Techniques

Techniques are the attacks that monsters use. The name of a specific attack, how to get new ones and the attack power of each one varies depending on the game, so specific information is provided on each game here.

Monster Rancher 1[]

Each monster starts out with three basic attacks, and can add on stronger ones by training in the appropriate area. For instance, if an Ape is trained enough in accuracy, it can learn "Sneeze." If you train it in life it can learn "Throw+." Guts needed to use an attack are listed by exact number instead of an estimate, and there are four ranges in this game. All monster Species can learn up to 12 attacks. Counter attacking is not allowed.

Monster Rancher 2[]

Most monsters start out with two basic attacks (which are categorized Heavy, Sharp, Hit, Wither, or Special), and can evolve their moves into stronger ones using a Tech Chain. Once a new move has been unlocked, it can be learned by going on an Errantry (which is not stat-specific). This game included a special feature in which some of the sub-breeds could learn techniques crossed over from their sub-types, called Cross-Over Techs. Guts needed to use an attack are listed by exact number instead of an estimate, and there are four ranges in this game. The number of attacks a monster can learn varies by Species. Counter attacking is not allowed.

Monster Rancher 3[]

Most monsters start out with two basic attacks (which are categorized Pound, Beat, Cut, Hit, Magic, Heart, Wind, Earth, Water, Fire, Thunder or Dance). New attacks can be learned by finding one of three items (a Bit, Stone, or Orb) and taking it on an expedition to see a Monster Lord. Once there, the item is used as payment for the Lord to teach your monster its new attack. Damage, Hit Rate and Guts needed to use an attack are all listed by exact number instead of an estimate, but the Damage or Hit Rates of some techniques can rise one percentile with each class level you gain. There are three ranges in this game, although some techniques can be used in more than one range. The number of attacks a monster can learn varies by Species (up to 12). Although they can only have four attacks available to them during a battle, these attacks can be of any range. Counter attacking is not allowed.

Monster Rancher 4[]

Most monsters start out with two basic attacks (which are categorized Beat, Pierce or Cut in conjunction with an element), and can add stronger moves as their level increases. This game included a special feature in which some techniques could have elemental effects added to them. This game also introduced the Group Attack, and each species has an attack tailored to them being in alpha formation during the group attack. Guts needed to use an attack are listed by exact number instead of an estimate, and there are three ranges in this game, although some techniques can be used in more than one range. The number of attacks a monster can learn varies by Species (up to 12 + GA). Counter attacking is allowed.

Monster Rancher EVO[]

Most monsters start out with two basic attacks (which are categorized only by element, unlike in other games), and can add stronger moves as you collect enough Anima. This game brought back the concept of a Tech Chain and simplified the Group Attack (called the Union Attack) by making it the same powerful attack any time you link three of your monsters together in battle. Guts needed to use an attack are listed by exact number instead of an estimate, but unlike in previous games where each monster got their own Guts counter, this game gave your team one Guts counter for all three monsters to share. and there are only two ranges in this game, although this game introduced a special technique called a Support Skill that could be used in any range. Any of your monsters standing in the same range at the same time can be Linked, which can allow them to attack in the same turn but can also allow them to be damaged in the same turn. All monster species can learn up to 11 attacks. Counter Attacking is not allowed.

Monster Rancher Advance[]

Most monsters start out with two basic attacks (which are not categorized) and can unlock new moves by going to AGIMA and sparring with a coach. Although the sparring match is stat-specific, you won't learn a particular tech in conjunction with what you chose. There appears to be a random element about it, but it also has to do with how high your stats are. There are three ranges in this game, although they tried something new by allowing any move to be used at any range (although it only functions at its BEST in one specific range). Info for each tech in each range (Near-Red, Mid-Yellow, Far-Green) is listed on this site. The number of attacks a monster can learn varies by Species. Counter Attacking is not allowed.

Monster Rancher Advance 2[]

Monsters start out with two or three basic attacks (which are categorized Beat, Stab or Cut in conjunction with an element), but combined the strategies of several previous games in that the monster can unlock new moves by going to AGIMA and sparring with a coach (like Monster Rancher Advance), but this time learning the move is stat-specific (like Monster Rancher 1) and based on stat increase (like Monster Rancher 2). This game also introduced the Soulmate Attack, a special attack learned when your monster bonds with another one. Guts needed to use an attack are listed by exact number instead of an estimate, and there are three ranges in this game. The number of attacks a monster can learn varies by Species. Counter attacking is allowed.

Monster Farm DS[]

Most monsters start out with two basic attacks (which are categorized Basic, Strong or Unique). New moves can be learned by going on an Errantry (which is not stat-specific, but IS technique-specific). For instance, if a Gali is trained in Trigonon Forest, it can learn "Thwack." If you train it at the Kawrea Volcano, it can learn "Spirit Smash." Guts needed to use an attack are listed by exact number instead of an estimate, and there are three ranges in this game, though some attacks can be used in more than one range. The number of attacks a monster can learn varies by Species. Counter attacking is not allowed.

Monster Rancher DS[]

Most monsters start out with two basic attacks. New moves can be learned by going on an Errantry (which is not stat-specific, but IS technique-specific). Damage and Hit Rate are estimated on a 5-point scale using symbols instead of letters (letters are used on this website), but Guts needed to use an attack are all listed by exact number. There are three ranges in this game, and the number of attacks a monster can learn varies by Species. Counter attacking is not allowed.

My Monster Rancher[]

As with most things, this game COMPLETELY re-did the technique concept. Since actual "battles" are fought simply by comparing stats, all "techniques" are just a way to alter yours or your opponent's stats. Monsters learn three techniques at levels 4, 7, and 12 (respectively), and the rest (which are categorized Basic, Special, Super, Awakening, Derived or Ultimate) are learned after your monster reads one of the many Technique Scrolls, which can be found on adventures. Damage, Hit Rate and Guts needed to use an attack are non-existent in this game. There are no ranges in this game, and all monster Species can learn up to 20 attacks (although the "Derived Technique" is a Cross-Over Tech from the sub-type, so several specific attacks are also available; for instance, Ent (Abyss/Plant) takes on Plant's Derived Technique, "Sleep Powder," instead of keeping Abyss's, "Concentrate."). Counter attacking is not allowed.

Monster Rancher Battle Card[]