Player Palico
The Player Palico is a Felyne companion in the Monster Hunter video game series that enters into a contract with a Hunter to assist them during hunts. Serving primarily as a supportive partner during solo quests, this customizable beastman draws monster attention and provides various forms of assistance, making it a staple presence throughout the franchise.
Overview
The Player Palico is a Felyne companion in the Monster Hunter video game series that enters into a contract with a Hunter to assist them during hunts. Serving primarily as a supportive partner during solo quests, this customizable beastman draws monster attention and provides various forms of assistance, making it a staple presence throughout the franchise.
Appearance
In titles offering physical customization, players can select the Palico's coat pattern, fur color, eye shape, ear shape, and tail form. Their gear consists of head and body armor pieces based on monster and environmental materials—such as the Acorn, Mafumofu, Rathalos, Yukumo, Brave, and Kecha series—paired with small weapons that deliver either slashing or striking attacks.
Personality
Palicoes are fiercely loyal and dedicated to their Hunter, providing brave support even against giant monsters. While traditionally known for interjecting cat sounds into their speech, certain depictions feature them speaking fluent human language using modest self-referential pronouns while demonstrating an exceptionally hardworking and serious demeanor.
Abilities
During hunts, Palicoes engage in combat with weapons or boomerangs, act as decoys to draw monster aggression, and gather items. Their support repertoire includes healing via Vigorwasps, buffing with horns, setting traps, plundering monster materials, and operating mounted heavy weaponry. They can also perform combined moves such as the Felyne Purr-meowter with fellow companions, ally with local wild beastmen, and in select titles, take the field directly as playable Prowlers.
Background
Palicoes enter the service of Hunters through recruitment agents like Nekobaa, Neko Jō, or Iori, or via direct scouting in the field. Depending on the setting, they undergo training and management at facilities like Pokapoka Island or Otomo Plaza. While fundamentally functioning as supportive field partners, they are also integrated into story narratives as key character figures in certain titles.
Relationships
The Palico forms a close bond with its contracted Hunter, whom it assists in all operations. They work together with fellow Palicoes and maintain professional ties with recruiters such as Nekobaa, Neko Jō, and Iori. Additionally, they build friendly relations with local wild tribes like the Grimalkynes, Gajalaka, and Boaboa, while earning praise from veteran companions like Atos.
Trivia
In Monster Hunter Generations, players could directly control a Palico in a unique game mode known as Prowler mode. Across various entries, Palicoes have received themed crossover equipment inspired by popular characters such as Detective Conan, Solid Snake from Metal Gear Solid, and Mario and Luigi from the Super Mario series.
