Explore Abilities are special abilities that every Monster has that can be used in the field rather than in combat. Each of these Explore Abilities can handle different obstacles, and some may even be a combination of two abilities. In New Game+, you cannot use an Explore Ability until you encounter a Monster that has it (the Monster must be an opposing Monster) or its egg is given by an NPC.
Below, you'll find a complete list of all of the obstacles in the game along with every ability that can handle it and which Monsters have it. For a list of all Explore Abilities, see Explore Ability List.
Some walls in the Monster Sanctuary can be destroyed using a Monster's Explore Ability. The Charging Mount ability allows you to destroy walls while riding the Monster.
Diamond blocks preventing you from proceeding forward can be destroyed using a Monster's Explore Ability. The Charging Mount ability allows you to destroy diamond blocks while riding the Monster.
Earth Orbs can be activated using a Monster's Explore Ability. The Slime Shot, Jewel Blast and Toxic Freeze abilities can activate Earth Orbs from a further distance.
Ice Orbs can be activated using a Monster's Explore Ability. The Snowball Toss, Shock Freeze and Toxic Freeze abilities can activate Ice Orbs from a further distance.
You can float out an extra distance to reach distant or higher platforms or ledges with a Monster's Explore Ability. The Improved Flying and Dual Mobility abilities lifts you higher and carries you farther. The Lofty Mount ability allows you to glide to reach faraway ledges.
Some Monsters allow you to ride them. While mounted, you run faster and jump slightly higher than normal. Mounts allow you to run through fragile floors. There are four upgraded versions of mounts:
Sonar Mount allows you to navigate through dark rooms easily.
Lofty Mount has increased speed and jump height compared to other mounts.
Charging Mount can be ridden to destroy breakable walls and diamond blocks.
Some Monsters allow you to mount them without being affected by tar. The Dual Mobility ability allows you to swim freely in tar, whereas the Tar Mount ability makes you move faster through tar.
Ground switches bounce back up when you step off of them. Some Explore Abilities create an object to keep them pressed. The Summon Big Rock ability is required to activate larger switches.
Dark rooms can be properly navigated with a Monster's Explore Ability. The Sonar Mount ability allows you ride the Monster while giving dark room vision.
Fire Orbs can be activated using a Monster's Explore Ability. The Fiery Shots ability can activate Fire Orbs from a further distance.
Water Orbs can be activated using a Monster's Explore Ability. The Corrosive Jabs ability can activate Water Orbs from a further distance.
Lightning Orbs can be activated using a Monster's Explore Ability. The Shock Freeze ability can activate Lightning Orbs from a further distance.
Earth Orbs can be activated using a Monster's Explore Ability. The Slime Shot, Jewel Blast and Toxic Freeze abilities can activate Earth Orbs from a further distance.
Ice Orbs can be activated using a Monster's Explore Ability. The Snowball Toss, Shock Freeze and Toxic Freeze abilities can activate Ice Orbs from a further distance.
