Each Monster has a distinct pair of footprints that it leaves around the map when using the standard movement options. Although the Monster cannot passively see its own tracks, activating Smell will not only show the Monster’s prints, but also the Hunters’. Keep in mind that some Monsters leave bigger prints than others. For example, Goliath leaves a full footprint on the ground, while Wraith leaves a small slice in the ground when not sneaking.
Climbing
Unlike the Hunters, the Monsters can climb tall objects quickly, with no need for Jet Packs. To climb, press the Climb button, and send your Monster in the direction of the tall cliff or building. If the object is climbable, your Monster ascends to the top of the object. Special movement abilities like Goliath’s Leap become more effective when activated from higher ground.
Maintaining Stealth
Keeping a low profile is the key to success in the early game, as the Hunters will try to end the game as quickly as possible to prevent the Monster from gaining any sort of advantage. Walking in water prevents the Monster from leaving tracks. However, water is not always available, so the Monster is forced to use its ability to sneak.
Sneaking
Sneaking prevents the Monster from leaving tracks at the cost of movement speed. Make sure to put some distance in between yourself and the Hunters before attempting to sneak. If you’re too close, the Hunters can quickly catch up to you near the end of your tracks. Use Sneak to misdirect the Hunters by moving one way, such as into a cave or around a corner, and then activating Sneak and choosing a different direction to progress in. If you pounce an animal from Sneak, this leaves one footprint near the creature you pounced. Remember to reactivate Sneak before moving on. Sneaking also prevents birds from being spooked when the Monster comes within the standard alerting range.
Pouncing
When sneaking, sometimes the Monster will see a target get highlighted with a red circle. This means that the Monster is within Pounce range. Activate Pounce by pressing the Melee button, and the Monster will immediately jump at the target. It then pins its prey to the ground, unleashing attack after attack until the target has been incapacitated. This not only works against creatures, but it is also extremely effective against the Hunters.
A single Pounce can take down a lone Hunter. The only way to break a Pounce is to either press the Sneak button again, or be shot off by another Hunter. Downed Hunters cannot use their pistol to break a Pounce.
Pouncing is effective even in team battles. Set quick traps by waiting around corners or on top of tall objects, where only one Hunter typically comes at a time. Use Smell to look for a Hunter who may be trying to run or flank you. Even if you cannot complete a full Pounce attack, you leave the Hunter with a small amount of health, making a follow-up attack lethal in most cases.
Special Movement
Each Monster has a different special movement ability that affects both the way it moves around the map and how it reacts when in combat.
Stamina
Much like a Hunter’s Jet Pack, which relies on fuel, a Monster’s special movement uses stamina to activate. Each Monster has three stamina bars, which regenerate over time. If you find yourself using the special ability often, consider bringing the Stamina Increase Perk. This allows you to use your Monster’s special ability more frequently. Stamina regenerates faster while in combat.
Goliath
Leap
Goliath uses his strong legs to leap toward the direction in which the player aims, covering a good distance quickly. Effective Leaps are based on the angle where the player aims, and aiming a little above center covers the greatest distance. Aiming high before leaping causes Goliath to jump vertically, which you can use to gain high ground quickly.
Kraken
Airburst
Airburst enables Kraken to fly into the air. Once in the air, Kraken can use successive Airbursts to gain more altitude or move laterally while flying. To quickly descend from the sky, use the Sneak button.
Wraith
Warp
Wraith’s ability to open wormholes allows her to travel quickly between two points. Much like Goliath’s Leap, Wraith’s Warp is best used from high ground. When activated, Warp goes in the direction where the player is aiming. This gives Wraith the ability to gain altitude from a Warp. Wraith descends slowly when falling from ledges or coming down from a Warp, so consider using a Warp that directs her toward the ground.