In Monster Hunter 4, utilizing consumable items like Demon Drugs and Armour Skins can significantly enhance your performance during hunts by increasing your attack and defense for a limited duration. Here’s a detailed breakdown on how to acquire and effectively use these items:

Overview of Consumables

1. Demon Drugs
– Effect: Increases attack power by +5 raw attack.
– Duration: Lasts for approximately 30 minutes.
– Acquisition:
– Crafting: Combine materials such as Catalyst and Might Seed to create Demon Drugs.
– Supply Boxes: Occasionally found in supply boxes during quests.
– Merchants: Available for purchase once you unlock the respective vendor in the game.

2. Armour Skins
– Effect: Increases defense by +15.
– Duration: Also lasts for about 30 minutes.
– Acquisition:
– Crafting: Made using defense-boosting materials from defeated monsters and gathering points.
– Supply Boxes: Can be found in supply boxes during hunts.
– Merchants: Obtainable from specific vendors once available.

How to Use Consumables

– During Hunts:
1. Open your item pouch via the menu.
2. Select Demon Drug or Armour Skin.
3. Consume the item to instantly gain the corresponding buff.

Upon consumption, you’ll notice an immediate improvement in your character’s stats, enhancing your capability to deal with monsters. Notably, these buffs apply to both you and nearby allies, making them valuable in multiplayer scenarios.

Stacking and Effects

– Stacking with Other Buffs:
– Both Demon Drugs and Armour Skins can stack with certain items such as Demon Powder (+10 attack for 3 minutes) or Might Seeds.
– Be mindful that the “Mega” versions of these items (such as Mega Demondrug) will override their normal counterparts, so it is wise to plan when to use these powerful items.

Tactical Use Tips

– Pre-hunt Preparation:
– Use Demon Drugs and Armour Skins at the beginning of a hunt to ensure that the buffs last through major combat phases.

– Short Damage Spikes:
– Utilize Pills (like Might Pill) for their stronger effects during key moments, such as when the monster is asleep or incapacitated. Due to their brief duration (around 20 seconds), timing is crucial when deploying these items.

– Team Support:
– Items like Demon Powder are beneficial for teamwork, as they can be tossed in the vicinity to quickly boost nearby players, enhancing overall group effectiveness.

Buff Duration and Fainting

– Remember that buffs will persist until you either faint or the duration runs out. Proper management of these consumables can greatly increase your survivability and damage output throughout a hunt.

Conclusion

Strategically utilizing Demon Drugs, Armour Skins, and other supportive consumables allows hunters to maximize their offensive and defensive capabilities in Monster Hunter 4. Careful planning and timing will ensure your hunts are successful, whether you’re facing off alone or cooperating with others. Preparation and understanding the nuances of these items can turn the tide in challenging battles with formidable monsters.