It has been twenty-four years since the release of PlayStation title Monster Rancher, known in Japan as Monster Farm. The first game spawned numerous other games, as well as an anime series. Koei Tecmo has given players the chance to relive those days with Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX, a bundle containing remasters of the first two titles. A big part of the gameplay, aside from battles, is the expeditions.
Basics of Expeditions in Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX
Expeditions are one of many random events in the game. They occur on a set work each year. Each time you go on an expedition, you need to send your monster into a map and have them search it. Each map is randomized, and your goal is to manage the stamina your monster has carefully. Each pink dot on the map represents a potential item spawn. There could be no items there, so be careful. You must return your monster back to base before their energy hits -10, or they will fail the expedition. Also, this will permanently shorten their lifespan.
Also, when you get back from expeditions, your monster will need to rest to fully recover their health and stats. Never go on an adventure the week before any tournaments if you plan to compete.
The best reason to do this is that it’s how you get certain rare items. For example, you need to use the Kawrea Expedition in MR2 to unlock the potential to get a Phoenix, the legendary monster. You could also learn how to unlock the other rare breeds.
There are three skills you want to focus on when raising and training monsters for expeditions in Monster Rancher 1 & 2 DX. The three skills are as follows: INT, POW and SKI. INT affects the spawn rate of rare items found at item points, during expeditions. The higher INT stat your monster has, the better chance it has of finding rare items. POW will allow your monster to get past various obstacles easier. SKI will allow them to bypass obstacles that don’t rely on strength. The higher these stats, the better you’re going to do.
All Expeditions in Monster Rancher 1
The expeditions are much simpler in Monster Rancher 1. They all unlock when you get to Rank C as a breeder, and the stats are pretty similar for completing them.
- Titus – Available in January
- Hartville – Happens in July
- Reno – Available in October
All Expeditions in Monster Rancher 2
The three expeditions in the second game are based on trainer rank and your overall progress. They always take place at a certain time each year. Each one has a certain requirement for the event to trigger. When you meet the requirements listed below, the expedition will happen on the attached date.
- Torles: Happens during Feb. Week 1. You need at least a C-rank breeder, and a monster with 210+ Life, and 50+ Fame.
- Parepare: Happens during Oct. Week 1. You need at least a C-rank breeder, and a monster with 140+ Life, and 50+ Fame.
- Kawrea Expedition: Happens during Jun. Week 1. The first run requires a D-rank monster. Subsequent Kawrea runs require a B-rank breeder and a monster with 280+ Life and 50+ Fame.
