Monster Hunter XX (Double Cross): The Definitive Guide to the Japanese Masterpiece
When it comes to the peak of the "classic" Monster Hunter formula, Monster Hunter XX (pronounced Double Cross) stands as the undisputed king. Released in Japan as the expanded "G-Rank" version of Monster Hunter Generations (MHX), this title is often cited by veterans as the most content-complete entry in the series' history.
Whether you are playing on the Nintendo 3DS or the Switch, here is why MHXX remains at the top of the hunting world and what you need to know to master its Japanese version. Why MHXX is the "Top" of the Classic Era
While Monster Hunter World and Rise modernized the franchise, Monster Hunter XX perfected the traditional style. It serves as a "best-of" celebration, featuring:
The Massive Roster: With 93 large monsters, it boasts one of the largest lineups in the series, featuring fan favorites like Lao-Shan Lung, Fatalis, and the "Fated Four."
The Introduction of Valstrax: The flagship monster of MHXX, the "Silver Wing of the Scarlet Star," remains one of the most unique and thrilling fights in the franchise.
G-Rank Challenge: As the "Double Cross" expansion, the game introduces the brutal G-Rank difficulty, pushing hunters to their absolute limits. Hunter Styles and Arts: Ultimate Customization
MHXX took the "Hunter Styles" from MHX and added two more, bringing the total to six. This allows you to play the same weapon in entirely different ways: Guild Style: The classic, balanced moveset.
Striker Style: Simplified moveset focused on equipping three "Hunter Arts."
Aerial Style: Turns your evade into a vault, allowing every weapon to perform mounting attacks easily.
Adept Style: Rewards "inst-evades" and "inst-blocks" with powerful counter-attacks.
Brave (Valor) Style: A high-risk, high-reward style where you fill a gauge to unlock a "supercharged" state with new moves.
Alchemy Style: A supportive style that lets you shake a barrel to create items and buffs mid-hunt. Playing the Japanese Version (MHXX vs. MHGU) monster hunter xx double cross japancia top
For many players, the search for "MHXX Japan" stems from the fact that it was released significantly earlier than the Western localized version, Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (MHGU).
Can you play the Japanese version without knowing the language?
Yes! The Monster Hunter community is incredibly dedicated. If you are playing the Japanese import:
Visual Icons: Most items are color-coded (Green for herbs, Blue for pickaxes), making navigation intuitive for series veterans.
English Patches: For those on the 3DS, homebrew communities have developed comprehensive English translation patches.
Reference Apps: Use tools like Kiranico or the MHGU Database app; since the games are identical in content, you can look up the Japanese names for materials and quests easily. Essential Tips for New MHXX Hunters
If you're diving into the Japanese "Top" tier of hunting, keep these tips in mind:
Progressing to G-Rank: You must complete the high-rank hub quests to unlock the "G1" tier. This is where the real MHXX experience begins.
Transmog (Armor Fusion): MHXX introduced the ability to "fused" the stats of one armor set with the appearance of another. You can finally look stylish while keeping your optimized builds.
Palico Power: Don't ignore "Prowler Mode." In MHXX, Palicos received significant buffs, making them viable for even endgame G-Rank hunts. Conclusion
Monster Hunter XX (Double Cross) represents the end of an era—the final, most polished version of the "Old World" style. Its sheer volume of content, the depth of the Brave style, and the legendary monster roster keep it at the top of many players' "Best MH Game" lists even years later.
Conquering the Hunt: A Guide to Monster Hunter XX (Double Cross) For many fans, Monster Hunter XX Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate Monster Hunter XX (Double Cross): The Definitive Guide
in the West) remains the pinnacle of the "classic" Monster Hunter experience. Whether you’re importing the original Japanese version or looking to optimize your endgame in
, mastering the "Top" tier of gear and styles is essential for surviving G-Rank. The "Big Three" Armor Sets
In the Japanese meta, three specific armor sets dominate the endgame due to their versatility and sheer power: Neset Armor (Ahtal-Ka)
: Often cited as the best set in the game, this armor from the final boss features "Skill Point +2" and "Double Charm" skills. It is a "blank slate" that allows you to activate almost any combination of skills depending on your charms and decorations.
: A powerful "mixed set" combining parts from Savage Deviljho (Esurient XR) and Shogun Ceanataur (Ceanataur XR). It provides critical skills like Sharpness +2 Razor Sharp Weakness Exploit Critical Boost Black X Set : The definitive choice for Great Sword users. It provides
(Quick Sheath + Punishing Draw), making it the gold standard for "draw-charge" playstyles. Top Hunting Styles and Weapons
While every weapon is viable, certain combinations stand at the top of the clear-time charts: Valor Style (Brave Style)
: This style changed the game by allowing hunters to "sheathe-dodge" attacks and enter a powered-up state with new move sets. Valor Great Sword
: Widely considered one of the strongest combinations due to its fast charge times and mobility in Valor state. Valor Long Sword
: Features a powerful counter-attack that can negate almost any monster move if timed correctly. Valor Heavy Bowgun (HBG)
: Notorious for its "Siege Fire" capabilities, which allow for absurdly high damage output. Striker Style
: Preferred for weapons with powerful Hunter Arts, such as the Striker Switch Axe Striker Lance , allowing you to equip three arts at once. Tips for Importing the Japanese Version Hunter Arts & Styles (The Combat Revolution):
If you are playing the Japanese version on the Nintendo Switch, you don't need to be fluent to succeed: MHXX Best Armor Sets - Monster Hunter XX: Double Cross 21 Mar 2017 —
When Japanese players called MHXX "Japan Top," they meant it was the peak of the "old school" Monster Hunter formula before Monster Hunter: World changed everything.
Key "Top" Features (Not in previous MH games):
Hunter Arts & Styles (The Combat Revolution):
Massive Monster Roster (93 Large Monsters):
G-Rank (Master Rank): The expansion from MHX to MHXX added brutal G-rank quests, new Deviants, and hyper monsters.
Nintendo Switch Port: Released only in Japan on Aug 25, 2017. This was the first HD Monster Hunter on a hybrid console. Japanese players could play top-tier MH on TV or portable.
Today, veteran fans use "MHXX (Japan Top)" to refer to the definitive, uncut version of the game:
| Aspect | MHXX (Japan 3DS/Switch) | MHGU (Western Switch) | |--------|------------------------|------------------------| | Title | Double Cross | Generations Ultimate | | DLC | Full anime collabs (Okami, Zelda, Universal Studios) | Most removed due to licensing | | Event Quests | All original JP events | Some replaced/removed | | Save Data | Import from MHX (3DS) | Import only from MHGen (3DS) | | Language | Japanese only | English + other languages |
Final Verdict:
Monster Hunter XX earned its "Japan Top" title because it was the ultimate "old-school" hunting game—massive content, wild combat styles, and a beautiful HD Switch version—all locked behind a language and region barrier for over a year. For Japanese fans in 2017, it was the absolute peak of portable Monster Hunter. For the West, it was a painful wait that finally ended with MHGU.
While MHGU has it, the Japancia community mastered the .05-second counter window.
First, let's clear the air. Monster Hunter XX (Double Cross) is the direct Japanese successor to Monster Hunter X (Cross). In the West, Monster Hunter X was localized as Monster Hunter Generations. Consequently, Monster Hunter XX was localized as Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (MHGU).
However, the term "Japancia Top" refers to the pure, unaltered Japanese 3DS and Nintendo Switch version. Why do players seek this out over the localized MHGU? Two reasons: Update speed and exclusive events.
Don't sleep on the "Top" support build. In the Double Cross meta, Alchemy Style with a Power Phial Switch Axe creates SP (Stylish Perform) mode for the entire party infinitely.
