endemic life goes crazy. If your map says it's in a state of Inclemency or Fallow, don't even bother looking. You’ve gotta head back to your tent, go to the meal/rest area, and spend some Guild Points to change the time of day and force the environment into Plenty.
The Best Locations to Check
Once the vibes are right and the season is Plenty, you want to check these specific spots:
- Windward Plains: Areas 10 and 13 are the hotspots. Area 13, specifically the Oasis, is usually your best bet.
- Scarlet Forest: Area 8. There are often three of them clustered here, which is great if you accidentally pop one.
- Ruins of Wyveria: Areas 2, 5, and 13. Area 2 at nighttime is basically a Giant Vigorwasp nightclub.
Don't Just Poke It: How to Actually Capture the Giant Vigorwasp
Here is the part where most people mess up. If you walk up to a Giant Vigorwasp and hit the interact button like you do with a normal one, you will pop the sac. You’ll get a massive heal, sure, but you won't get the credit for the quest. You’ll have to wait for it to respawn or find another one.
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You must use the Capture Net.
You need to equip the net from your radial menu or item bar. Aim it—honestly, take your time with the aim—and fire. If the reticle turns orange, you’re in range. Once you snag it, the game treats it like any other endemic life capture. It’s also worth noting that these things can get spooked. Using a Ghillie Mantle is a pro move here. It lets you get close enough to ensure you don’t miss that net shot.
Why Your Palico Actually Wants This
This quest, titled "A Gutsy Move," is the final upgrade for your Palico's support gear. After you bring one back to camp, your cat learns Vigorwasp Revival. This is arguably the most broken Palico move in the game for solo players.
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When you lose all your health, instead of a cart back to camp, your Palico flies over with a specialized vigorwasp delivery and gets you back on your feet with a chunk of health. It basically saves you a life. Plus, the quest gives you 3x Ancient Potions and 5x Max Potions. It’s a massive payout for catching a bug.
Using the Map Filters (The Expert Shortcut)
If you’re having a rough time spotting them among the grass, use the map filters. Open your detailed map, hit the button for "Filter Icons," and navigate to the Traps and Environmental tab. You can specifically highlight Giant Vigorwasps.
If they are on the map, they will pulse with a light blue icon. If the icon isn't there, they haven't spawned. Don’t waste your time running; just fast travel away and back or rest in the tent to reset the spawns.
A Note on the "Plenty" Mechanic
Changing the environment to Plenty in Monster Hunter Wilds costs Guild Points if you do it via the tent. If you're short on points, you can just travel between different locales (like going from the Plains to the Forest) until the season shifts naturally. It’s slower, but it saves your currency for armor upgrades.
What to Do Next
- Check your Quest List: Make sure you've actually talked to your Palico to trigger "A Gutsy Move" before you go hunting.
- Verify the Season: Open your map and look at the top left. If it doesn't say "Plenty," go to a tent and rest until it does.
- Head to Windward Plains Area 13: This is the most consistent spawn.
- Use the Capture Net: Seriously, don't hit it with your sword. Use the net.
- Claim your Reward: Go back to camp and talk to your Palico to unlock the Revival move.
Once you have that revival move unlocked, the endgame starts feeling a lot less punishing. You'll have that safety net for when a flagship monster decides to one-shot you with a move you didn't see coming.