This is an old run from 2020 that I never got around posting. I was too speedrun brained at the time to think a no damage run like this would not be of value to anyone. But I recently tried this challenge again and realised that being consistent even with Insect Glaive takes a bit of work and that's worth acknowledging and maybe celebrating a little. It's not the fastest run, but it's something. I want to have this as a stamp of my own skill, so you could think of this upload as closure for myself.
Taking no damage should be easy to monitor with the Peak Performance skill equipped; Since it's only active whenever health is full, the game shows a notification on the right if health is reduced at all.
Insect Glaive is quite good for tackling a monster as agile as Arch-Tempered Velkhana. Fast running speed (white extract), low animation commitment and aerial vaults go a long way in enabling a consistent, reactionary playstyle for this fight. The aerial diving attack is fantastic for several attacks, so depending on Velkhana's behavior, you can get a LOT of mileage out of it when positioned well. Positioning is hardly a problem, as you can jump over ice beams or pre-emptively move away from immediate danger. It's a big help later on when ice shards start dropping more frequently.
All in all, I feel most comfortable and efficient with this weapon in Iceborne. The 15.01 update changes basically turned the dynamic of "Insect Glaive and Charge Blade" on it's head. Revisiting this video (and the fight on my own time), it really feels like riding on a bicycle. Maybe that's a feeling other avid World enjoyers can relate to.
The music was added back in the video editor, but it's the music you'd normally hear when playing Iceborne.
Played on PlayStation 4 Pro
Play date: October 24th, 2020
Twitter: x.com/Muggshotter