Monster Hunter World: A Complete Guide

Hey everyone, are you ready to dive headfirst into the amazing world of Monster Hunter World? This game is massive, filled with incredible monsters, stunning environments, and a ton of content to keep you busy for hours on end. This full game walkthrough will guide you through every step of your journey, from the first hunts to taking down the toughest beasts, so grab your weapon, sharpen your skills, and let's get started!

Getting Started: Character Creation and Early Game

Character Creation

So, before you can start hunting, you need to create your hunter! Monster Hunter World lets you customize your character's appearance, gender, and voice. Don't stress too much about the perfect look at this stage because you can always change it later. But remember, your hunter is who you'll be spending a lot of time with, so take your time and make sure you're happy with your choices!

The next step is choosing your weapon! Now, this is a big decision, as each weapon type has a unique playstyle. Do you want to be a nimble blademaster with dual blades, or a heavy-hitting hammer user? Or how about a ranged weapon user with a bow? Don't worry, you can always try out different weapons later, but I recommend checking out each weapon type in the training area before committing. This will give you a feel for their movesets and how they function. Also, consider the weapon's strengths and weaknesses as well as its overall purpose. Some weapons are better for certain monsters and some are better for taking down large groups of smaller enemies.

Once you have created your hunter, you'll be thrown into the game's story. This will take you through the basics of Monster Hunter World, including how to move around, gather resources, and most importantly, hunt monsters. So take your time and get comfortable with the controls, because you're in for a wild ride.

Early Game Progression

Your journey begins in the Ancient Forest, a lush, vibrant area teeming with life. Your first quests will involve hunting small monsters like Jagras and Kulu-Ya-Ku, which will teach you the basics of combat and resource gathering. Pay close attention to the tutorials, especially the ones about tracking monsters. You'll learn to follow their footprints, scout flies, and other clues to find them. This is a super important skill for later on!

As you complete quests, you'll gain Hunter Rank (HR) points, which unlocks new quests and features. Make sure you talk to the NPCs in Astera, the main hub, as they often have valuable information and quests for you. Also, be sure to utilize the resource center, where you can manage your items, equipment, and research points. This will be key to managing your inventory and crafting new weapons and armor. These early hunts are crucial to getting you ready for tougher challenges. Be sure to gather materials, craft new armor, and upgrade your weapons as you progress. Don't rush through these early stages, as they will help you learn the fundamentals that are essential in the later stages of the game.

Mastering the Hunt: Combat, Weapons, and Armor

Combat Fundamentals

Now, let's talk about the heart of Monster Hunter World: combat! The gameplay is action-oriented, and the core of it is timing, positioning, and knowing your weapon's moveset. Each weapon has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these will be key to taking down the tougher monsters. Learn to dodge attacks, use items strategically, and exploit monster weaknesses. Each monster has different elemental weaknesses, so using the right weapon can make all the difference. Combat isn't all about button mashing. Pay attention to the monsters' movements, anticipate their attacks, and learn their patterns. Study their tells so that you can capitalize on the openings they provide.

Mastering the use of items is also essential. Items such as potions, traps, and flash pods can turn the tide of battle. And don't forget to eat before a hunt! Eating at the canteen in Astera will give you buffs that can significantly improve your performance. You'll also want to familiarize yourself with the terrain. Use the environment to your advantage, such as trapping monsters in areas and using the environment for cover. Also, learn how to use the Slinger, a tool that lets you fire slinger ammo at monsters, stun them, and more. Being able to use your items and your environment will make you a formidable hunter.

Weapon Types and Their Strengths

As mentioned earlier, there are 14 different weapon types in Monster Hunter World, each with its own unique playstyle. Let's take a quick look at some of the popular ones:

• Great Sword: This is the most iconic weapon and is known for its massive damage output. It's a slow weapon, but it can deal devastating blows with the right timing.
• Sword and Shield: A versatile weapon that can attack and use items quickly. It's great for beginners and provides good mobility.
• Dual Blades: This weapon allows for fast-paced attacks and is great at applying status effects. It's ideal for those who prefer to be up close and personal.
• Hammer: This weapon is used for blunt damage and is effective at stunning monsters. The hammer's simplicity makes it fun for players to pick up.
• Long Sword: This weapon uses a spirit gauge to power up attacks. It's good for dealing continuous damage and can counter attacks.
• Hunting Horn: A support weapon that buffs the party with music. It deals decent damage, and the buffs it provides can be very helpful in multiplayer.

Each weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses. Try them all out to find what fits your playstyle best. Also, be sure to check the weapons' movesets, as well as how to optimize and use them.

Armor Skills and Sets

Armor isn't just about looking cool; it also provides you with skills that can significantly enhance your hunting capabilities. Each piece of armor has skills, and when you equip multiple pieces, you can activate set bonuses that offer even greater advantages. Armor skills can boost your attack power, defense, elemental resistance, and more. Some armor sets are designed to complement certain weapons. Experiment with different armor sets and skills to find what works best for your playstyle and the monsters you're hunting.

Also, keep an eye out for armor sets that offer skills that can make hunting certain monsters easier. And remember, upgrading your armor is essential. Upgrade your armor to improve its defense and the effectiveness of your skills. Armor spheres can be obtained through quests and by breaking monster parts. So, breaking monster parts not only gives you crafting materials, but also armor spheres.

Hunting Monsters: Strategies and Tactics

Monster Behaviors and Weaknesses

Okay, let's dive into the core of Monster Hunter World – hunting monsters! Every monster has unique behaviors, attack patterns, and weaknesses. The best hunters learn to understand these nuances. Before engaging in a hunt, research the monster you're about to face. Learn its elemental weaknesses, the parts you can break, and any status ailments it's susceptible to. Knowing the monster's attack patterns is crucial for dodging and finding openings for your attacks. Pay attention to how the monster moves, how it winds up for attacks, and its tells. This helps you to predict its next move.

Take advantage of the environment. Monsters can be lured into traps, and you can use environmental hazards like cliffs and other obstacles to your advantage. Try to break the monster's parts, as this will not only provide you with crafting materials but can also weaken the monster. For example, breaking a monster's tail can prevent it from using certain attacks. Understanding monster behaviors and weaknesses is crucial for survival. Use all the tools at your disposal, and you'll become a much better hunter!

Tracking and Finding Monsters

Tracking monsters is a skill you'll develop as you play. Use your scout flies to track footprints, claw marks, and other clues that will lead you to the monster's location. The scout flies will guide you to the monster, so follow their path. As you gather more clues, your scout flies will become more effective at tracking the monster. Also, remember to utilize the map to see where you are and where the monster is located. Also, learn to use the map's features, such as the ability to fast travel to different camps, so that you can prepare for your hunt. Use the environment to your advantage. Once you have located the monster, it's time to start the hunt!

Multiplayer Hunting

Monster Hunter World is even more fun with friends! You can team up with up to three other hunters to take on quests. Coordinating your attacks and supporting each other can make the toughest hunts easier. You can use the SOS flare to call for help from other players. This can be super helpful when you are struggling with a difficult monster. The multiplayer scaling is pretty fair. The monsters will get more health when more hunters are present. Just make sure to communicate with your teammates. You can also form squads with other players, to hunt and help each other. Coordinate your strategies and support each other during hunts. Multiplayer is a great way to meet new people and experience the game in a new way!

Endgame Content and Beyond

High Rank and Master Rank

Once you reach the end of the main story, you'll unlock High Rank quests, which offer more challenging monsters and better rewards. As you progress, you'll eventually reach Master Rank, which introduces even more difficult hunts and powerful gear. This is where the real endgame content begins. The hunts get tougher, the rewards get better, and you'll need to master the game's mechanics to survive. High Rank and Master Rank also bring with them new monsters, new armor sets, and new weapon upgrades. Keep honing your skills and experimenting with different weapons and armor sets. You'll need to constantly improve your skills and gear to tackle the challenges ahead.

Farming and Crafting

Farming materials and crafting new weapons and armor are essential parts of the endgame. You'll need to replay quests, hunt specific monsters, and gather rare materials to create the best gear. It's a grind, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Experiment with different weapon and armor combinations to optimize your build. Try out different weapon types and armor sets to find what works best. Always be on the lookout for better gear.

Event Quests and Updates

Monster Hunter World is constantly being updated with new event quests, challenges, and content. Make sure to check the in-game event calendar regularly, as these events often offer unique rewards and fun challenges. Keep an eye out for updates and patches, as they often introduce new features, content, and bug fixes. The developers are always working to improve and expand the game, so there is always something new to look forward to.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Resource Management

Make sure that you're always well-stocked with the items you need for a hunt. This means bringing potions, traps, flash pods, and other consumables. You can buy these items from the provision store or craft them yourself. Also, don't forget to eat before every hunt. The meal at the canteen will give you buffs that can significantly improve your performance. Try to keep your inventory organized and make sure you know where all your items are located. The better prepared you are for a hunt, the better your chances of success.

Learning Monster Patterns

Understanding monster patterns is key to survival. Study the monsters' movements, learn their attack patterns, and anticipate their next moves. Pay attention to their tells, which can help you predict their attacks. Use the environment to your advantage, such as trapping monsters and using environmental hazards. Also, watch videos and guides online to learn more about the monsters you're facing. This can give you an edge in combat. The more you know about a monster, the better your chances of taking it down.

Optimizing Builds

As you progress, you'll want to optimize your builds for maximum effectiveness. This means choosing the right weapons, armor, skills, and decorations for the monsters you're hunting. Experiment with different builds and find what works best for your playstyle. Consider the elemental weaknesses of the monsters you're hunting. Use weapons that deal elemental damage to exploit those weaknesses. Look at guides and online resources for advice on creating effective builds. Always try to stay up to date with the latest strategies and meta builds.

Conclusion: Your Journey Continues

Alright, hunters, that wraps up this comprehensive Monster Hunter World walkthrough! From character creation to facing the toughest monsters, you now have the tools and knowledge to embark on an epic adventure. Remember to have fun, experiment with different weapons and armor, and never give up. The world of Monster Hunter World is vast and challenging, so enjoy the journey, learn from your mistakes, and keep hunting! Happy hunting, and I hope to see you online!