Abilities

Aftershock

Aftershock is the Kraken’s answer to close-quarters combat. Although this ability may take a few moments to charge, once it finishes, it unleashes a powerful multitarget attack to all enemies within the blast radius. When timed correctly, you can use Aftershock to shake the Hunters off of you when you are pulled to the ground.

Attacking Hunters is not Aftershock’s only use. When hunting a pack of creatures, activating Aftershock is an effective way to take them all down at once. It’s also an easy way to eliminate a pack of Trapjaws or other smaller aggressive predators when in Stage 1.

Banshee Mines

Banshee Mines require only a third of the cooldown meter to fire, allowing you to fire up to three banshee rounds in a quick burst, if needed. You can leave Banshee Mines as traps for Hunters or wildlife. When an enemy draws near to one of the mines, it changes shape and color, then begins to track toward the target. Since the Hunters can shoot these mines, it is helpful to leave them around blind corners, or generally hide them when not in active combat. Mines can also be launched a good distance, granting Kraken the ability to take out creatures before coming in contact with them. Using this tactic helps give you more time to eat, helping you evolve early.

If selected at Stage 1, the Monster can leave a few Banshee Mines at the Hunters’ drop-in point. Doing so damages and slows down the Hunters, giving the Kraken more time to escape.

Lightning Strike

The Lightning Strike is a devastating ranged blast that comes down in the form of a pillar. Like Aftershock, the Lightning Strike has a short charge time, making it possible for Hunters to dodge it. Effectiveness with the Lightning Strike is dramatically increased when called in after using some of the Kraken’s other abilities. These other abilities may force the Hunters to use up their Jet Packs, leaving them incredibly vulnerable to the Lightning Strike. When a Hunter is incapacitated, you can use the Lightning Strike to help finish them off.

When chosen alongside the Banshee Mines at Stage 1, the Kraken can use the previously mentioned tactic of dropping mines at the Hunters’ drop-in point. Called in from a distance amidst the confusion could result in getting a very early strike against one of the Hunters.

Vortex

Vortex is a moving wall of elemental energy that deals damage and knocks back enemies from afar. When called down from the sky on a lone Hunter, the Vortex can single them out and push them a good distance from Kraken. This leaves the Hunter an easy target for a quick Pounce. Hunting down groups of creatures is very easy when using Vortex; just aim for the center of the group. Unlike the Hunters, creatures are not affected by the knockback, so you do not have to go far to claim your bounty.

Stuck in a bad place during a fight? Targeting multiple Hunters with Vortex helps push them into an area that may better suit you in combat.

Special Movement Ability: Airburst

Airburst enables the Kraken to fly up into the air to gain an advantage when fighting creatures and Hunters. Once in the air, you can activate Airburst again to quickly move in the direction you are currently aiming. Use this ability to cover vast amounts of ground quickly. When high enough in the sky, the Kraken does not leave tracks. However, when lower, the Kraken leaves a different-shaped footprint. Hunters then know to look upward. To descend from the air, press and hold the Sneak button.