User blog comment:BannedLagiacrus/Monster Appreciation Week: Arch-Tempered Monsters/@comment-26421638-20190901164037

Not a big fan of Arch-Tempered Monsters, they were just a filler and an answer for people who claimed that World was too easy. Luckily they aren't as bad as Hyper monsters or Apex Monsters because some AT were interesting. Now let's talk about them one by one

AT Kirin: Our first Arch-Tempered and is simply average, if you like Kirin, you may like its AT counterpart, if you don't like normal (or Tempered)... Well, you know the rest. My performances against AT Kirin were completely random, ranging from 2 carts in a quest into a no-heal run, right now I can't really tell if AT Kirin have some differences, more lightnings? Bigger lightnings? I can't remember. Could have a better armor, even if some pieces were useful for some gunners

AT Vaal: One of my most hated AT monsters. In terms of changes Vaal starts in a different area (with effluvium), does a bigger and better aimed effluvium beam, has a different resting place and behavior... And Effluvium gas turns into a destructive HP drainer. In terms of chip damage caused by Effluvium is probably the closest thing that we have with Ancient Leshen, this combined with Rotten Vale Effluvium turns this battle into a complete mess. Luckily when Vaal leaves those areas, DPS caused by Effluvium is more "tollerable". Beginning is the worst part of this battle and I've never been able to solo this monster without carting at least once during the first five minutes. Drake not approves. Interesting Armor at least, especially if you look for Dragon Element buffs or if you're simply a fan of life regen.

AT Daora: Daora was already terrible and we got this questionable AT monster. Flashpods doesn't work properly in mid-air however I don't use Flashpods/bombs unless if obligatory (hello Ancient Leshen) and beside this doesn't have other changes beside HP and Attack boost. Bad AT monster, but not the worst. Equipment may be interesting if you're looking for Ice attack buff or evasive skills.

AT Teostra: One of my favorite ATs. This is one of the few monsters in MHW who is challenging without having crappy forced mechanics or bad behavior/AI. is considerably more aggressive, smarter and have two new attacks. Drake approves despite his mane covered with butter. Equipment-wise was your plan B in case if you don't want/like Drachen set for any reason.

AT Zorah: I like the idea of a more aggressive Zorah and you've to repel Nergigante for real this time, but soloing is limited for a few specific builds and is extremely lucky based (if Zorah spams too often its ultimate, you may not have enough time to block it, if you're alone). Not approved but at least they tried to put some effort. Its Armor is great for Blasto'holics or for people who like to prevent roars/tremors/wind pressure.

AT Kulve: Probably the AT who had the smallest buff in terms of HP and Damage. Fury mode twists things up but wasn't really necessary. Still remains bad. Not a big fan of her armor and her relics, while being amazing, are extremely lucky based to get event if AT have way better drop rates than normal Kulve in proportion. Drake doesn't like ATKT

AT Lunastra: The most difficult AT IMO, not even AT Nergi with its insane buffs can withstand AT Luna. Blue flames destroys your HP and she tends to perform "Hypernova" more often (Twice as faster, and twice HP = roughly x4 more Hypernovas in a fight). Tried both with LS and IG. With LS i solo her in 30 mins carting twice (ugh), with IG 35 minutes carting 0~1 times. Terrible AT in my book. Her Armor is probably the worst AT armor since is extremely oriented for support, maybe useful against Behemoth or Ancient Leshen.

AT Xeno'Jiiva: One of my favorite AT along with AT Teostra. Starts with 2nd phase and gained a lot of stuff between new or buffed attacks. This fight feels so different that is capable to surpass even some Subspecies or Variants! I kinda wished that regular Xeno was something like this (without counting Attack and Health buff for sure lol), the only negative side about AT Xeno is perhaps tremor&lava combo, making IG a gamechanger or alternatively use something to prevent most of these issues. Horray for AT Xeno and some parts for its armor are part of meta for some gunners.

AT Nergi: One of the most difficult AT monsters and a badass theme for the final challenge of MHW. AT Nergi have an insane health boost, attack boost and is no longer a glass cannon. But all of this changes cannot complete with its new deadly move, the so called "Pepega Slam". This attack overshadows every other move of AT Nergi, if you can deal with this attack, you'll be victorious but if you cannot anticipate this instantaneous deadly move, you won't get a good ending. Took 15 tries (both online and offline) in order to anticipate this move and turning a 45 minutes of agony into 25 minutes of battle ended with a triumph! Despite everything i kinda like AT Nergi, event if Pepega Slam is completely unfair. AT Nergi armor is my current armor, is really good even if barely touched MHW metagame.