In Monster Hunter: World, quests play a major role in helping players progress through the story and gain valuable experience with the game’s mechanics. One of the earliest optional quests players will encounter is called A Kestodon Kerfuffle. This mission introduces you to fighting smaller monsters in groups and sets the stage for more intense battles later in the game. However, some players get confused about how to accept and initiate this particular quest. Knowing exactly how to accept a Kestodon Kerfuffle will ensure a smoother early game experience.
Understanding Optional Quests in Monster Hunter: World
What Are Optional Quests?
Optional quests in Monster Hunter: World are side missions that players can choose to complete in addition to the main storyline quests. These quests often provide useful resources, materials, and unlocks for facilities or gear. A Kestodon Kerfuffle falls into this category, making it an early optional task that helps players learn how to handle groups of aggressive monsters like the Kestodon.
Importance of Early Optional Quests
Completing optional quests early in the game is highly beneficial. Not only do they provide valuable monster parts for crafting weapons and armor, but they also help you understand monster behavior, gain experience using your chosen weapon, and unlock additional features in the game hub, Astera.
Where to Find the Quest
Progressing Through the Story
Before A Kestodon Kerfuffle becomes available, players must first complete a few introductory missions, including the first assigned quests in the Ancient Forest. These assignments introduce you to the New World, your handler, and key areas within Astera. Once you’ve completed the first couple of assigned quests like Jagras of the Ancient Forest, this optional quest will unlock.
Visiting the Quest Board or Handler
Once the quest is available, you can accept it by doing one of the following:
- Talking directly to your Handler, who is often near the Canteen or at a quest start point.
- Using the Quest Board, found in various places around Astera, such as the Gathering Hub or near your room.
From the quest menu, navigate to Optional Quests, then select the one titled A Kestodon Kerfuffle. You’ll be able to read the quest description, check the location, and prepare before setting out.
Preparing for the Hunt
Check Your Equipment
Although this quest involves small monsters, you should still check your gear and make sure you’re equipped with a weapon and armor that suit your playstyle. Since the Kestodon are not particularly strong, even basic starting gear will be enough, but it’s always a good idea to sharpen your weapon and stock up on healing items like potions.
Eat at the Canteen
Before heading out, consider eating a meal at the Canteen to boost your stamina and health. This step is often overlooked but provides advantages during any hunt, even minor ones. Choose a meal that increases your attack or defense for an easier time with the monsters.
Bring Useful Items
While you won’t need traps or advanced tools for this quest, bringing some of the following items may help:
- Potions or Mega Potions for quick healing
- Whetstone to maintain weapon sharpness
- Rations to restore stamina during the hunt
Understanding the Quest Objectives
Target: Kestodon
The goal of A Kestodon Kerfuffle is to eliminate a specific number of Kestodon in the Wildspire Waste. These creatures are territorial and aggressive but manageable in small groups. The quest will task you with defeating both male and female Kestodon, which behave slightly differently in combat.
Tracking the Monsters
Use your Scoutflies to track down the Kestodon once the quest begins. They’ll lead you to areas where these monsters usually roam. Look for clues like footprints or disturbed terrain, then follow the trail until you find a group. Scoutflies make it easy to track targets even in unfamiliar areas.
How to Fight Kestodon Effectively
Know Their Behavior
Kestodon males tend to charge more aggressively and take longer to bring down, while females attack less frequently and have lower health. Males may telegraph their charge with a wind-up animation, giving you a moment to dodge out of the way. Females tend to use short-range bites and simple swipes.
Use the Environment
Look around the battlefield for opportunities to use your surroundings. Slopes can be used to jump and mount enemies, and boulders or trees can provide quick cover. Pay attention to ledges, which you can use for aerial attacks if your weapon benefits from it.
Timing and Weapon Choice
Quick-striking weapons like the Dual Blades or Long Sword can make short work of the Kestodon, but even heavier weapons like the Great Sword or Hammer are effective if you can land your hits. Watch for openings between their attacks and strike strategically. Don’t waste all your stamina by spamming combos keep some stamina reserved for dodging.
After the Hunt
Loot and Rewards
Once you defeat the required number of Kestodon, the quest will be marked as complete. Take time to carve materials from their bodies, as these can be used for early armor or weapon upgrades. Items like Kestodon Shells or Scalps may be used in crafting or turned in for research points.
Return to Astera
After completing the quest, you’ll return to Astera automatically unless you choose to stay in the field for more gathering or exploration. Once back, visit the Smithy to check for new gear that can be crafted using the materials you’ve gathered.
Unlocking Future Quests
Completing A Kestodon Kerfuffle may unlock additional optional quests or contribute toward fulfilling specific conditions needed to advance in the story. Keep checking your quest list after each mission to see what new options are available.
Tips for a Better Experience
- Take time to explore the Wildspire Waste during the quest to familiarize yourself with its layout.
- Harvest herbs, honey, and other materials for crafting items between fights.
- Use the quest as an opportunity to practice dodging and combo execution.
- Try hunting with a Palico to make fights easier and gather more resources.
Learning how to accept a Kestodon Kerfuffle quest in Monster Hunter: World is a straightforward but essential step for any player starting out. It introduces basic hunting mechanics, monster tracking, and small-scale combat all vital skills that will be used throughout the game. By accessing the quest through the Handler or Quest Board, preparing properly, and understanding your target, you can complete the mission easily and make the most out of the rewards. Whether you’re new to Monster Hunter or revisiting it for another run, this quest is a useful and enjoyable early-game experience that helps build confidence for larger challenges ahead.